6 BEST Background Investigation Companies (2024)
Katherine Young
Have you ever wished to verify the background of your partner with whom you have been romantically linked for a year or so? What about that new service boy you wish to appoint for your business? Does he have a clean background, or is there something suspicious that lies in the past? Therefore, a reliable background investigation company will ensure the accuracy of the information in checking the background details of a person.
If you fall into the hands of a wrong background investigation company, you may end up in trouble. Such companies may need to properly verify the legitimacy of the information obtained, thus leading to misconceptions and falsifying information. From my experience working with several background investigation companies, I suggest some reliable options to address your requirements. Read more…
Background Investigation companies are important in identifying the truth behind those innocent expressions. You can perform different background checks per your requirements using background investigation tools like Intelius and Spokeo. However, it is necessary to focus on the accuracy and thoroughness of the reports rather than only focusing on the fast response time. The introduction of AI and ML in background investigation speeds up the process without affecting the accuracy.
Best Background Investigation Companies
Here is a list of Best Background Verification Companies, I have compiled:
| Tool name | Reports include | Free Trial | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelius | Criminal and traffic records, employment history, education history, possible relatives, contact information, social media profiles, bankruptcy report | 5-day trial at $0.95 for unlimited reports | Learn More |
| Spokeo | Criminal records, education verification, employment verification, professional reference checks, and professional license checks. | One-time Detailed Search Report for $0.95 | Learn More |
| Social Catfish | Emails, Usernames, Online connection, Social profile, Full address history, etc. | 3-Day Trial at $5.73 | Learn More |
| Checkr | Criminal background, drug testing, trust and safety screenings, MVR Checks | No | Learn More |
| Peopletrail | SSN verification checks, Education verifications, Employment verifications, Personal reference verifications, Professional reference verifications, Professional license checks, and federal criminal records. | No | Learn More |
Here, I will review them in detail:
1) Intelius
Intelius is a background investigation tool that uses publicly available resources to conduct background checks on people. It can reveal background information about work status, education, divorce settlements, offenses, etc. Intelius accesses thousands of publicly available sources to verify the accuracy of the data collected.
I can recollect using this tool to learn more about the guy my daughter was dating a few years ago. Intelius produced a detailed report that revealed drug offenses against that guy. After verifying these details from my daughter, I found that the Intelius background check report was pretty accurate. Intelius saved my daughter from falling into the hands of a drug addict.
Features:
- Court/crime history: The Intelius background investigation strongly focuses on the targeted person’s criminal history. It searches different archives and federal law records to learn about any court cases or crime scenarios the person was directly or indirectly associated with.
- Relationship records: Intelius smartly investigates marriage details and divorce records (if any) when investigating someone’s background. The tool can also determine whether the targeted person has been accused of felonies or other crimes. It also thoroughly checks the dating profiles to verify their authenticity.
- Social network connections: Intelius could extract information about someone’s connection to social networking sites. Although it cannot dig through the private chat interface, Intelius can provide links to every social network site to which the target person is connected.
- Education background: This tool produces detailed info on someone’s educational background and the highest degree achieved. I once used it to verify my educational details and test their accuracy, and to my surprise, Intelius accurately displayed a Master’s degree as my educational qualification.
- Bankruptcy and debt check: Intelius looks at official bank records and other state archival files to detect past or present bankruptcy scenarios against the targeted person. It can also search for a person’s debt repayment status.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
Here are the updated pricing plans from Intelius:
| Reverse Phone Lookup + People Search | People Search | Address Lookup + People Search |
|---|---|---|
| $35.3/m | $25.11/m bimonthly scheme | $34.95/m |
| $0.95 for 5 days trial | $25.11/m monthly scheme | $0.95 for 7 days trial |
Special Offer: Pay only $1.99 to access ‘unlimited reports’ for 5 days.
5-Day Trial at $0.95
2) Spokeo
Spokeo is next on my list of top background investigation companies that use advanced search techniques to reveal a person’s family history, past addresses, education, criminal background, and marriage records.
Spokeo has a simple user interface that makes it easy for users to access and generate reports. Although the vast number of results it generates for a given identity may need clarification.
Features:
- Personal details: Spokeo can reveal a person’s details within minutes. The report shows birth information, education, hobbies and interests, marital status, family and relatives, etc.
- Wealth info: It can reveal the targeted person’s bank balance and other information. Spokeo can also learn about the target’s investments, properties owned, salary details, lifestyle, etc.
- Social media: Spokeo checks different social media sites and dating portals to verify the person’s authenticity. It cross-verifies usernames from music and gaming accounts to determine possible aliases for the same person.
- Criminal offenses: Spokeo searches a person’s past to identify any acts of crime. It has access to over 600 million data points from reliable sources to verify legal cases, felonies, DUIs, misdemeanors, sexual offenses, or similar charges associated with the targeted person.
