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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWho Can Perform a Background Check on You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Anyone can access certain information about you, either by using a Google search, looking at your social media profiles, searching a local law enforcement database, or using\u00a0background check sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two main types of people who may run checks include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Some federal laws dictate how your information is used. So, if you comply, potential employers, landlords, and financial institutions can access your background information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Others – such as a potential date or a new neighbor\u2014are not subject to federal restrictions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Conduct a Self-Background Check Online with These Sites to Discover Available Information About You:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Ask Your Potential Employer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
According to a 2021 survey by the\u00a0Professional Background Screeners Association, 95% of companies with US locations use some type of background check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news is that under the\u00a0Fair Credit Reporting Act\u00a0(FCRA), a federal law that regulates access to consumer information, employers are required to tell you if they plan to conduct a background check and gain your written consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your potential employer doesn\u2019t mention a background check, you should ask whether they plan to conduct one as part of the hiring process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Check With Your Potential Landlord<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Like employers, landlords are required under the FCRA to notify you and gain your consent before conducting a background check. It doesn’t hurt to ask your landlord whether you can expect a check as part of the application process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s always a good idea to pull your own credit report before applying for housing, so you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- See your credit score<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be prepared to explain any red flags like late payments on credit cards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. Scan Your Social Media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While many social media accounts don\u2019t allow you to see who has viewed the content you post, there are a few exceptions. Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Instagram shows the social media usernames of people who have viewed your stories.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- LinkedIn Premium\u2014a paid tier service\u2014allows you to see who has viewed your LinkedIn profile.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you’re not sure of the person’s social media username, but you have their phone number, you can try a\u00a0reverse phone lookup\u00a0to pull up any social media accounts associated with the number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Pull Your Credit Report<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When you access your credit report, you should be able to see a list of anyone else who has requested it within the past year, according to the\u00a0Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not everyone is able to view your credit information, but certain groups can, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Employers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lenders<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Utilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Landlords<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Government agencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Insurance agencies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Likely, these groups will be required to notify you as well. If you\u2019re concerned about your credit history, I\u2019d suggest checking out our tips to\u00a0improve your credit score\u00a0for a better background check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Talk to Your Former Employers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If your prospective employer is conducting a background check on you, you should reach out to your former employers. As long as you have a good relationship with them, you can check whether anyone has requested information about your employment with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would also suggest asking whether you\u2019d be able to offer the former employer\u2019s name as a reference to your potential new boss to vouch for your skill set and work ethic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Chat With Your New Dating Partner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dating a new person is a common reason to conduct a background check. It\u2019s more than fair to ask questions about someone\u2019s background when the answers might put your safety at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But a potential dating partner isn\u2019t required to notify you if they conduct a background check on you. Try asking them whether they plan to conduct one in the spirit of being honest throughout your new partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Speak With Your Business Partner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n