7 Best Actual FREE Background Check Sites (2024) (2024)

In this age of digital footprints, it’s a good idea to be informed about the individuals you interact with. Whether it’s for personal reasons or simply to verify claims.

One of the easiest ways to obtain such insights without delving deep into your pockets is to use actual free background check sites.

These platforms can provide basic information on individuals, such as their educational background, employment history, and sometimes criminal records. They are great for those who need quick checks without the exhaustive details that paid platforms often offer.

Why Do We Not Recommend a Free Background Check Site?

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Best Free Background Check Sites: Top Picks!

1) Spokeo

Spokeo, often regarded as one of the best solutions for online background checks, stands out as a modern people search engine. The platform is dedicated to helping users find and reconnect with others, from old classmates to long-lost relatives.

Yet, it goes beyond simple reconnections. Spokeo aggregates data from numerous online and offline sources, presenting comprehensive profiles. This data offers insight into an individual’s public history.

Spokeo promises to be the tool for you to gather details on someone without diving into countless databases. For both personal and professional reasons.

Features:

• Deep People Search: Spokeo digs deep into various types of records to ensure users get a detailed overview. Past addresses, family members, and social media profiles are all included.
• Reverse Phone Lookup: Have a mystery number on your caller ID? Spokeo allows you to trace it back to its owner, helping you avoid unwanted callers and ensuring your peace of mind.
• Email Search: In our digital age, an email address can reveal a lot. This feature brings out details linked to an email, which can be critical when assessing the legitimacy of an unknown sender.
• Court and Historical Records: A feature great for professional or serious personal inquiries. These reports, if available, can provide insights into an individual’s legal history.
• Property Search: Considering buying or renting? This tool provides valuable information about properties, from ownership details to value estimates.

Pricing:

Spokeo adopts a flexible pricing model, catering to occasional and regular users.

It offers a $0.95 for 7-day trial. However, for extensive use, their monthly subscription is $19.95, granting unlimited searches. This monthly model is perfect for recruiting real estate professionals. Still, checking the official website regularly for any promotional offers is essential.

In today’s interconnected world, platforms like Spokeo have become indispensable tools for many. Whether it is used for personal reasons or professional validations. As with any service, weighing its pros and cons and considering its relevance to your needs is crucial. And remember, while Spokeo offers a plethora of information, using it responsibly and ethically is paramount.

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$0.95 for 7-Day Trial

2) PeopleLooker

PeopleLooker is an increasingly popular background check service that offers a comprehensive look into an individual’s online and offline presence. In a digital age where the boundaries between our online personas and real-world selves are continually blurring, PeopleLooker bridges this gap.

This platform is tailored to help users make informed decisions. Whether reconnecting with lost friends or checking out potential dates, it boasts a seamless user experience and reliable data collection methods, ensuring you receive accurate information every time.

Features:

• Background Reports: This feature delves deep into public records, presenting users with a coherent picture of a person’s past. It includes details like criminal records, employment history, and more.
• Contact Information: PeopleLooker can look up phone numbers, emails, and even previous addresses. This makes it perfect for those looking to reconnect.
• Property Data: If you’re curious about someone’s real estate holdings or past properties, this tool will immensely help.
• Criminal Records: This feature allows users to see if an individual has a troubling history or has been involved in illegal activities.
• Relative Search: Sometimes, the person you’re researching might be connected to others you know. PeopleLooker can provide potential family or relationship links.
• Deep Web Search: Moving beyond the surface, this tool scours hidden directories and unindexed pages to gather even more extensive information.

Pricing:

PeopleLooker operates on a subscription-based model. A monthly membership stands at $23.99, allowing users unrestricted access to many features available. For those looking at a long-term commitment, there’s a three-month package priced at $19.19 per month.

It is best to regularly review their website as they often offer discounts or trial periods, presenting a cost-effective opportunity for newcomers.

Whether you’re delving into the past of a potential date or rekindling old friendships, PeopleLooker can help you. Their features ensure you’re equipped with all the necessary information to proceed with confidence and caution.

The tools like PeopleLooker offer valuable insights, they should be used responsibly. You must remember to respect privacy and adhere to ethical considerations.

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$1 for 7-Day Trial

3) Searqle

Searqle is a people search engine that helps you know the person’s identity who called you, texted you, or sent you an email. You could use the reverse phone lookup to check the name before calling back or blocking missed calls. The site helps you avoid calls from any unknown number like telemarketers and stalkers.

The search report from Searqle contains social media contacts and contact information. You can also know more about an individual’s address, employment, and education history. All the data is displayed on a single screen, saving your time and money.

Features:

• Public Records: It Includes addresses, employment history, and education.
• Phone number search: It helps you know more about the people who called you from unknown numbers.
• Email search: This feature allows you to find out the identity and information of a sender using an email address.
• People search: This feature displays information about a person when searching for their name.
• Address lookup: It helps to know more about the caller’s area code and information about a house or property owner at a particular address.

Its super-fast search capabilities ensure that you can find the information you need right at your fingertips.

