How to Verify a Person's History of Fraud and Crimes in the U.S.

Determining if a person has a history of fraud scams or other crimes in the U.S. can be crucial, especially in professional and personal contexts. This comprehensive guide outlines various methods and tools you can use to conduct an accurate background check.

Public Records and Background Checks

Public records and background checks are the foundational tools for investigating a person's past. Here’s how you can start:

Online Public Records Databases

Many states and local governments offer online databases where you can search for criminal records, including court cases and arrest records. These databases can provide valuable information:

State Department of Corrections Websites Local County Court Websites National Sex Offender Registry (NSOPW) Regional online databases for specific states, such as California Courts Case Search, New York State Unified Court System’s E-Courts, and Texas Judicial Branch Case Search.

Note: Access to detailed records may require a fee and registration.

Professional Background Check Services

For a more comprehensive report, consider using professional background check services:

BeenVerified: Aggregates and provides public records, including criminal background, court records, and more. LexisNexis: Offers a broad range of background checking services with detailed reports, including criminal history. Intelius: Provides comprehensive background checks with the ability to track rental history, employment history, and more.

Court Records

Reviewing court records is another critical step in the background check process. Various government systems allow for this:

PACER Public Access to Court Electronic Records

PACER, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records, allows you to access federal court case records, including criminal cases, bankruptcy filings, and civil court cases. You will need to register for an account and pay a small fee for detailed records:

Visit PACER to register and begin your search.

State-Specific Court Systems

Each state has its own system for accessing court records. Some states offer free online search tools, while others may require a fee. Here are a few examples:

California: California Courts Case Search New York: New York State Unified Court System’s E-Courts Texas: Texas Judicial Branch Case Search

Online Search Tools and Social Media

The internet and social media offer additional avenues for verifying a person's history:

Search Engines

Perform a thorough search using the person's name and terms like ‘fraud history,’ ‘scam charges,’ etc.:

Google Search: Google Bing: Bing

Social Media and Professional Networks

Check social media profiles for any red flags or mentions of legal issues. Professional networks can also provide insights:

LinkedIn: Look for endorsements, work history, and references. Facebook: Review the person's public profile for any related activities. Twitter: Monitor tweets for any mentions or statements that could be indicative of past criminal or fraudulent activities.

Regulatory and Professional Licensing Boards

For specific professions, it’s essential to check regulatory and licensing boards:

Financial and Professional Regulatory Authorities

FINRA BrokerCheck: Verify the background of financial professionals by checking licensing status, employment history, and any regulatory actions. State Bar Associations: Check discipline records for attorneys. Medical Boards: Use state medical board websites to check disciplinary actions or malpractice claims.

Hiring a Private Investigator

A private investigator can provide detailed and thorough background information when public records are insufficient:

Licensed Investigators: These professionals can conduct thorough, legally compliant investigations.

Consumer Protection Agencies and Fraud Databases

Consumer protection agencies and fraud databases can offer crucial information:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC allows consumers to file complaints about fraud and scams. You can request information related to an individual:

FTC

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The BBB provides information on businesses and individuals with consumer complaints. This can help identify patterns of fraudulent behavior:

BBB

By utilizing these tools and methods, you can conduct a thorough and accurate background check on a person's history of fraud and crimes in the U.S.