How To Investigate

Database & Public Records Searches

2011-12-16T12:48:00.001-07:00

by Joe Hoover

Databases

When we were growing up, adults cautioned us against doing anything wrong, anything bad, because, “it will go on your permanent record.”

Well guess what: Everything goes on your “permanent” record - from the time you were born!

Your birth was recorded at the hospital, at the county courthouse, and in your state's department of vital records.

With very few exceptions, every American is on file somewhere. Hundreds – if not thousands - of repositories throughout the country and around the world have a record “of” you - and numerous details “about” you.

There are records of the schools you attended along with your grades and degrees earned.

Your vehicles, aircraft, vessels, and the property you own are all recorded.

Finally, after your death, the Social Security Administration records your demise in its Death Index.

Fact: There are 739,000 registered sex offenders in the USA!

Q: How does one go about accessing sex offender records?

A: Nation-wide sex offender records are available – if one knows where to look.

Fact: Most people have no idea the number of databases they are part of nor of the amount of data/information out there which concerns them.

The Challenge: How to sort through the mountains of data and determine what data is relevant for your purpose. Then, how to organize it be interpreted into useful content.

Cost effective alternative: Determine which of the experts – like Information Providers - to hire to accomplish these tasks.

Q: First of all, what is data?

A: Data is a selection of facts that can be translated into a cornucopia of possibilities. Data is collected on property, businesses and credit transactions. Personal, individual data can range from magazines subscribed to, every residence a person has reported when applying for credit.

Q: Who collects data?

A: Data is collected by both the government and the business sector.

Q: Who owns data and how is it distributed and sold?

A: The original collectors of the data - including government entities and the credit bureaus - own the original data, which is often sold and resold to Data Brokers and Information Providers.

Q: How does one go about tapping data sources, and then translating and interpreting that data into useful information?

A: Value Added Information Providers interpret compiled data so that it “tells the story,” and “paints a virtual portrait” of the subject in question.

Q: For what purpose is data accessed?

A: Records searches are conducted to:

• Locate people for reuniting family members or collecting on a debt.
• Gather background information on individuals and businesses.
• Learn about births, marriages, deaths, addresses, phone numbers
• Get the facts about the person with whom one intends to establish a personal or business relationship
• Make sure the information you've been furnished is true and that the person you're hiring or renting to checks out.
• Learn about a business, its reputation, financial status, and standing in the community.
• Seek information about property and assets to enforce a court order or judgment
• Find out whether or not one is an heir to money or property.

Q: What “types” of records are out there?

A: Public, or “open” records, semi-private records, and private records.

• Public/Open Records:
These are records open to public scrutiny. You have a broad right of access, without discrimination, to government information. Data are gathered and cross-referenced by a host of database brokers, combined, traded and sold to other data brokers and systems operators, and ultimately sold to end-users, like Information Providers.

Note: You do not need too prove a "need to know" or furnish a reason "why" you seek certain information. Plus, once you have that information, you are free to use it and disseminate it any way you see fit. You can even sell it.

• Semi-Private Records:
Access to semi-private, or semi-open records is limited. Legal dictates, state statutes, and business policy may limit access to financial reports, credit reports, medical records, and employment information.

• Closed Records:
This often classified data is maintained by the federal government. Closed records can be opened only by court order and are not subject to The Freedom of Information Act.

All involved in this "data chain" must agree to enforce the regulations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the first major Federal law enacted to protect privacy. The Act is for everyone. It’s a federal law that designates which public records are open to the public for either reviewing or obtaining documents.

The Act has really helped the general public in making information available, but it is not as important as the local statutes when it comes to state/county/local-held information.

Government Data

The government, at all levels, records every important event, transaction, and litigation concerning its citizens.

Note: Most all records are created at the local or county level.

County, Local Municipality:

• The Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps records pertaining to births, marriages, divorces, and deaths.
• Court records are kept at the courthouse, including records of circuit, county, civil and criminal litigation.
• The Department of Licensing maintains a variety of records including occupational and fishing.
• County records will help you with pre-relationship, child custody, pre-employment, tenant, business background, and asset investigations.

County records are often forwarded to the state capital in summary form for permanent storage, so if you need to see the entire record, first ask at the local county courthouse about where everything is stored.More info on County Records->

States: Most every state's capital has a repository for records from all its counties, as well as a collection of records from state-level departments and agencies. More info on State Records->

Court records are included with the records of the Department of Justice, State Supreme Court. Links to all courts->

The Secretary of State's Office is the central repository for a variety of records, including the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Included in all Secretary of State's corporate and partnership filings are records regarding business and financial licenses and judgments, including corporation and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, plus information about worker's compensation cases.

National: The laws are fairly consistent here, but at the state and county levels, interpreting the rules and laws regarding the release of information varies from state to state, county to county. More info on National Records->

Each state has an act. For example, Georgia has an Open Records Law and that stands side-by-side with The Freedom of Information Act. These laws vary from state to state. Anyone can obtain certain records about individuals, companies, associations, and the like.

Federal: US Government records are maintained in a number of depositories and government departments. The two largest are The Library of Congress, the nation's mega-library, and the National Archives, a vast repository of government records and census.

The Interstate Commerce Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission keep extensive records about public companies.

The US Government Printing Office provides a selection of directories and books to help you weed your way through the maze of government records. Most Information Providers have federal records sources on-line. All these records are open to the public.

Note: Finally, almost every important government department and bureau in every state is now – at last - on-line, waiting to take your credit card in payment for information.

Business Databases

Data collected by businesses are generally used to determine a person’s credit worthiness or for marketing and sales purposes.

Personal information is routinely gathered and sold to large marketing companies. Some of these companies, such as magazine publishers, sell their information to data brokers. This information could be very useful if you are attempting to locate a skip.

The Credit Bureaus: These giant repositories of each and all of our credit worthiness gather credit data about individuals from a vast network of retailers, businesses, and financial institutions.
Data, provided by member businesses, is collected by the credit bureaus. In exchange for this data, they provide credit information to all their members.

Here’s how the process takes place: A person applies for credit for a purchase, a loan, or a lease. The information provided becomes part of the major credit bureau’s “credit headers.” These headers, which are comprised of the applicant’s name, Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth (DOB), and addresses “reported” on an application for credit.

This reciprocal arrangement depends on the completeness and accuracy of the information provided by the client, the business and the credit bureau.

Business Credit Reports: These are complete in-depth Reports and are readily available - about any business, regardless of its size – from Information Providers.

The Law: Credit information is confidential and can only be released to those with whom you have applied for credit and to those to whom you have given permission to review your credit history.