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$0.99 for 3-Day Trial

4) Social Catfish

Social Catfish emerges as a valuable ally in a world swarming with online identities, fake profiles, and fraudulent activities. Designed as an advanced reverse search tool, it assists individuals and professionals with online background check services.

Whether it’s to track down catfishers on dating sites or to reconnect with old friends, Social Catfish’s database should be enough. Their lengthy database compiles information from multiple online sources. Their results are clear, and accurate, and have many insights about online personas. Its main goal is to ensure users can confidently engage in the vast digital landscape.

Features:

• Image Reverse Search: Ever come across a profile picture that seems suspicious? Social Catfish allows users to reverse search images, which can help in identifying fake profiles. It also helps understand the origins of a particular photograph.
• Name-based Searches: If you have only a name, Social Catfish will scour the web. Thus, it can present any associated online presence, helping you paint a detailed picture.
• Phone Number Lookup: This feature helps users trace unknown numbers to their source, ensuring you know who’s reaching out.
• Email Verification: With cyber threats becoming commonplace, validating an email’s authenticity can be a real asset. Social Catfish digs deep to give you all related data for an email address.
• Location Tracking: This tool is great for verifying if the person you’re communicating with is genuinely from the location they claim to be.

Pricing:

Social Catfish operates on a membership-based model. For occasional users, they may opt to use the 3-day option, which costs just $5.73. However, those needing a more robust solution can get a monthly subscription for $27.48. This offers unlimited searches and access to all of their features, unlike sites that do background checks for free.

Given their reports’ depth and extensive database, many find this price point justifiable. Make sure you check their website regularly for any promotional deals. Given the complexity of their pricing structures, they may change often.

As always, the ethical use of such platforms is of paramount importance. Whether reconnecting with someone or ensuring safety in online engagements, Social Catfish is here to help you confidently dive deeper into the digital realm.

Visit Social Catfish

$5.73 for 3-Day Trial

5) PeopleFinder

PeopleFinder, as the name suggests, is dedicated to helping users find and connect with others. While it also provides deep insights into backgrounds, histories, and more.

If you’re looking to verify an individual’s identity, reconnect with old friends, or even screen a potential roommate, PeopleFinder can help. It facilitates those searches by providing an extensive database that spans over 43 billion records.

As a leader in the background check industry, it harnesses advanced technology to present information in a user-friendly manner. This makes PeopleFinder one of the top picks of online people search services.

Features:

• Comprehensive Background Checks: You get criminal records, marriage/divorce records, lawsuits, and more. This best background check site gives users a holistic view of an individual’s past.
• Reverse Phone Lookup: This tool is essential if unknown callers have ever plagued you or simply wish to identify the person behind a number.
• Public Records Search: PeopleFinder helps delve into a vast array of public records. This feature provides insights into properties, professional licenses, and more.
• People Search: Tailored to help users find long-lost friends, family, or acquaintances, this cheap background check website is great for reconnecting.
• Criminal Records and Background Report: This feature helps users make informed decisions. As it presents detailed criminal histories and other relevant records.
• Email Lookup: Identify the person behind an email address or find other emails associated with an individual.

Pricing:

PeopleFinder offers a flexible pricing model. A one-time report costs $1.95, perfect for users who need immediate or almost free background check services. Alternatively, for regular users, there’s a monthly subscription available at $24.95. As always, checking their official website for any promotions or trial offers is a good idea.

In the digital age, where personal and professional intersections are frequent, tools like PeopleFinder are critical in helping navigate these intersections with clarity and caution.

This best free background check site ensures that, whether you’re reconnecting with someone from the past or simply verifying a new acquaintance’s details, you have all you need at your fingertips.

Link: https://www.peoplefinder.com/

6) USSearch

For those on a quest to uncover the mysteries behind a name, phone number, or even an address, USSearch stands as a beacon. USSearch is more than a tool, it’s a powerhouse dedicated to extracting and presenting data in a digestible format.

While the internet is brimming with information, sifting through the chaos requires finesse and advanced algorithms, which USSearch delivers precisely. This platform aims to bridge the gaps between questions and answers, ensuring users can access the insights they seek seamlessly.

Features:

• Background Checks: Combines various data points like criminal records, marriage records, employment history, and more. This allows for a clear picture of an individual’s background.
• Reverse Phone Lookup: Ever received a call from an unknown number? With USSearch, you can peel back the layers to reveal the person behind it.
• Property Check: Delve deep into the history of any property, including ownership details, sale history, and even tax details.
• Social Network Search: It helps users track the digital footprint across various social media platforms. Thus, providing a comprehensive view of their online presence.
• Civil Court Records: This tool scans various civil court records, extracting relevant details. Such information is crucial for business dealings or personal verifications,
• Email Search: If you got an email and are wondering who it’s from. USSearch provides insights into who owns the email account.

Pricing:

USSearch offers subscription-based models. They all include every feature USSearch offers but will provide a discount if billed annually. The monthly subscription costs $59, while the whole year amounts to $599.

USSearch, with its vast array of features, ensures that users have access to the information they need. Whether verifying a new neighbor’s background or tracking down an old classmate, USSearch is a trusted companion in the journey.

