Guide to Purchasing Criminal Background Checks

A criminal background check may sound like a complicated affair but it is actually quite simple: it consists of nothing more than consolidation of records from public and private sources. The consolidation is done by a combination of human specialists and automated processes. Background check services have perfected this process and it is now possible to get a full criminal background check very quickly. Some information may be available instantly, other items may take a few days. But the time has been considerably reduced due to recent technological advances. If there is some situation in your life which might be resolved by an online background check, read on for some tips on how to find the best cheap background check.


The first step is to assess your needs and consider what information you require from the background check service. Some online background checks specialize in specific areas. For example, a businessman investigating a suspicious associate might choose a background check that focuses on financial dealings. A landlord would want a background check service which includes some credit history, but residence history as well, so that he or she may inquire about the previous tenant's suitability. Parents evaluating babysitter candidates will require a service which focuses on criminal history and sex offender status. Whatever your needs may be, there is a background check service that can deliver the information with great expediency.

However, check the public records for the required information before you purchase from a background check service. You may be able to save yourself a great deal of money by doing this. Recent criminal convictions as well as basic information such as address and a brief physical description can generally be obtained for free from the public records. However, if that information is not sufficient for your purposes, it's time to purchase a criminal background check.



The price can vary greatly; a background check exists to fit any budget. Cheap background checks are available which provide the most preliminary information for those on a budget. The quality of information is still well above what you can find on the public records. For those with a little more money at their disposal, many mid-range options exist. These will supply you with a very detailed report containing much more information than the previously mentioned cheap background check. If you have a large budget at the ready, some very high-end options exist for your criminal background check needs. These reports can deliver almost every detail of a person's life, and are comparable to a private investigator service.


It doesn't matter what your specific needs are; the online background check industry is ready to provide whatever information you need at a reasonable price.