The The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs how a consumer financial report may/may not be used. The Act:

• Prohibits the inclusion of obsolete data
• Describes information which must be released to the government
• Outlines how a consumer may learn exactly what is on file
• Describes how one may challenge incomplete or inaccurate information

Information Providers

When using an information provider determine what data is being accessed. Some background checks are national in scope while others are actually "multi-state.” The costs, response times and quality of these checks vary widely from company to company.

Consider having a check done on oneself if concerned about incorrect information or what potential employers might find.

Value Added Information Providers

Investigative Professionals maintain up-to-date “database broker-direct” connections to all pertinent state, county, municipal, civil and criminal records. Investigative Professionals interprets and translates DATA for their many varied clients, to VALUABLE, USEABLE, INFORMATION.

Investigative Professionals offers complete multi database searches.Conduct a Complete Background Check for the public andIndividual Database Searches for Businesses.

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Investigative Professionals LLC ©, Information Providers
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Our Littlest Private Investigator

2011-11-10T16:32:00.001-07:00

Never too young to start a career as a Private Investigator. This is our granddaughter Isabel already on the job.

The Cost of NOT Conducting an Employee Screening

2010-09-17T12:07:00.002-06:00

by Joe Hoover

Here’s THE BIG QUESTION: “What risks do I face if I
don’t screen an applicant?”

These are THE RISKS:

(Note: This is a “worst case” summation of the major costs of NOT doing a
thorough background check.)

• Possibility of being liable; of being sued
• Negative news coverage and possible loss of reputation of the company
• Stress of litigation and the investigative process
• Cost of legal defense, even when not guilty
• Loss of time, productivity, and income; another training period
• Loss of equipment and property if by theft
• Cost of training a new hire
• Loss of income/profits in general
• Theft, embezzlement, a shooting, a sexual assault

MORE SPECIFIC RISKS:

A person with a job in the accounts receivable department, if inclined, has the
advantage to embezzle. An unscrupulous person employed as a cashier might be of a mind to steal from the till. A job that involves stress and close proximity to
others could result in violence aimed directly at you or your employees. A heavy
equipment operator with a drinking problem or medical issues could cause serious
injuries or death. You could be held libel.

A NOT UNTYPICAL SCENARIO:

. . . He talked the good talk, stated he had experience in allied fields, and had participated in various related endeavors and projects and enterprises - expertise and experience you could use in your business. Six months down the
road he’s calling in sick and showing up late. That’s when you find out about his drinking problem. And the five DUIs you didn’t know about. And it could be way down the road before you discover any of this . . .

THINKING BACK . . .

That $19.95 “Criminal Search” you ran: You’re not sure whether he even gave you his correct date of birth! The “Search” results came back: He was “clean.” Of course he was...

Add to the dilemma six months of poor production and the repercussions of poor management on the subject’s part. Plus, once again, your time is on the line; you’ve got to go through the unpleasant interviewing process all over again . . .

But, now, finally, the bad experience is behind you and you’re ready to move on. It was costly, but you’ll survive. Right now you’ve got to hire somebody else.

All that money you spent on training the first loser, and you’ve gotta’ spend it all over again . . .

What it boils down to is: you saved a couple hundred bucks. You could have lost your company!

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE:

By not conducting a background screening at all, you, as the employer, could be subject to lawsuits and crippling penalties - plus court awards - if an employee you didn’t check out commits a crime against a fellow employee or a client.

HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT HEADACHES:

The cost of employee theft and fraud and the cost of recruitment and retention are some of the things that keep Human Resource professionals up at night.

LIABILITY ISSUE:

Governing bodies and courts in the United States have created laws regarding employers' responsibilities. It pays to KNOW who you are hiring before you put your clients and employees at risk. What if the guy had been driving the company vehicle and got into an accident; maybe injured or killed somebody. Or hurt somebody in the warehouse while he was operating a fork-lift.

Was he going into people’s homes, representing your company? What if he commits a crime, like rape? You could be held liable. What if he was a sex offender, a real risk to you and your employees, and you didn’t check?

Theft from employees is always a possibility. It’s not just your property either; he might have stolen your client list!

He could have been a repeat “Workman’s Comp Offender,” looking for an easy mark: You.…

EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

Not all risks can be measured in dollars alone. Consider loss of talent, loss of morale, loss of reputation. By law, an employer must exercise due diligence in hiring to ensure that people selected do not pose a threat to others. Poor hiring decisions can have long-term financial and legal ramifications for employers and your other employees. A meticulous pre-employment screening can significantly reduce the risks.

APPLICATIONS:

People lie on their resumes and job applications: Forty percent (40%) of
applicants lie. And, they usually get away with it! Sixteen percent (16%) of executive résumés contain false academic claims and/or material omissions relating to educational achievement. It’s called, “resume ‘fluffing.” No wonder there is a rise in background checks being conducted by employers!

CONSIDER THIS:

• Criminal conviction rates are on the rise nationally among job applicants.
• Employers lose sixty percent (60%) of negligent hiring/supervision jury trials.
• Jury award against employers in sexual harassment lawsuits: More than $250,000.
• Inconsistencies between resume information and background check data continue to increase.
• One-third of job applicants have one or more violations or convictions on their driving record.
• The average jury award for negligent hiring against companies, big and small is $900,000.
• Thirty percent (30%) of all business failures result from theft or
embezzlement.

COST

Detailed background checks that include state-wide and national criminal checks, employment verification, educational achievement verification - plus several other standard checks - costs between $100 and $200.

EDUCATION

Neither the government nor we regular citizens have a way to check whether or not an employee’s Alma mater is a “diploma mill” that requires little, if any, academic work.

Some employers conduct background screenings grudgingly, concerned only about avoiding liability. Typically, only the bare minimum searches will be ordered - mainly to protect against claims of negligent hiring. The courts will decide whether “a reasonable effort” has been applied, should litigation be instituted.

CRIMINAL FACTS

Most all criminal records are indexed by full name and date of birth. The most accurate non-federal criminal records searches are accomplished at the county level.

Professional criminals know the system and the screening processes employers use. Criminals and con artists will likely provide misleading information on applications.

One of the first things criminals learn during “lockup” is: “How to NOT leave a paper trail.” Experienced crooks teach, “Use a different middle initial. Never give out your true identifiers: your date of birth; your social security number; a recent address.”

Most background checks are conducted “pre-employment,” however, if your company has won a contract to do a job for the government, background checks for all participating personnel may be required, even if these folks have worked for you for years.

EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECKS SHOULD INCLUDE:

• Name and address history.
• Social Security number (SSN) & date of birth (DOB) verification.
• National, Statewide & County Criminal: Felony and misdemeanor.
• Previous employment verification.
• Education achievement verification.
• Professional licensing verification.
• Driver history record.
• Derogatory Credit Report entries, such as liens, bankruptcies & judgments.

