5 Best Background Check Tools for DIY Private Investigations

Sherlock Holmes, the most famous detective in crime and mystery, is loved for his sharp wit and incredible attention to detail. With the help of his police friend, he had access to valuable government data that helped him catch criminals. But guess what? Now, you can have access to all that information right at your fingertips, and no detective is needed!

Whether you’re dealing with a pesky unknown caller, a stranger your friend is dating that you don’t trust, or a new tenant your dad insists on renting to, you can quickly check their background with these 5 best background check tools.

These tools are like your own personal detective partner in solving everyday mysteries. So, before you dive into your investigation, read on to find out which tool is perfect for your needs and budget.

1. Instant Checkmate

Ever wondered what it’s like to have a private investigator on speed dial? That’s the vibe you get with Instant Checkmate. It’s an easy-to-use online tool that pulls information from public records, making it a top choice for background checks. Whether you’re a concerned parent, a cautious dater, or a diligent business owner, Instant Checkmate has the answers you’re looking for.

Why Choose Instant Checkmate?

In a world where information is power, Instant Checkmate gives you the upper hand. It’s trusted for providing thorough and reliable background checks, which is crucial whether you’re safeguarding your personal life or your business.

The service isn’t just about uncovering facts; it’s about giving you peace of mind by making sure the people you’re dealing with are exactly who they say they are. Following are the services they are providing 

• People Search
• Reverse Phone Lookup
• Traffic, Criminal, and Arrest Records Search
• Inmate Search

Pricing:

• $35.12 per month
• $28.09 per month if billed quarterly ($84.28 every three months)
• Phone Reports Plan:
• $5.99 per month

Pros:

• Provides detailed and comprehensive reports.
• Offers a user-friendly experience across both web and mobile platforms.
• Flexible subscription options to fit different needs.
• Instant access to information after a search.
• Includes ongoing report monitoring for continuous updates.

Cons:

• Subscription plans can be pricey, especially if you need multiple types of reports.
• The phone report plan is limited, excluding person or location reports.
• No free trial is available, only a low-cost 5-day trial period.
• The volume of information can be overwhelming for some users.
• There are privacy concerns and ethical considerations with accessing such detailed personal data.

2.BeenVerified 

Started in 2007, BeenVerified makes it easier to access public records without the hassle of visiting courthouses or dealing with private organizations. Whether you’re a landlord, employer, or just curious about someone you met online, BeenVerified helps you gather crucial information quickly and conveniently.

Why Choose BeenVerified?

BeenVerified stands out for its ease of use and comprehensive access to public records. Whether you’re looking to verify someone’s identity, reconnect with old friends, or ensure the legitimacy of an online contact, BeenVerified provides the tools you need.

It aggregates data from billions of records, making it a reliable resource for gathering detailed and accurate information. Following are the services provided by BeenVerified, 

• People Search
• Reverse Phone Lookup
• Email Lookup
• Address Lookup
• Username Search
• Unclaimed Money Search
• Vehicle Lookup
• Obituaries Search
• Ancestry Search

Pricing

• 1 Month Membership: $36.89 per month
• 3 Month Membership: $23.98 per month (billed as $71.94 every three months)

Pros:

• Provides access to a wide range of public records.
• User-friendly interface available on web, iOS, Android, and even Apple Watch.
• Offers comprehensive reports that are easy to read.
• Allows unlimited searches with membership.
• Affordable pricing with a $1 trial available.

Cons:

• No identity theft protection services.
• Limited support hours, not available 24/7.
• Some business-related services are underdeveloped.
• Pricing for single reports is not transparent.

3. Intellius

In today’s digital age, having access to accurate information is crucial, whether you’re reconnecting with an old friend, verifying someone’s identity, or ensuring your own safety.

Intelius is a powerful people-search engine that specializes in aggregating public records to provide detailed background checks, reverse phone or email lookups, and more. Launched in 2003 in Seattle, Washington, Intelius has become a trusted name in the industry, offering users a convenient way to access a wealth of public information.

Why Choose Intelius?

Intelius stands out as a reliable tool for anyone needing quick access to public records. Whether you’re investigating an unknown caller, looking into the background of a potential roommate, or simply trying to reconnect with someone from your past, Intelius provides a user-friendly interface that saves you time by pulling data from multiple public sources.