- Location history: The tool details the target’s present location and extracts information about their past addresses, neighborhoods, and residents. I used Spokeo to locate my distant relative, who used to live in Nevada. Spokeo was accurate in displaying her past and present address details.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
Here are the subscription and pricing plans for Spokeo:
| Monthly Membership | One-time Detailed Search Report (does not require Subscription) | 7-Day Trial Offer |
|---|---|---|
| $29.95/m | $0.95 | $0.95 |
7-Day Trial at $0.95
3) Social Catfish
Social Catfish is a tool that allows you to investigate people’s backgrounds. It reveals a person’s email, location address, phone number, and social media links.
As an HR professional, I have used this tool for identify a profile from a popular dating app, and it was nearly perfect in detecting fake profiles. The report also social profile, full address, criminal acts, online connection, etc. To learn more, read our Social Catfish review.
Features:
- Search for address/location: Social Catfish searches for all the addresses linked to the targeted person. The report displays the location and neighborhood details that may be connected to the address.
- Fake profile identification: It helps you find out if your photos are being uploaded elsewhere without your consent. This image recognition tool helped me locate fake profiles on Tinder, Hinge, eHarmony, POF, and more.
- Phone Search: You can use this tool to find the owner of an unknown number. The cell phone tracker can reveal the identity of an unknown caller using reverse phone search procedure. It can reveal the name of the person, carrier details, and their present location. The tool can also uncover their social profiles, emails, legal issues, VoIP details, and more.
- Crime history: It delves deeper into the targeted person’s past to search for criminal history. It offers reports on DUIs, sex offenses, traffic violations, arrests, and other types of court records.
- Investigating usernames: Social Catfish can use the reverse username search to extract details of a person. It searches from different social networks and dating sites to find different usernames linked to the same person.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
I have provided the different subscription options for Social Catfish:
| Plan | Social Search | Image Search |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Days Trial Price | $5.73 | $6.87 |
| Post Trial Price | $27.48 monthly | $28.97 monthly |
3-Day Trial for $5.73
4) Checkr
Checkr is a background investigation company founded in 2014. Human resource professionals mostly use Checkr to verify a candidate’s identity. This tool can reveal a candidate’s educational qualifications, past work experience, court records, and substance abuse.
Checkr collects the candidates’ PII (Personally Identifiable Information) and performs the screening procedure accordingly. Checkr displays the reports on the dashboard for the user to review. AI speeds up the Checkr background screening process, with 97% of customers showing satisfaction with the turnaround time.
Features:
- Employment verification: Checkr carries out different employment verification procedures to make it easy for employers to conduct background checks on candidates. It verifies the candidates’ work history to speed up the screening process.
- Criminal background check: It checks over 90 million public records to see whether the candidate has a criminal background. It searches registries from all the states within the U.S. and the Union Territories to identify sex offenders, criminal history, and federal misdemeanor convictions.
- Drug testing: Checkr offers an in-depth drug testing service to prevent substance abuse and promote a healthy work environment. It offers multi-panel drug screenings, including urine, blood, breath, and hair tests.
- International background check: I was able to run a background check for my remote enterprise from a single platform. Checkr can smartly conduct background checks in 200+ countries and easily manage the complexities of ever-evolving local regulations.
- Education verification: Using Checkr, I cross-checked the educational background of the candidates shortlisted for my organization. It smoothly bypassed the different educational heights achieved by the candidates to provide a detailed report on their educational background.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
The starting pricing plans are listed in the table below:
| Basic + | Essential | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| $29.99/check | $54.99/check | $79.99/check |
Link: https://checkr.com/
5) Peopletrail
Peopletrail is a background investigation tool for verifying candidates’ authenticity. It carries out reference checks, criminal background checks, educational qualifications verification, and more.
The tool undergoes an in-depth screening process to double-check inaccuracies and verify the sources while following legal compliances. Peopletrail maintains a 99.5% client retention rate by offering a client-centric approach to the background screening process.
Features:
- Fingerprint checks: Peopletrail performs fingerprint scans that are processed within 24 hours. It offers fingerprint check services exclusively in the financial sector and mail-in fingerprint cards for on-site needs.
- Criminal background check: Using this tool, I verified the background of my employees to check any criminal or court records associated with them. It extracted a case of sexual abuse against one of our employees that took place 6 years ago.
- DOT background screening: The tool carries out DOT background screening for all employees, including a driving history check, FMCSA alcohol and drug test, and DOT employment verification.
- Financial background checks: Peopletrail conducts financial background checks to prevent fraud within the organization. It offers integrated solutions that perfectly adhere to your organization’s present workflow.
- Social media investigations: Peopletrail conducts in-depth social media investigations to get the inside story of a character. It monitors the comments, posts, and shares made by the person on social media to get a clearer view of a person’s character traits.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
Here are some of the plans and their pricing:
| Plan Name | Plan inclusions | Plan pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Includes: National Criminal Search (Without Adjudication / Unverified) | $19.95 |
| Silver | Everything in Bronze Plan + Consumer Credit Report, FBI Most Wanted, National Sex Offender Registry | $29.95 |
| Gold | Everything in Silver Plan + 7-Year County Criminal Search, OIG Health & Human Services Exclusions | $59.95 |
Link: https://peopletrail.com/
6) FadV
FadV is a background investigation company that conducts pre-employment background checks for contractors and employees. It provides detailed background screening solutions with in-depth data analysis.