CHURCHES:

There has been an explosion of litigation - plus a lot of media attention - relating to misconduct by clergy who violated their position of trust in their church. The consequences are devastating for the victims involved, their families, the church and the community. Churches must exercise sound accountability and good judgment when selecting paid employees AND volunteer workers. Churches are subject to law suits for liability damages for the actions of a problem employee AND/OR a volunteer.

TO DO:

Make sure your search includes a criminal search in the applicant's county of residence, plus the counties where he or she resided, worked, and attended school.

Analyze your workplace. Consider the harm and costs a bad hire could bring to your organization. Develop a consistent and comprehensive screening policy.

Let everyone know you conduct systematic background screenings as a matter of course: It’s “Standard Operating Procedure.” Put it on your Web site. Put it in your classified ads. Encourage applicants to be open about past indiscretions, because frank discussions assure better hiring decisions.

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How to Conduct a Surveillance

2010-09-17T11:44:00.003-06:00

by Joe Hoover

These types of investigations may require surveillance.

Relationship (pre-relationship, romantic & domestic)
Child custody
Worker's compensation & insurance claims
Employee theft

Bounty hunting

Important! Of all these, non-professionals should attempt only Relationship Investigations surveillance. All other cases should be handled by the pros.

Who Should Attempt Surveillance?

You can follow and observe someone you know, but to do so you must take extreme cautions. If the target is known to you, you might be better off to hire a trained PI, or recruit a friend or two to do the surveillance for you.

Evidence Gathering for Court

If you conduct surveillance for the purpose of gathering evidence to be presented in court, your timed and dated notes, videotapes, and photographs will have much more credibility with judge and jury if there was a witness present who is willing to testify on your behalf.

Types of Surveillance

There are two types of surveillance: tailing, or shadowing (on foot, or by private and public transportation), and fixed surveillance - also called "the stakeout."

Plan Ahead

Gather all information about the target's habits and haunts before you attempt surveillance. Know the neighborhood you'll be working. Plan possible routes your target might take. Cover yourself by preparing an alternative plan you can put into action should things suddenly go awry. If you've done your homework, you may be able to reestablish a tail even if you lose it.

Research

The more research you do the better. Get to know the neighborhood. Find out where you can sit, where you can be. Learn to be patient.

Learn how to get off the street. One technique is to sit on the driver's side and not the street side: you're waiting for someone. Or, sit in the back seat and slump down.

A female is nowhere near as obtrusive as a male. Obviously she's waiting for her husband.

Positioning

The kind of stakeout you perform will be determined by the area in which you'll be working. A neighbor's home, a hotel or motel room, an associate's office - these are but a few of the stakeout positions from which you can observe, take photos, and videotape what transpires.

Mobil Stakeout

A stakeout is most often accomplished in a car, van, or truck. A comfortable room or an office from which to watch your target would be optimum, but that kind of observation post is generally difficult to arrange. In a quiet neighborhood, you are always more conspicuous than if parked, walking, or standing on a busy city street. In a run-down section of the city, nothing but old cars parked on the street, your shiny new car will stand out and attract attention. Think about borrowing or renting an older car to use in these areas. In nicer residential areas, curious residents will notice you sitting in your automobile and will come by to check you out. Or they'll call the police, who, if they arrive, will question you and ask you to leave.

Reconnaissance

Perform a reconnaissance to familiarize yourself with the area before beginning the stakeout.

Also, Do These Things:

Top off the gas tank in case you have to follow your target a distance.
Check all exits of the house, apartment, or office building you intend to observe.
Wear comfortable clothing that will blend in, clothes the target will not recognize.
Wear sunglasses and a baseball cap to disguise your face and hair.

If the target knows you, he or she may still recognize you by body shape, coloring or other features and traits, even if you are fully disguised.

Anticipate where target is going; change to clothing appropriate to the environment, i.e. bathing suit at the beach, dressy clothes in a fancy restaurant.

On The Scene

If possible, park in front of a store, bar, or service station. Slide over to the passenger side or slump down in the back seat: You’re waiting for someone while reading a road map or newspaper. Surveillance takes time; learn to be patient. You may be sitting in one spot for a long while. Minimize eating and drinking to alleviate the need to break surveillance to locate a bathroom.

Change Appearance

Take along a couple of changes of clothes to fit in where your subject might be going.

Cover Story

Prepare a cover story in case you're spotted, identified and questioned. The cover story you prepare for the police or a suspicious neighbor may not be a good cover story for your target if he or she spots you.

Following are items and methods one might employ:

Business cards: Consider business cards for touchy situations.
ID card: Picture ID cards look impressive w/official seal & thumb print.
Your dog: You're out walking your dog. Perfectly legal.
Dog leash: Your dog ran away. You're out looking for the pooch. Ask people to keep a lookout. Be prepared with the dog's name & description, the pet's breed, color, size, and markings.
Know your own name, where you live, etc: your "bonifieds."
Real estate agent: A realtor friend may accompany you on your surveillance and thereby provide you with a good cover story.
Your children: Parents with children are generally above suspicion. Instruct children to say nothing. (Good luck on that one.)

Documentary Evidence

Make notes of the exact time and date important activities transpire. Note addresses of houses and buildings your target enters. Describe and/or photograph buildings. Get tag numbers of parked vehicles. Buy something; obtain timed-dated receipt.

Tailing

First learn the rudiments of tailing. It’s easier to tail someone in a vehicle than to tail someone on foot. In a vehicle, you can position yourself behind, ahead of, or parallel to the subject. On foot and relying on taxi's, busses or other public transportation, you'll find it much more difficult to stay on the target's tail and at the same time remain unobserved.

Tailing Tips

Be absolutely sure you are following the right person and the correct vehicle.
Don't start following the moment your target starts moving.
Keep your distance.
Memorize rear of target's car. Note bumper stickers, the shape of tail lights, etc., so you'll have a mental picture to rely on if separated by traffic or stop lights.
Memorize what your target is wearing. This is especially helpful when following on foot, on a crowded street, or at a public function.
On a foot tail through a busy street, stay on the same side of the street. In less crowded areas, walk on the opposite side of the street; keep pace with your target, at least 100 feet back. If target speeds up, resist urge to speed up. If you find you have lost sight, let target go and pick up the tail another time.
Two (or more) followers in two (or more) vehicles work (much) more effectively than a single follower in a single vehicle.
Use cell phones and two-car surveillance because if you’re following an individual and you’re too close, you can break off and call the other guy to take over.
Don't go bumper to bumper. Maintain a safe distance.
Don't run traffic lights.

Communications

If you employ two or more vehicles, you'll need continuous communications. Cell phones work best.

