Is there a free trial of a background check?
Many background check services are available online to provide detailed reports for your peace of mind.
While a majority of these services involve paid subscriptions, it is possible to find a trial of a background check to test out the platform.
Navigating the accuracy and user-friendliness of such services can be challenging.
To help ease your decision-making process, we have compiled a list of the top four background check services.
These trials not only allow you to test individual platforms’ capabilities but also learn about their features and pricing structures.
Let’s get into it.
Top 4 Background Check Services
1. TruthFinder
TruthFinder is a popular and reputable background check service that is not free. It does, however, offer a trial for just $1.
With TruthFinder, you can uncover information on anyone’s criminal records, court cases, and even their social media pages.
To begin your trial, simply sign up on their website, and you’ll be granted access to their basic search level.
During your trial, you’ll be able to evaluate the user-friendly interface and the accuracy of the service to determine if it’s the right fit for your needs.
2. Spokeo
Spokeo is another well-regarded background check service.
By signing up for Spokeo’s trial, you can access a variety of databases, including criminal records and property records.
Additionally, Spokeo allows you to search by name, phone number, email, or address, making it easy for you to find the information you need.
3. Intelius
Intelius is a highly reputable background check service that offers a 5-day trial.
With the IdentityProtect service, for a monthly cost of $19.95 (plus applicable taxes), you can access an extensive database of records ranging from personal information to criminal records.
By taking advantage of the free trial, you’ll be able to explore the powerful features of Intelius and determine if it’s suitable for your requirements.
4. Instant Checkmate
Instant Checkmate rounds out our list of the top 4 background check services.
Though primarily a people search finder, Instant Checkmate also offers criminal record searching and reverse phone number checking built into the service.
By signing up for their free trial, you can explore the depths of their databases and evaluate if Instant Checkmate is the right background check service for you.
Understanding Background Checks
Purpose and Use of Background Checks
A background check is a vital tool for assessing an individual’s history.
It’s used by employers, landlords, and other organizations to verify your identity, assess your trustworthiness, and make informed decisions.
These checks can reveal important details about a person’s criminal records, court records, and public records, including their arrest records.
This helps ensure a safe and secure environment for your workplace, property, or organization.
Types of Checks Included
Background checks encompass a wide array of information.
Some common types are:
Criminal Records: This includes any past convictions, arrests, or incarcerations at both county and state levels. This information helps organizations assess potential risks you might pose.
Court Records: These include records from civil and criminal courts at the local, county, state and federal levels. They provide details about your legal judgments, liens, or bankruptcies.
Public Records: These are records kept by government agencies and often include information like marriage and divorce records, licenses, permits, and other registered information.
Employment History: A crucial aspect for potential employers, this check ensures that your provided work history is accurate and offers insights into your job performance and skills.
Education History: Employers and educational institutions often verify this information to confirm your stated qualifications and check for any potential discrepancies.
Financial Information: Credit history, debt, and other financial records might be reviewed to assess your financial responsibility, particularly if the position involves managing finances or if you’re applying for a loan or renting a property.
Real Estate: Property ownership details can provide insights into your assets and financial stability, especially when applying for financial services or in legal disputes.
Features of Top Services
Range of Data Types
When using top background check services with a free trial, you can expect a wide range of data types to be available for your searches.
These may include:
- Name: Full names of the person you’re searching for
- Email: Email addresses associated with the individual
- Phone numbers: Landline and mobile numbers associated with the person
- Social media profiles: Links to their profiles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
- Address lookup: Past and current residential addresses
- Contact details: Additional contact information that may be available
- Reverse phone lookup: Identifying information about the person based on a phone number search
Search Tools and User Interface
Top background check services offer easy-to-use search tools and a user-friendly interface.
This allows you to quickly input the necessary search criteria, like name or phone number, and retrieve the desired results.
Many services will also provide options to narrow down or filter your results based on available data like address, state, or city.
Mobile App Functionality
Many leading background check services also have mobile apps available for iOS and Android.
This can be extremely helpful if you need to perform a search on the go or want to have quick access to your search results.
The mobile apps typically offer similar features and functionalities as their web-based counterparts, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Customer Service
Lastly, top background check services tend to have excellent customer service that is responsive and easily accessible.
If you have any questions or issues while navigating their platform or interpreting your search results, you can reach out to their support team for assistance.
The customer service aspect is vital, as it ensures your experience with the platform is positive and hassle-free.
Cost of Single Reports vs. Unlimited Reports
When selecting a background check service, it’s essential to weigh the cost of single reports against unlimited reports.
Single reports typically range in price from $10 to $50 and may be ideal if you only need occasional checks.
However, if you need frequent access to background check data, it’s more cost-effective to choose a subscription plan that provides unlimited reports.
Many background check providers offer monthly or annual subscription options.
These may include unlimited background checks, allowing you to run as many reports as you need without worrying about additional costs.
Some popular services offer a free trial or one-month membership so you can evaluate their features before committing to a paid subscription.
Limitations and Legal Aspects of Background Checks
Fair Credit Reporting Act Compliance
When conducting background checks, it’s crucial for services to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
This federal law ensures the accuracy and privacy of personal information and helps maintain consistency among background check providers.
As a user, you should only consider services that are FCRA-compliant to protect your interests and ensure the information obtained is accurate and legally obtained.
Differences Between Basic and Comprehensive Reports
There are various levels of background checks, and understanding the differences between basic and comprehensive reports is essential.
Basic searches usually include personal information, such as name, aliases, and addresses, and may include a limited criminal record.
These are often available through free background check services.
Comprehensive reports, on the other hand, dive deeper into an person’s background, often including more detailed information from government records and law enforcement agencies.
These reports may consist of financial records, criminal history, employment history, and more.
Keep in mind that these reports usually come at a cost and may require more time and effort to obtain.
Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns
Privacy and confidentiality are crucial aspects to consider when conducting background checks.
You want to ensure that the service you use is diligent in protecting your personal information and the information of the person you are researching.
Be sure to read the privacy policy of the service and make sure they adhere to the necessary security and confidentiality standards.
Remember that, although the free trials of some hassle-free background check services can provide you with valuable information, they may come with certain limitations and legal requirements that you need to be aware of.
Always ensure to follow the rules and regulations outlined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and respect the privacy of the individuals involved in your background investigations.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of the top background check services that offer trials.
Before committing to any service, you should make use of their trial offers to determine the best fit for your needs.
This will help ensure that you’re getting the most accurate and comprehensive information possible.
Here are the top 4 background check services that offer trials:
TruthFinder: Known for its in-depth search capabilities and criminal records, this service provides useful information that you can rely on.
Spokeo: If you’re interested in checking someone’s social media activity, Instant Checkmate might be the right choice for you.
Intelius: An affordable option that allows you to perform quick checks and cheap trials, making it perfect for short-term needs.
Instant Checkmate: A reputable service with many years of experience in the industry, offering affordable prices for single reports or short-term trials.
Remember, although the term “free trial” is used, most of these services still require a small payment of at least $1.
It’s essential to thoroughly research and explore the offered free trials to decide which background check service best aligns with your expectations.
By taking your time and carefully considering these top 4 background check services, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision regarding the platform that best suits your requirements.