FadV background screening solutions create a safer work environment by preventing identity fraud. They can also detect fingerprint scans, drug and substance abuse, and alcohol addiction.
Features:
- Background checks: With pre-employment background checks, FadV can easily identify a candidate’s necessary skills and educational qualifications. As an HR executive, I have used it to perform a thorough C-level pre-employment screening for a transparent hiring process.
- Fingerprint checks: FadV uses the most advanced electronic fingerprint scanning technologies to perform fingerprint checks. It complies with industry regulations to reduce risk and simplify the scanning process.
- Identity fraud checks: Using AI and ML, FadV works towards identifying potential fraud applicants. First Advantage uses RightD, a multi-layered, dynamic solution to identify and secure the work environment against fraudulent individuals.
- Criminal records monitoring: This facility helps FadV conduct criminal background checks for existing or new employees. It searches from over 400 million court records to extract data and verify the records.
- Investigative due diligence: FadV also performs pre-investment due diligence checks on fund managers in private equity, real estate, hedge funds, venture capital, etc. It helped me investigate existing employees with threat factors like access to intellectual properties and capital.
Pros
Cons
Pricing:
Please get in touch with the sales department to get the quotes on pricing.
Link: https://fadv.com/
Why do you need Background Investigation Companies?
There are various reasons why we need the services of background investigation companies. These companies access trusted sources to learn about someone’s work experience, criminal records, education information, social network connections, etc.
Here are some of the reasons why we need the service of background investigation companies:
- To conduct a pre-employment check of candidates
- To verify the accuracy of information provided by someone
- To shed more light on your dating partner’s past
- To verify the genuineness of someone claiming to be a long-distant relative
- To trace any criminal history of the targeted person.
Speaking of my experience with these background checker tools, they have mostly provided me with detailed and mostly-accurate reports. The reports provided me with information on employment history, marriage/divorce records, regulatory and media history, personal and professional info, DUI records, and more.
Types of Background Checks for Different Industries
There are different types of background checks conducted by different industries:
- Identity verification: It is carried out to prevent identity theft and verifies the name, address, SSN, date of birth and present work status.
- Criminal background checks: This check verifies any criminal activities linked to the person like fraud, felonies, sex offenses, murders, terrorism activities, etc.
- Drug screening: The drug screening process involves hair testing, breath checks, and urine tests. This type of screening process is carried out to check whether a person is addicted to narcotics and harmful substances.
- Professional license and certification check: It is conducted to ensure that a person has the necessary educational certificates and professional licenses for a job to apply for.
- Pre-employment background screening: This type of background screening procedure is carried out to create a safe working environment. It includes professional and personal background checks, resume verification, SSN verification, criminal records, medical tests, and more.
Evaluating the Accuracy and Detail in Background Reports
The accuracy and detail of background reports are crucial for making informed decisions. Background investigation companies have access to public records and declassified files. Under special permission, these companies can even access CNAM National Caller ID databases.
Background reports may still need to improve reliability due to the prevalence of inaccurate data or spoofed numbers. Additionally, the amount of data updated on public sources may only be accurate sometimes, leading to inaccurate report generation. Henceforth, it is necessary to cross-check the information provided to determine its authenticity.
Speed Versus Thoroughness: Striking the Right Balance
The performance of a background investigation company depends on two significant factors: speed and thoroughness. Quick turnaround time makes it easier for corporate houses to judge the quality of candidates for specific positions. But they must recognize the accuracy factor.
While prioritizing speed, if you receive false credentials, incomplete information, and legal liabilities, employers may face productivity issues by hiring inappropriate candidates for certain roles. A reliable cyber background investigation company will always strike the right balance between speed and accuracy.
Emerging Trends in Background Investigation
Several new technologies, such as ML and AI, have improved the working procedures of background investigation companies. They have automated the data analysis process for greater accuracy, making it easier to identify red flags.
New background investigation trends, such as Homomorphic Encryption, Differential Privacy, and Secure Multiparty Computation are more inclined towards data privacy, data encryption and storage.
Social media screening is another emerging background investigation trend. Since social media platforms have gained tremendous popularity among the modern generation, this screening process can help identify potential red flags.
How Background Check Helps? Case Study of True Events
It was last summer when Riverdale witnessed a strange case of scam calls that primarily targeted the senior citizens of the town. Unsuspecting victims were receiving calls from individuals claiming to be their grandchildren in urgent need of money for an emergency. Desperate to help their loved ones, many of the elderly residents fell victim to the scam, sending thousands of dollars to the fraudsters.
Detective Sarah Wilkins was given the responsibility to crack the case. She collected all the phone numbers that were used to make the fraud calls. Detective Wilkins then decided to use Intelius reverse phone lookup to learn who is behind those scam calls.
To her surprise, the reverse lookup revealed that the majority of the calls were coming from a single phone number registered to a known felon with a history of financial crimes. Detective Wilkins investigated further only to uncover the fact that the suspect was using burner phones to hide the identity and prevent detection. Reverse phone lookup process was a savior in this case as it helped identify the actual culprit and put an end to this scam at Riverdale.