Tailing Closely in Traffic

One good method of tailing a vehicle when traffic is light is called "parallel surveillance." Simply drive parallel to your target, one or even two blocks over. When passing through an intersection, look to ascertain whether your target is continuing along the same route, then speed up to the next intersection and again observe target's direction of travel. If your target turns away from you, you can follow at a safe distance. If target turns toward you, either wait and let the vehicle pass by your position, or go ahead, make a "U" turn, double back and catch up. Parallel surveillance works best when two or more vehicles with good communications are deployed.

Check and Proceed

An alternate technique involves following until your target turns a corner. Speed up and stop before reaching that corner. Get out - or have your partner get out - and go look around the corner. Your target may have stopped, perhaps to check if someone was following. By using this technique, you'll avoid running up on your target. At this point, if need be, call your back up to take over the tail.

Leapfrog

From a well-concealed or disguised fixed position, watch until your target moves. Observe which way he or she goes. If you each have cell phones, advise your partner to pick up the tail. Move to position yourself further along your target's route without getting too close. The observation continues - perhaps even over a period of several days - until you know target's destination. This method is more time-consuming, but safer than tailing, especially tailing someone who is suspicious

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Asset Searches for Debt Collection

2010-08-19T18:04:00.001-06:00

by Joe Hoover

Asset Searches

Q: Why do an assets search before seeking a judgment?

A: To determine if there’s anything worth going after.

Conduct an assets search before suing. Make sure assets will be available, should you win a judgment. If the person doesn't have anything, why waste your time and money in court. Find out what you can attach and make stick - uncontested, lien-free - once you've obtained the judgment.

Some other reasons to conduct an asset search:

• To learn about a person's wages & income: these "assets" can be "attached" or "garnished”.

• Before filing for divorce, learn exactly what property and possessions are owned and by whom

• If considering investing in a start-up or joint venture, a merger; taking on an investor.

Judgments

You win a judgment in court, and naturally, you want to collect. If you run into difficulty collecting the court-ordered sum, consider conducting an assets search to gather intelligence.

First: Ascertain what assets and income the individual has. Make sure the person has property. Check the County Registrar of Deeds and the County Appraiser's office.

Know this: The court will not seek to ascertain what properties and possessions are owned by the defendant in order to collect on a judgment. Once determined though, the court will issue an order to the defendant to relinquish the property or possessions and order sheriff’s deputies or constables to grab assets for you.

Q: Can you get bank accounts? (Note: This is the #1 question asked of information providers by a generally well-informed public – from lawyers and corporate executives to .regular people.)

A: Two ways to get bank & financial account information:

• Prosecuting attorney gets a subpoena ordering defendant to appear at a hearing and provide three months of statements from all bank and financial accounts.

• UCC filings often reveal the name of the bank that financed business loan. (Note: The collateral put up by borrowers is often subject to judgment debt collection.

Locating Assets

Your objective in an assets search is to find bank accounts or something to attach – like a vehicle, or real property. If defendant has homestead exemption on the house, you will not be able to touch it.

• An individual's personal property includes everything he or she owns.

• Assets are either personal property or real property.

• Assets are classed as either "tangible" or "intangible."

Tangible Personal Property

These are things like vehicles, equipment, inventory, phone systems, computers, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, paid-up insurance policies - items of value a person buys or comes into possession of by one means or another. "Ownership" of an item is usually determined by "possession".

Intangible Personal Property

These are patents, royalty agreements, promissory notes, contracts, accounts receivable, wages, or other income.

Note: Many Americans have more than one bank account, insurance policy, brokerage account, and safety deposit box. An individual's tax return can be a good source of information about bank accounts, limited partnerships & investments paying dividends or interest.

You may have to go after the information you need with a subpoena. Your attorney should demand all pertinent financial records.

Collecting Child Support

An assets search can aid in collecting child support owed you. Send information discovered to the child support enforcement agency, which will attach assets. Wages can be garnished.

The mother with children should know where the father works. In the past, fathers (and some mothers), have been able to hide from the courts for a long time. That's changed.

Public Records

Before you set out on your search, you need to know how to go about locating assets through public records.

Jurisdictions

Forty-three-hundred U.S. public jurisdictions store records of interest to people attempting to locate assets. Each jurisdiction has its own set of rules.

Each year:

• More than eight million Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings are completed.

• Four million parcels of real property change hands or are put up for collateral.

• Millions of pieces of commercial real estate are swapped or sold.

• More than a half million new corporations start up.

Records of these millions of filings, real property transactions, and new business ventures are available for your inspection at city and county courthouses and at repositories in state capitals! This is public information; the records are open to everyone.

Local Level Search

It's almost always best to start your search at the local level: the city or county where the filing took place. These records, listed in descending order of importance, will most often provide valuable search data.

• Real property records

• Corporation records

• UCC filings

• Court records

• Motor vehicle information

• Divorce proceedings records

• Probate records

Check Employment

Salaries and wages are considered assets. If you've won a judgment in court, a writ of garnishment can be issued so that the debt can be collected. Turn the information you obtain over to the county where you got your judgment and they'll take it from there.

Locating the Bank

The easiest assets to attach are bank accounts. If bank accounts are located, the court will enforce the provisions of your judgment.

Legal Tools

There are many important legal tools that can be utilized to retrieve assets once they have been identified. This section details the more important lawful procedures available.

• Writ of Execution - This is a common judicial order that directs the enforcement of a judgment. The writ instructs the sheriff or constable to seize the debtor's non-exempt property for sale at auction. The proceeds are directed to the creditor.

• Turnover Order - This remedy is generally applied when there is no other means that can satisfy the judgment. This orders a debtor to turn all non-exempt property over to the judgment holder. This remedy permits the holder of a judgment to cast a wide net to draw in all available assets when the debtor's property cannot easily be attached or seized by the ordinary legal process. It is not necessary for the holder of a judgment to first exercise all other remedies before seeking such an order.

• Bank Levy – This order enables judgment holder to attach debtor's bank account.

UCC Records

The law requires filing a financing statement whenever a financial transaction takes place that involves personal property used for collateral for a loan or lease. Banks that backed the enterprise are listed.

Real Property Search - Registrar of Deeds

Q: Should a check with the county Registrar of Deeds be accomplished

A: Yes. If a recent deed transfer has taken place, and it appears the transfer was done to escape judgment, the court may find this premeditated.

Q: What’s worth going after?

A: Not the defendant’s main residence, main vehicle, computer system. Those items are exempt from debt collection in most states. .

Real property is the most valuable and documented of all assets. Real property recordings are indexed by owner's) name(s) and usually crossed-indexed by property location. lender, and title company. Value of the property may be determined by doc stamps or mortgage value.

Assessor's Office

Call the county assessor's office to learn the assessed value of a property. (Note: The assessed value of a property is most often not the actual value of the property.)