Link: https://www.ussearch.com/

What is a Background Check?

A background check, commonly referred to as a background investigation, is a process wherein one looks up and compiles an individual’s commercial and criminal records.

Employers often employ these checks during hiring and landlords use it for potential tenants. Individuals use it to learn more about a person for personal or professional reasons. The purpose varies, from ensuring workplace safety to verifying information provided by potential partners or renters.

It often includes a deep dive into a person’s history, encompassing aspects like employment history, credit records, criminal records, education verification, and more.

How to Choose a Good Background Check Service?

Choosing an efficient and trustworthy background check service is crucial. Here are steps and factors to consider when selecting the best background check sites:

• Purpose of the Check: Establish the primary reason for the background check. If it’s for employment, you might require a more detailed investigation than if you’re just reconnecting with an old friend.
• Comprehensiveness: Ensure the service provides a thorough search. The best way to determine this is by looking at the service’s data sources, such as criminal databases, public records, and online sources.
• Accuracy: Always check for reviews or testimonials about the accuracy of the data provided by the service.
• User Experience: Choosing a user-friendly platform is essential, especially if you plan to use it frequently.
• Pricing: Some services might offer a one-time fee, while others could be subscription-based. Select an option that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
• Data Protection: Ensure the service respects and protects the privacy of those being checked. Avoid services that don’t have clear privacy policies.
• Customer Support: If you’re unsure about the process or the data you receive, it’s important to have responsive and qualified customer support to help you out.

You can make sure the background check service you select is dependable and meets your unique needs by taking into account the aforementioned points.

How Long Does a Background Check Take?

The duration can vary significantly based on its depth and the type of information sought. Typically, a basic background check, which might include checking criminal records and some other quick verifications, can be completed within a few minutes to a day.

However, more comprehensive checks, which delve into employment histories, educational records, references, and more, might take several days to a week. Factors affecting the time include the responsiveness of past employers or educational institutions and the specific jurisdictions involved (some might have slower processing times).

If there’s an international element, for example, checking educational or criminal records from another country, this can further extend the timeline.

How To Perform A Free Background Check?

Performing a free background check is a task that many undertake for a variety of reasons, from personal to professional. Here are several options to help you navigate the process:

• Begin with Search Engines: Start your inquiry with search engines like Google. Simply input the person’s name in quotation marks to get more specific results. This can yield a wealth of information, including social media profiles, publications, or news articles.
• Utilize Social Media: LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are websites that can provide valuable insights into a person’s professional and personal life.
• Check Public Records: Websites like the National Center for State Courts or county court websites can provide free access to certain public records. You can search for documents related to marriage, divorce, property, and sometimes minor criminal offenses.
• Use Online Directories: Whitepages or ZabaSearch can give you basic details such as phone numbers and addresses.
• Visit Local Courthouses: If you’re searching for criminal records or civil court cases, local courthouses can provide this information for free. With that said you may require an in-person visit.
• University Alumni Networks: Many universities have alumni databases if you’re trying to verify someone’s educational background.

Remember, while free methods can yield much information, they might not be as comprehensive or accurate as paid services. The best free background check app usually either comes with a one-time report with a minuscule payment or a few days of paid trial.

Is There a Free Background Check Legit & Effective?

Free services might provide basic details but often lack the depth and breadth paid services offer. Moreover, the accuracy of the information provided can sometimes be questionable.

There’s also the concern of outdated data. However, these free checks can be handy for preliminary investigations or simple verifications. But if the stakes are high, investing in a reputable service might be the best way to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Is It Legal to Conduct Someone’s Background Check?

Yes, it’s generally legal to conduct background checks. However, there are critical caveats to remember:

• Purpose Matters: You must adhere to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) if you’re an employer, landlord, or lender. Especially if the background check is to decide on employment, housing, or credit. This means you need the subject’s written consent and must notify them if you take any adverse action based on the check.
• Personal Use: If you’re conducting a background check for personal reasons, you don’t need consent, but ensure you respect privacy laws.
• State Laws: Different states might have different regulations regarding background checks, especially concerning what employers can ask or what landlords can consider.
• Sensitive Information: Accessing certain information without consent, like medical or financial records, can be illegal.
• Discrimination Issues: Employers must ensure they don’t use background checks to discriminate based on race, nationality, sex, religion, disability, or age.

Always ensure you’re aware of federal and state laws about background checks to stay within legal boundaries.

Verdict

Background checks’ complexities are vast, yet vitally important in today’s digital age. From understanding the basics of what constitutes a background check to recognizing the importance of choosing a reliable service, the article has provided comprehensive insights.

Emphasizing actual free background check sites and paid methods underscores the trade-offs between convenience and depth of information. Legal considerations play an imperative role, ensuring that checks are not just thorough, but also ethically and legally sound.

Whether you’re an employer, a concerned individual, or someone curious about your digital footprint, this guide is a holistic resource for all things related to background checks. The verdict is clear, while free checks offer a starting point, you should never completely trust them. Use a service that is proven, professional, and costs you some bucks.

Best Free Background Check Sites: Top Picks!