People Search: How It Works & Public Records Explained
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People search sites offer quick access to individuals’ personal data, whether you're trying to reconnect with an old friend or learn about someone new. While these sites can be convenient, the information provided isn’t always accurate or up to date. In some cases, using reports from people lookup sites can violate federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
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Key takeaways:
- People search sites compile reports using public and private data sources.
- Federal regulations prohibit using information obtained from people finder sites to inform decisions about employment, housing, credit, or insurance.
- Data on people lookup sites may be outdated or incorrect, making it important to verify details through trusted sources.
- Background checks are generally a more reliable method of obtaining information, due to stricter sourcing and compliance standards.
- Checkr makes it easy to run a personal background check in minutes. Get started with Checkr today.
If you've ever searched “How do you look up someone?" online, chances are you've seen people search websites in your results. People information search portals market themselves as comprehensive tools for finding everything from phone numbers to court records. However, they often raise concerns about data quality and legality.
Here’s everything you need to know about online people lookup services and why background checks are often a smarter, safer option.
What is a people search?
A people search is the process of looking someone up using a people search website, also known as a people lookup portal, person check portal, or people finder portal. These platforms are owned and operated by data brokers that compile public and private information from various sources. When you enter a name, phone number, or email address, the public people finder website scans its database and generates an aggregated profile that you can access after paying a one-time fee or signing up for a subscription.
Although background checks also provide information about people, they differ from people searches. A background check pulls data from government agencies, court records, and other trusted sources to create a comprehensive report.
Depending on the type of check, a background check report may include information about an individual's criminal history, work experience, education history, driving record, and other relevant details. You can conduct a background check on your own or work with a trusted background check company, like Checkr, to streamline the process and comply with federal, state, and local laws.
Public records commonly found in a people search report
The public records found in a people search report can vary depending on the site's data sources and the state and local laws that allow people lookup sites to report information. Many people search reports include:
- Address history
- Phone numbers and email addresses
- Social media profiles
- Property records
- Driving records
- Birth, marriage, divorce, and death records
- Professional licenses
- Voter registration data
- Criminal records and civil actions
Where do people search sites get their data?
People search sites collect data from many sources, including credit bureaus, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Some information originates from government databases, such as those maintained by a county clerk, while other details are purchased from data brokers or scraped from social media sites.
Typically, people finder sites offer a limited preview of information, enough to confirm that the report matches the correct individual. However, access to the actual report often requires paying a fee. Transparency varies—some people search sites outline a detailed list of the records contained before you purchase the report, while others offer little detail until after you've paid.
Data accuracy is another concern. Since people search databases aren't always updated regularly, reports may include incorrect or obsolete details. Errors can stem from poor data sources, misreporting, or mismatches, leading to confusion or false assumptions.
Background check services are generally a more reliable alternative for finding individuals' information. Checkr pulls information from official sources, such as government databases and watch lists, with records that are updated in real time for greater accuracy.
Whether you want to run a personal background check on yourself or someone else (with their consent), or need to screen someone for employment or housing, Checkr offers compliant background checks to help you make informed decisions.
Privacy and legal considerations before you search
Before using a people finder site, it's important to understand the privacy and legal considerations that apply to these databases:
- The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) prohibits the use of information gathered from people search sites to inform decisions about employment, housing, credit, or insurance. If you need to find information about someone for one of these purposes, the FCRA requires you to disclose your intent to perform a background check in writing and obtain written consent from the candidate. A people search site isn't a substitute for performing a legitimate background check.
- State privacy laws may limit what people search sites can disclose. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act gives California residents the right to request that their personal information be removed from these sites.
- People search site disclaimers often warn users that some information may be inaccurate. They also typically advise users that they are "not a consumer reporting agency," meaning they are not FCRA-compliant or held to the same legal standards as background check providers. In many cases, people search sites strictly prohibit using their data for hiring purposes.
How to fact-check people search results for accuracy
To fact-check people search results, start by looking up public records yourself for outdated, suspicious, or mismatched data. The best source to use depends on the results you're trying to verify. Here’s where to turn for the most relevant records:
- Criminal history: Utilize the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) for federal records, or check state and county court databases for local records.
- Driving records: Request a driving history report from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Professional licenses: Verify credentials through the relevant state or local licensing board. Begin by visiting the state's Department of State website to determine which board issued a particular license.
- Marriage, death, and divorce records: These can usually be confirmed by contacting the county clerk's office where the record was filed. An internet search for “County clerk [county name, state]” will direct you to the right site.
- Property records: Most property records can be verified through the county property appraiser or assessor's website. Try “Property records [County name, state NAME]” to find the official source.
Get started with Checkr
People search sites may offer a quick way to find people's information, but outdated or inaccurate results can make them unreliable. A background check is a more accurate and reliable alternative, as well as an appropriate resource if you're trying to hire another individual for a role.
With Checkr, you can see what appears on your background report or run a background check on someone else with their consent. Checkr pulls real-time data from over 2,800 sources and databases for greater accuracy and your peace of mind.
Order a personal background check easily and review your report in minutes. Get started with Checkr today.
Run a personal background check
Are you an employer? Run a candidate background check here>
Disclaimer
The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.