Aircraft & Water Vessel Registrations

Boats & airplanes are assets that can be attached by the court, providing you can establish ownership.

Corporations

If a business incorporates, a record of that corporation's birth is on file with a state agency, usually the Secretary of State’s Corporate Division.

Certain states will furnish information about directors, officers, and the principles of a corporation, but most limit the information they are willing to release

Hidden Assets

Hidden assets - bank accounts, property, and expensive toys are hidden away or the title transferred to another person in an attempt (very often successfully), to retain possession in the face of a lawsuit and judgment. If the defendant is good at hiding assets, he or she will put everything in their sister's name or their mother's name, or in the name of somebody they think they can trust - making ownership difficult to prove.

If a person owns real estate - a lot of real estate - check county records to see if they've filed quick claim deeds; maybe changed property ownership over to somebody else.

Most assets are moved over to relatives or in-laws. Find out the wife's maiden name if you don't already know it.

Article provided by: Investigative Professionals LLC, ©2010 Information Providers.

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Due Diligence Background Checklist

2010-05-29T13:33:00.005-06:00

by Joe Hoover

This checklist provides guidance for anyone wishing to accomplish a thorough and complete Due Diligence Background Check. Before proceeding, you might want to check your state’s requirements concerning legal matters and, “Due Diligence.”

Personal Information & Identity Verification
The goal here is to positively identify your subject. Database data derived are from credit reports, utility bills and magazine subscriptions. Results will vary depending on the information you provide. When comparing data derived from these initial searches, discrepancies will stand out like a red flag!: A different DOB or SSN; one or more AKA’s – these disclosures may indicate an area of concern. One will question: “Why . . . ?”

Important: Before proceeding with anything else, run these additional searches to complete a thorough Personal Information and Identity Verification:

Social Security Number Check
DOB validation
Preliminary Name and Address History
Second Name Search
Credit Header Search
National Death Index Check
Driver's License Information
Driving Record History

Once you have accomplished the Identity Searches listed above, run these important searches:

National Background Trace Detail Report
Phone Summary
Verified Addresses
Previous & Non-Verified Addresses
Possible Properties Owned by Subject
Possible Associates
Possible Relatives
Possible Neighbors

Business Relationships & Professional Information

An individual's assets are often discovered in the name of a business or partnership. Personal and business collateral is often provided for business loans. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings may include the name(s) of bank(s) that provided the business loan(s). A Business Credit Report will provide meaningful, invaluable information, like the names of owners and top management, as well as giving credit ratings within the particular industry of interest.

Business Search
Business rships & Corporate Affiliations
Company Name Search
UCC Filings
Legal Actions
FEIN Search
Professional License Searches
FAA Registrations
Vessel Registrations

Professional Verification

These searches verify employment, professional licensing, and educational achievement. This is very important information required when conducting a comprehensive Due Diligence Background Check.

Education Verification
Employment Verification

Financial Information

If you hold a judgment or are considering a lawsuit to collect money you are owed, real property (with the exception of exempted real property), vehicles, aircraft, and boats, are easiest to attach.

Nationwide Property Ownership
Deed Transfers
Motor Vehicles Registration
Boats
Aircraft

Civil Court Records

Check Civil Court Records for lawsuits, judgments and liens: These records will reveal a great deal about a person's financial situation, and reliability. Some filings, like liens, lawsuits and judgments, often appear as a "derogatory" discloser on a credit report.

Evictions, Lawsuits, Judgments & Liens National Bankruptcy Records Search
Federal Civil Court Search

Criminal Records

To conduct a through and complete criminal records database search, first
confirm your subject's previous addresses, including the counties of residence. All states do not operate a statewide criminal courts database. All states do not contribute or report to a national database. Therefore, there is no national database of all criminal records. Always check four levels of criminal records: National Department of Corrections (DOC), for current and past felons; Federal Criminal, for crimes that fall into the federal jurisdiction; Statewide Criminal, for those states that have such a reporting system; and, of course, County Criminal Courts records, the most concise and up-to-date records available to all.

Arrests Warrants
Federal Criminal Records
Nationwide Criminal Record
State Criminal Record
County Criminal Record
Sexual Offender Search
OFAC

Order a Due Diligence Background Check from Investigative Professionals online now. http://howtoinvestigate.com/due_diligence.htm

Article provided by: Investigative Professionals LLC, ©2007 Information Providers
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The TRUTH about “FREE" Criminal Records Searches

2009-10-24T13:57:00.005-06:00

by Joe Hoover

Enter “Free Criminal Records Search” in Google. Click on one of the listings. Enter your subject’s name (this could be the only information that you have), and other personal information, your subject has provided. Your search results could be in the hundreds, depending on how common the name is and the breadth of your search area (a county, state or national search). How do you identify which one is your subject?

Know this: There is a big difference between a “Criminal Records Search” and a “Criminal Background Check”. A “Criminal Records Search” is searching a single database with the identifying information that you have been provided. A “Criminal Background Check”, on the other hand, will discover and verify your subject’s personal information, thereby establishing positive identity, plus searching a variety of databases.

Criminals are experts at supplying you with bogus information. They use aliases and variations of their name, change around or alter their date of birth, change their social security number and leave out past addresses. How would you know these things, unless you had done a basic background check and address history search on them?

Even if you have established positive identification, what have you accomplished? You have searched a database, but what is the source of that database? Which states and counties contribute to that database? More importantly, which ones do not? There is no National Criminal Database and all databases are not created equal. Some are up-to-date, others are out-of-date. Some pay data brokers for a “data dump” once or twice a year. What if your subject committed a crime in the recent past? Would this show up on a free search? Most likely not! Read Full Article

For more information on conducting a criminal background check, read this article: How To Search Criminal Records.

To order a complete criminal background check, visit our website at HowtoInvestigate.com.

Article provided by: Investigative Professionals LLC ©, Information Providers
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Criminal Records - Forciable Entry & Detainer

2009-05-22T13:54:00.005-06:00

by Joe Hoover

What does a "Forcible Entry and Detainer" filing mean? Did the subject break into a residence?

According to D.L. Drain, an Arizona attorney, Forcible Entry and Detainer is an action that a landlord or new property owner can take if the existing occupant refuses to leave after appropriate notice.

This occupant could be either a tenant or original owner of property that was sold at a foreclosure or trustee's sale. The laws governing forcible entry and detainer actions are different depending on whether the property is residential or non-residential.

The tenant/occupant receives a written demand to vacate the property. The term of the period to vacate is dictated by the type of occupancy - whether commercial or residential and whether a tenant or a owner that was foreclosed on. This term normally is either 5 or 7 days, unless the contract states otherwise.

After the 5-7 days expire and the tenant/occupant still refuse to leave then a complaint for a forcible detainer action can be filed. The statutes provide for a very short notice period before a court hearing.

