Can I Look Up Someone’s Criminal Record?

Criminal histories have a long history themselves. The process of storing information in a “rap sheet” started way back in the 1850s. Since then, it has evolved from simple notes regarding an individual’s charges and physical appearance to trusted computerized identification with fingerprints.

Nowadays, anyone can look up someone’s personal information online for protective measures, including yourself. There’s a number of reasons why people would like to review someone’s records, so read on to learn why you should give it a try and how exactly to go about it.

Why would someone look up a criminal record?

We often incorrectly believe that we know exactly who we’re dealing with. This is especially relevant when it comes to people who don’t realize they’re victims of an abusive relationship. Even those who are part of your daily life (family, friends, relatives, etc.) could have something to hide, so you need to be careful, as warning signals might go unnoticed.

In order to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, running a quick background check could be a smart decision. With this method, you can nip problematic relationships in the bud before they become more serious issues, and you can be sure there’s no one potentially dangerous living near you.

What does it let me check?

Thanks to online background check services and public records websites, you can not only search for people’s arrest records, but also phone numbers, e-mail and physical addresses, unclaimed money, and much more.

With such powerful tools available online, you can improve your safety when you’re planning to move to a new neighborhood or transfer your children to a different school. Sex offenders could be living just feet away from your kids’ school, but you can use these services to alleviate any concerns. Simply use your chosen zip code and check for any registered sex offenders or criminals in your area.

In addition, you can finally recognize those pesky unknown callers. Whenever this happens, you might be tempted to call them back, and rightfully so — someone you know could be using a different phone, or it could be an emergency. However, it could also be a spam call, and you should never return spam calls.

Search for the mysterious phone number instead, and gather essential info about the caller: their name, address, and (if applicable) criminal history.

How do I know if it’s accurate?

It’s only natural for internet users to question the reliability of sites, considering the flood of fake news all over the web, and well-written yet inaccurate points posing as factual information. You should look for websites with great reviews, which can be invaluable tools for identifying fraudulent or inaccurate websites.

A credible resource should have their data updated in real time and gather evidence from a great number of public records. If maximum safety is what you’re trying to achieve, start by selecting a background checking service and looking up websites that you suspect might have false information.

When looking up a person’s background on the internet, just remember this: the information you find is sensitive. It’s essential to thoroughly go over the terms and conditions of service before taking action. The right resource could fall into wrong hands, and people could mercilessly use someone’s history against them if they aren’t careful.

This is about yours and others’ welfare, so you should be a responsible user to guarantee the utmost protection you can have.