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Guide to Conducting Public Records Research

How to find information with the click of a mouse

By Cherie L. Berkley, Owner, Legacy Letters, LLC


Conducting research for public records used to be a tedious task filled with phone calls and trips to libraries, courthouses and other public agencies. Fortunately, these days you can find many records you may need – from background information on employees to corporate filings – on the Internet with the click of a mouse. And sometimes you can obtain public records free of charge.

Three ways researching public records can benefit a small business include:

  1. You can find criminal information on potential employees.
  2. You can find detailed corporate information on competitors.
  3. You can find judgments, liens and bankruptcy records when considering buying real estate or another business, or when assessing deals with customers, clients or business associates.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Finding corporate and court records

Corporate records searches are a powerful tool. These documents may include anything from corporate filings information to bankruptcy records to business licenses.
I recommend: Experian has a service offering comprehensive online business public records reports, much in the way it structures credit reports. LexisNexis allows corporate clients to conduct searches, and Court Records has a variety of court- and business-related records.

Public background information on employees

Finding criminal background information on a potential employee is typically high on the list for any employer. This is normally included in a background check package, and there are countless places to find this information on the Web.
I recommend: Unless you go to a courthouse personally, you will usually pay to obtain general and criminal background information online. Intelius and Search Systems can help you get the job done.

People and address searches

Are you looking for someone or want to know an address? It's probably best to start with a free search engine, which normally has a people locator feature.
I recommend: Try Yahoo, Zabasearch or WhitePages for a free look. Or, for a fee, try US Search.

Search private records

There are a number of records you may seek on a potential employee that are nonpublic. These private records include medical records, social security numbers, credit information and employment history.
I recommend: Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about getting private records without consent. If a potential employee signs off, companies such as Accurate Information Systems and Corporate Screening Services specialize in pre-employment screening.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Squeeze the most out of free sites before paying for information.
  • Beware: Public records (particularly free ones) on the Web may contain partial files.
  • Can the information you find be documented by more than one site? Check out a Web site's credibility by possibly calling its information line.
  • A good way to gauge the credibility of the site is to see who else has links to it, or read the "About Us" section.
  • The Web, and even the courthouse, may not be the most updated information available. There may be a lag time from when something is filed to when it actually is put into the system.

The official source of Conducting Public Records Research is
the Public Records page at Business.com

More Featured Listings
Public Records Research
Instant national criminal background check for $19.95. FCRA compliant. Driving records, credit, property, and more.
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Public Records - Search From $19.95
Public records search, featuring current & past addresses, phone numbers and more. No results means no charge. Search now.
www.ussearch.com
California Public Records - $1.95
Reconnect with Just About Anyone! Get Access to Phone Numbers, Addresses, Birthdates, Household Info & More. People Search Online Now!
Property Report | Phone Lookup | Email Lookup
www.intelius.com
Employee Evaluation Resources
Looking for Employee Evaluation Resources? See listings and reviews of providers in your area. Start evaluating employee performance today.
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Related Resources

Recommended Solution Providers

Experian: Business Public Records Search
Experian offers a business public records reports online, including Uniform Commercial Code, Corporate records, Fictitious Business Name (DBA), and Bankruptcy/tax lien/judgment search.

Reverse Records: People Finder
Ideal if you don't know the full name of the person you want to check. With this service, all you need is the person's email address, or phone number, or license plate number. Just enter any of this information, and you have their full name, phone number and current address.

Intellius: People Search
Intellius provides a range of seach services for individual and businesses, including public records search, background checks, phone number verification, employee and tenant screening.

Net Detective: Get the Scoop on Anyone
With very large investigative databases on the web, this service is used by reporters and private investigators alike. Choose this service if you need to perform comprehensive, current and accurate public records checks.

Court Records: Public Records Research
A valuable tool for public records research. Includes everything from county clerks to criminal courthouses.

IMS Webb: Information Management
Crack open complete investigative reports to uncover bogus information when you request background checks, pre-employment screening and employee verification records.

Search Systems: Public Records
Resource of business information, corporate filings, property records, deeds, mortgages, criminal and civil court filings, inmates, offenders, births, deaths, marriages, unclaimed property and professional licenses.

GSI Online: Information Retrieval
With decades of experience managing the research needs of our clients, this service has mastered the ins and outs of the nation's court systems and agencies. Our skilled team can help you with a wide range of research projects that include performing legislative research and due diligence.

Pasasec: Records Retrieval Services
Find everything you need from public records to email addresses, this service provides timely and accurate information for your small business.

Best Sites to Learn More

Berkeley.edu: A Guide To Public Records Research
Provides useful guides to public records research online. Specifically geared toward California, but still includes important general information on this subject.

BRB Pub: Public Records Guide
A guide to professional products, industry news and links to public record research companies.

American Press Institute: Public Records
Links to articles that include how to research public records and where to go.

Best Blogs and Forums

PI Buzz: Private Investigator, Public Records, and Internet Search Blog
Includes latest industry news, thoughts, tips and advice about public records.

Research Source: Public Records Blog
Completely dedicated to public records research news and opinions.



FEATURED LISTINGS
Public Records Research
Instant national criminal background check for $19.95. FCRA compliant. Driving records, credit, property, and more.
www.sentrylink.com
Public Records - Search From $19.95
Public records search, featuring current & past addresses, phone numbers and more. No results means no charge. Search now.
www.ussearch.com
California Public Records - $1.95
Reconnect with Just About Anyone! Get Access to Phone Numbers, Addresses, Birthdates, Household Info & More. People Search Online Now!
www.intelius.com
Employee Evaluation Resources
Looking for Employee Evaluation Resources? See listings and reviews of providers in your area. Start evaluating employee performance today.
JustClickLocal.com
Employee Public Records
Web-based employee records checks. Compliant background screening, drug testing, physical exams & Form I-9 solutions.
www.KrollBackgroundScreening.com

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