The sole issue at the court hearing is whether or not the tenant/occupant has the right to possession. If they do not then they will be found guilty of a forcible entry and detainer.

The court will enter an order directing the tenant/occupant to vacate within 5 judicial days. After that period has expired the Sheriff's office can then evict the tenants/occupants, remove their personal property and give the rightful owner possession and control of the property.
http://www.dianedrain.com/RealProperty/ForcibleEntryDetainer/FEDFAQ/FEDFAQ.htm

Searching Databases - Tips & Tricks

2007-10-11T11:05:00.002-06:00

TIPS & TRICKS

How to Pin Down Your Subject
by Joe Hoover

You will need to know how the system works to be effective. First, know how the databases are indexed. Public records are generally indexed by NAME. Some records searches, like Criminal Records Searches, require NAME and DOB, or at least YOB.

Proprietary databases require the SSN for some searches, like Credit Header searches, to verify a person's identification, and Trace Detail Searches to compile address history, possible associates and relatives. Also for confirming vehicle ownership, bankruptcies, liens and judgments.
Much More Information Here

Background Check Directory: In-House Background Checks for Newbies

2007-09-19T19:09:00.001-06:00

Background Check Directory: In-House Background Checks for Newbies

HOW TO CONDUCT A BASIC BACKGROUND CHECK

2007-06-02T15:15:00.011-06:00

by Joe Hoover

In the not-too-distant past, people were raised and spent their lives in small towns or localized city neighborhoods, often living among the same neighbors for all or most of their lives. Everyone knew his or her neighbors, and that personal intimacy lasted a lifetime.

Today’s world however, is highly mobile. Few people live in the same locale for very long, and so many of our interpersonal relationships grow out of cyberspace where a person can become anyone they wish to be. In such a transient society, trust is no longer a matter of faith, but often must be verified, especially in matters of the workplace, business relationships and property rental. Conduct a complete Basic Background Check online now.

Background investigations are performed for business or personal reasons, and the depth and breadth of information available can often make the difference between success and failure in a variety of relationships. The reality of 21st century interpersonal relationships requires informed decisions to enable the protection of companies, employees, families, property or investments.

Business background checks are most often performed when hiring employees, managing rental property, conducting business with other companies, investing in a business venture or attempting to collect on a business debt.

Personal background checks are essential when an individual is going to be given access to one’s home or property as a result of performing a service or being hired as an employee.

The unprecedented access to technology enables people to either steal or manufacture identities with great ease. Therefore it is essential to utilize background checks, gleaning as much information as possible to confirm an individual’s identity before becoming involved with them. The old expression “it is better to err on the side of caution” has more meaning today than ever in the past.

The steps shown below provide the procedural basis for conducting background checks, whether for business or personal use. However, keep in mind that when conducting a business background check, most often there is a signed application permission form that enables access to certain specific records that otherwise cannot be accessed. Read More

For more information regarding the various types of background checks available, please read the in-depth articles in the following links:
Employee Background Checks, Tenant Screening, Business Background Checks, Asset Searches and Criminal Records.

HOW TO CONDUCT A CRIMINAL RECORDS BACKGROUND CHECK

2007-05-19T14:54:00.002-06:00

by Joe Hoover

Why conduct a criminal records check? This is a question that many prospective employers, landlords or business people ask when first considering an individual for employment, property rental or as a business associate. People often put too much faith in a resume, a simple background check or contacting referees. In today’s society, it is necessary to follow through with a criminal records check to be absolutely certain that the person under consideration is as trustworthy as they may appear to be from an initial interview or check of their paperwork.

A complete Criminal Records Background Check may be run using our connections to a large network of databases.

The following are examples of imperative reasons why a criminal records check is of paramount value:

1. Workplace Violence – Acts of violence against a co-worker or a member of the public can be devastating. Even the simple threat of violence can cause panic or havoc. Workplace or residential safety is a major concern to employers, landlords and those who work or reside on the premises. A background check may often reveal a record of past violence, which could be a deciding factor in deciding upon a person’s character, as often there is a propensity to re-offend in the future. Prevention of workplace or neighborhood violence means thoroughly pre-screening all new applicants.

2. Negligent Hiring – Employers have been the subject of large jury verdicts for negligent hiring in cases where they hire a person with a criminal record who later harms others. An employer who hires someone who is dangerous or unfit for a job, or who hires a person with a criminal record, can be found liable for negligent hiring.

3. Employers Legal Duty – To insure a safe workplace, employers should exercise due diligence in the hiring process by making reasonable inquiries about who they hire. As well as being an important preventative measure, checking criminal records demonstrates due diligence. The same need for due diligence can be applied to landlords if they rent to a tenant who later is proven to have been responsible for property loss, damage or violence against others.

4. Childcare Institutions, Nursing Homes, and Hospitals
– Caregiver institutions should exercise extra caution when recruiting personnel. Does the prospect have a record of child molestation or a history of violent behavior or drug abuse? Once again, these institutions can be held liable for any harm brought to their clients or patients by an employee who was not properly screened. And jury awards in such cases can be devastating to the institution.

5. Government Contractors – Industries that execute government contracts will not hire employees with an anti-establishment disposition or with a felony record or a terrorist connection. It is important for such contractors to conduct criminal background checks for both national security and to guard against loss of their contracts.

6. Neighborhood Communities – Community watch groups or homeowner’s associations should conduct criminal record checks to assure that individuals planning to move in do not have a criminal background or a history of complaints to local law enforcement authorities. Such checks help to insure the continuation of a peaceful and safe residential community.

7. The Internet – The biggest dangers one confronts online are frauds and sex crimes. Face-to-face meetings set up after online acquaintances develop can end up as an unpleasant or dangerous experience for one party. A criminal background check helps one to avoid such a scenario.
Read More

Order a Complete Criminal Records Background Check
Article provided by: Investigative Professionals LLC, ©2007 Information Providers

HOW TO CONDUCT AN EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECK

2007-04-20T21:23:00.003-06:00

by Joe Hoover

WHY CONDUCT AN EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECK?

Employees are an important asset to a company or small business. They essentially are the driving force behind production or services rendered. Often employees are the representatives of the business, especially when dealing with customers or clients. Therefore it is vital to the success and well-being of any business to make certain that its employees are honest, responsible and reliable. Employee background checks are vital to that objective. They are the key to insuring that the company or small business has performed its due diligence in the hiring process.

A complete Employment Background Check. can be run using our connections to a large network of databases.

Most employers are aware that an application for a position being offered may often contain false or misleading information. In many instances, the application for a position looks so right that it leads one to ask, “Here’s an applicant who meets our company’s standards and appears to be just who we are looking for. Is the information provided accurate and truthful? Has the applicant omitted any important details?” There is no way to answer these questions without conducting a thorough background check.

At present, 28 states subscribe to a negligent hiring doctrine. Employers can be held responsible for any criminal acts committed by an employee. This is especially risky if the employee is going to be visiting the homes of customers or clients in any capacity that represents the company or business.

If it becomes necessary to discharge an employee, the employer can be held accountable for lost wages or damages if the employee files charges or a suit for what is claimed as wrongful firing.

THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

The initial step in screening a prospective employee starts with a signed employment application. It is essential that the application include a “Release of Information Statement.” The signed release grants the employer the right to access educational, credit, medical, worker’s compensation, police, criminal and court records. Without a signed release, it is exceptionally difficult to verify the information provided on the written application or any statements made during an initial oral interview.

The Employment Application should ask for the following information:

1. Applicant’s full name and social security number
2. Applicant’s age, date and place of birth
3. Applicant’s current address and telephone number
4. Is current residence a rental or does the applicant own it?
5. Applicant’s past addresses for the last 10 years
6. Name and address of landlords for past 10 years, if applicable
7. Applicant’s educational background and highest degree earned
8. Applicant’s military service record, date and type of discharge
9. Applicant’s passport number and date of expiration, if applicable
10. Name, address and telephone number of current employer
11. Names and addresses of employers for the past ten years
12. Name and address of current bank
13. Three credit references
14. Driver’s license number, state of issue and expiration date
15. Professional licenses or certifications
16. List of vehicles or real property owned
17. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of three relatives not living with applicant
18. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of three personal references

Read More

Employee Screening - Sample Release of Information Forms
PDF File: Application for Release of Information
Word File: Application for Release of Information
PDF File: Application & Notification for the Release of Information
Word File: Application & Notification for the Release of Information

Order an Employment Background Check
Article provided by: Investigative Professionals LLC, ©2007 Information Providers

HOW TO CONDUCT AN ASSETS SEARCH - PART TWO - LOCATING HIDDEN ASSETS

2007-04-10T21:29:00.001-06:00

by Joe Hoover

When an individual or a company wishes to avoid being exposed to the possibility of paying out money for judgments resulting from a lawsuit or in personal matters such as alimony or child support, it is not uncommon for substantial assets to be hidden in a variety of ways. This part of the report on locating hidden assets details the manner in which assets can be camouflaged or totally concealed.

An Asset Search can be run immediately using our connections to a large network of databases.

Any type of asset can be hidden, including real property, jewelry, stocks, bonds, vehicles, pleasure craft and the most liquid of all assets – money. When an asset is moved or transferred with the intention to defraud, hinder or delay discovery by anyone classified as a creditor, it is then considered to be a hidden asset. This includes hiding of funds from family members attempting to collect on such payments as child support or alimony.

The most difficult of all hidden assets to reach are those that are placed outside of the country in what are called offshore accounts. Certain countries such as the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Switzerland are known for their discretionary banking laws in which secrecy rules. And these countries do not recognize claims made against assets through courts in other nations. Thus assets hidden in offshore accounts are essentially to be forgotten about by those seeking to enforce judgments, or collect on debts or child support.

WHAT KINDS OF ASSETS ARE HIDDEN

Most hidden assets are of the liquid variety – bank accounts, stocks, bonds and mutual funds. In most instances liquid assets are transferred into the name of a spouse, other relative, friend or business entity. In the most extreme cases, the funds are transferred into accounts in offshore banks where they cannot be touched under the laws of the United States.

Liquid assets can also be hidden by placing them into safety deposit boxes in the names of relatives or friends or an alias. Another method for hiding cash is to convert it into traveler’s checks, savings bonds or stockbroker accounts. Still another method of ridding oneself of cash, but still retaining the value, is to use the liquid asset to pay down a mortgage, overpaying the Internal Revenue Service or pay down credit card balances.

Sometimes a liquid asset is converted into personal property such as works of art, collectibles or antiques. Unless those items are hidden, they can be attached as part of an award in a court ordered judgment, but collection of the property can be difficult to accomplish.

Real property, vehicles, boats, planes and other so-called “personal toys” can also be hidden for the same reasons as liquid assets. When facing a lawsuit, which could lead to a judgment, many people attempt to hide these forms of property by transferring ownership and title to the property to another person or entity. Read More

Run sn Asset Search immediately.

HOW TO CONDUCT AN ASSETS SEARCH - PART ONE

2007-04-10T21:15:00.003-06:00

by Joe Hoover

People hide assets for a variety of reasons that range from personal to business in nature, but essentially they have property or money that they do not want discovered. Hiding of assets is not always a sign of criminal intent, but just as often it shows a moral or ethical failing in a subject’s character in that they feel there is a reason to hide all or a portion of their wealth from scrutiny.

This article delves into the concept of hidden assets and details a methodology for uncovering such property or wealth. An Asset Search can be run immediately using our connections to a large network of databases.

WHY CONDUCT AN ASSETS SEARCH?

There are clearly situations of a business or personal nature in which it is essential to check for the possibility of hidden assets. Knowledge of such assets can make a big difference in the establishment of grounds for particular types of interpersonal actions or the furthering of certain business relationships. And of course the law enforcement community needs to monitor underworld activities, a part of which is watching for laundered or hidden assets, especially those that might end up being removed to offshore accounts. Thus, an asset search is vital to full disclosure of resources in a variety of matters both civil and criminal. The primary reasons for an asset search in the private or family sector are evaluated below:

Entering into a New Business Venture – If one is considering investing in a new business, bringing a new investor into an existing company or contemplating a merger between companies, it is essential to conduct a thorough background check on the individual or corporation. Such a check also includes a comprehensive assets search.

Prior to Entering into a Lawsuit – It is important to conduct an assets search prior to filing suit against an individual or company to determine what assets or regular income is present in the event a judgment is ordered by the court (see below). It is not worth the cost of legal fees to file a suit against a person or company that will be unable to pay any court-ordered sum. It is also important to determine what assets or property could be attached on an uncontested basis once a judgment is issued, assuming victory in the suit. If the entity to be sued has nothing of value that can be taken, there is no point in entering into a suit.

Collecting on a Judgment – When the court order a sum of money to be paid as part of a civil action, a judgment is issued, this is simply a court order for the payment of funds. It is rare for the defendant to simply pay the amount ordered on the spot. The judicial system only orders payment, but collection is the responsibility of the plaintiff.

A judgment will stand for ten years, but can be extended to become permanent. However, this requires that the defendant, who is now considered to be the debtor, be questioned in a deposition or hearing under oath regarding their financial status. If the debtor is going to surrender an item of property such as an automobile or boat, be certain to do an asset search before taking possession. If there are any liens against the property, taking possession may also bring with it liability for the lien.

Divorce – The finances involved in a divorce can often become rather complicated. It is not uncommon for a spouse to hide assets that would be open to dispute. An asset search of the party being divorced is very important to be certain that all assets are accounted for.

Child Support/Alimony – Public child support enforcement agencies are ill-equipped to locate parents who evade their child support obligations. Quite often the errant parent will attempt to hide assets, thus pleading an inability to meet child support or alimony payments. In child support cases, once the parent is located, information regarding their wages or any hidden assets should be given to the proper child support enforcement agency that can then facilitate collection.

Contestation of a Will – Quite often personal assets may be hidden and not disclosed in a will. Potential beneficiaries or those entitled to a claim against the estate should search for the possibility of hidden assets.

WHAT ARE ASSETS?

Everything that is owned is potentially an asset. Stocks, bonds, real estate, money in the bank, automobiles, RV’s, boats, airplanes and even household furnishings are all considered assets. Personal assets are classified as either being personal property or real property.

Tangible Personal Property – This includes vehicles, equipment, inventory, telephone systems, computers, bank accounts, stocks, bonds and paid insurance policies with cash value. Any items of value that a person or a company buys or comes into possession of constitute a tangible asset. Ownership is determined by possession unless the property must be licensed such as vehicles, boats or airplanes. For those types of property, the ownership is determined by title and registration. For all other property, a sales receipt or cancelled check can be used to determine ownership, but the courts have been guided by the belief that possession is nine tenths of the law.

Intangible Personal Property – This category includes patents, royalty agreements, promissory notes, contracts, accounts receivable, wages or other income.

Real Property – All homes, condominiums, apartment or commercial buildings and land are classed as real property. Only a residence that is protected by a homestead exemption is exempt from being attached. All other real estate is subject to claim through the courts. Read More

Part Two of this article covers the topic of hiding assets.

An Asset Search can be run immediately using our connections to a large network of databases.

HOW TO CONDUCT TENANT BACKGROUND CHECK

2007-03-30T18:37:00.002-06:00

Most landlords have experienced the wild Saturday night party when neighbors must summon the police to quiet a rowdy crowd. They are equally familiar with walking into an apartment or commercial space after a tenant has vacated only to find the premises in shambles, requiring almost total renovation. In both residential and commercial leases, there is a potential for lost income resulting from the time to complete extensive repairs, or if a tenant breaks a lease and suddenly vacates. These are nightmare scenarios that can be minimized by conducting background checks before renting an apartment, condo, home or commercial space to a prospective tenant.

The steps presented in this article will reduce the dangers of facing later evictions or costly repairs.

A Tenant Background Check can be run immediately using our connections to a large network of databases.

WHY SCREEN POTENTIAL RENTERS?

The implementation of a tenant screening process will minimize future tenant problems. By checking on the background of a potential renter and thereby establishing their qualification as a tenant, the risk of experiencing the scenarios noted above becomes far lower. Not only do bad tenants cost owners and managers money, their actions can also bring unforeseen liabilities for a tenant’s actions.

The Telephone Interview: Often the first contact with a prospective tenant is by telephone, especially if the rental has been advertised in a local newspaper. This is the time for the landlord or a representative to ask the right questions that initiate the qualification process. Questions to be asked to residential as well as commercial renters should include:

Name of prospective tenant
Telephone contact number
Date prospective tenant wishes to occupy premises
Does the prospective tenant have landlord references?

Questions to be asked to residential renters should also include:

Reason for choosing to move
Number of people in family
Number of children, if any, and their ages
Type and number of pets, if any
Is anyone in the family a smoker?

In addition to asking the above questions, the landlord or representative should inform the prospective tenant of the monthly rent, security deposit or other up-front fees, as this often will eliminate the need for further screening if the person cannot afford the price and fees being quoted.

Personal Interview: If both parties are satisfied following the telephone interview, it is normal for a prospective tenant to wish to see the property. This also affords the owner or representative an opportunity to meet the party in question. Much can be gleaned from this interview. Read More

A Tenant Background Check can be run immediately using our connections to a large network of databases.

HOW TO CHECK OUT A BUSINESS

2007-02-05T11:39:00.001-07:00

by Joe Hoover

When dealing with another business entity or service provider, the common questions that must be asked are: “Can this company be trusted?” or “How much is known about this company?” Doing business in today’s reality is fraught with potential risks. There are news stories about contractors who secure deposits and then never return to do the job, or accounts about companies that defraud investors out of millions of dollars. Remember the recent national scandal regarding Enron Corporation.

When intending to establish a relationship with a company, it is important to be certain that they are reputable, and that their image is not marred by liens, judgments, bankruptcy or civil action, either against the entity or its principals.

You can run a Business Background Check right now using our connections to massive databases.

The following straightforward steps can save a business many future problems in dealing with a new entity:

FINDING BASIC COMPANY OR PRINCIPAL INFORMATION

Always start at the local level, especially for a small company, as this may be the only source of information available. All companies must conform to local laws or codes, since they essentially are rooted in a community. City or county records are a good place to start. These will provide information as to the origin of the business, tax liens, judgments filed and criminal complaints or actions pending against the business or its principals. And this information is normally public record and available to all who ask.

The Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau are important sources, as most maintain open records of complaints filed against the company or its principals. If the company is in construction or equipment servicing, the local Registrar of Contractors should be queried.

Published articles can expand search parameters regarding the company or its principals. It is easy to check by business name and the names of individuals through the Internet, local newspaper archives or in industry-specific journals. One important service is Lexis Nexis News, which will do the legwork for a fee.

CHECK THE COMPANY’S REPUTATION AND REFERENCES

References can be an excellent source of confirmation of both a company’s reputation and its ability to live up to its commitments. Before doing business with or hiring a company to perform a service, it is imperative that references be contacted by either telephone or e-mail. Generally clients or former clients will provide a well-rounded picture of the company in question and its personnel.

Another valuable reference, especially in the financial area, is the company’s vendor list. Anybody who provides either goods or services to a company can attest to their credit worthiness.

Business and professional licensing provides still one further source of important information regarding a business or professional entity. This is especially significant with regard to any company from which services are contracted. Such companies often list their license numbers on their business card, knowing that potential clients may wish to check upon their reliability and integrity. If the business uses a trade name, then it is also important to obtain the names of the owners or managing principals. Many governmental agencies have special “Doing Business As” files that cross reference company trade names with owners or directors.

Important agencies that maintain public records containing detailed information for business and professional or corporate entities and their operatives include:

Secretary of State’s Department of Professional Regulation
State Accountancy Board
State Corporation Commission
State Registrar of Contractors

In most states, the Secretary of State’s office has a corporation division database that enables searches on partnerships, corporations and LLC’s.

Read More