It’s a one-stop solution for anyone needing detailed information quickly and efficiently. Following are the services provided by Intelius

• People Search
• Reverse Address Lookup
• Background Check
• Criminal Record Search
• Reverse Phone Lookup
• Identity Protection

Pricing:

• Reverse Phone & Address Lookup starts with a $0.95 trial and costs $34.95 per month for unlimited lookups.
• People Search is $24.86 per month, with an option for a bi-monthly plan at $42.95.
• Criminal Record Search costs $14.95 for state-specific records and $29.95 for nationwide records.
• In-Depth Background Checks are $19.95 per month for unlimited searches (Premier) or $29.95 per month for unlimited searches plus one detailed report (Premier Plus).

Pros:

•  Includes criminal, marital, and property records.
• Easy to navigate with clear search results.
• Identifies unknown callers, useful for avoiding scams.
• Options starting at $21.13 per month.
• Available via phone and email.

Cons:

• Not usable for employment, credit, or housing decisions.
• Difficulties reported in canceling subscriptions and opting out.
• Confusing pricing structure; some plans more expensive than competitors.
• Incomplete or outdated data occasionally reported.
• Reports can be pricey compared to other services.

4. Spokeo

Spokeo started in 2006 as a social network aggregator but has since evolved into a comprehensive people intelligence service. Today, Spokeo helps users search, connect, and learn more about others, whether it’s reconnecting with an old friend, identifying a mystery caller, or digging deeper into a new acquaintance’s background.

With over 20 million users monthly and access to more than 12 billion records, Spokeo has become a go-to tool for reliable background checks and personal information retrieval.

Why We Are Choosing Spokeo

Spokeo is a versatile and powerful tool for anyone needing quick and reliable access to public records. Whether you’re a professional looking to verify a client’s background or an individual wanting to reconnect with an old friend, Spokeo provides a user-friendly interface with access to a vast database of information.

It’s an ideal choice for those who need a comprehensive people search engine that covers a wide range of data points. Following are the list of services provided by Spokeo, 

1. People Search:
2. Reverse Phone Lookup:
3. Reverse Email Lookup:
4. Address Search:
5. Criminal Records Search:
6. Wealth Data:

Pros:

• Intuitive and easy to navigate, making searches straightforward and results easy to understand.
• Aggregates information from a wide range of sources, offering detailed reports on individuals.
• Competitive pricing, especially for long-term plans, makes it accessible for regular use.
• Suitable for both personal and professional purposes, from reconnecting with friends to performing due diligence.

Cons:

• Some information may be outdated or incorrect due to the aggregation of data from various sources.
• Basic searches are free, but detailed information requires a subscription.
• The availability of detailed personal information may raise privacy issues for some users.
• Premium data, such as court reports, may require extra payments beyond the subscription fee.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: Basic info like city, state, age, and contact details at no cost.
• 7-Day Trial: $0.95, then $29.95/month for full access.
• 1-Month Membership: $19.95/month for up to 100 searches and detailed reports.
• 3-Month Membership: $14.95/month (billed quarterly at $44.85) for 100 searches per month.
• Professional Plan: $69.95/month for up to 500 searches, suitable for high search volumes.

5. PeopleFinders

PeopleFinders is an online service designed to help you find detailed information about people. Think of it as a digital phonebook, but much more expansive. With PeopleFinders, you can search for contact information, social media profiles, public records, and more.

It draws data from a variety of sources, including public records, social media, and other databases, making it an essential tool for anyone needing to reconnect with someone or verify someone’s background.

Using PeopleFinders is simple: you enter whatever information you have about a person, be it a name, phone number, email address, or home address—and the system searches its vast database for matches. This makes it an invaluable resource for finding lost connections or obtaining crucial information about a person.

Why We Are Choosing PeopleFinders

PeopleFinders stands out for its ease of use and comprehensive data collection. Whether you’re trying to reconnect with an old friend, verify someone’s background, or simply gather more information about a person, PeopleFinders offers a user-friendly interface and a vast database that makes searching easy and efficient.

With competitive pricing and a range of search options, it’s an ideal choice for both casual users and professionals. Following is the list of services it provides, 

1. Public Records Search:
2. Criminal Records Search:
3. Phone Lookup:
4. Address Lookup:
5. Name Search:
6. Email Search:

Pros:

• Offers individual report purchases without needing a subscription.
• Accessible on the go with well-designed mobile apps.
• Use various types of information (name, phone number, email) to initiate searches.
• Simple navigation and easy access to detailed reports.
• Generally reliable data, often exceeding expectations for an online service.
• Straightforward process to cancel subscriptions.
• Offers more detailed information than many competitors.
• Allows users to start searching almost immediately.

Cons:

• Does not provide information from social media platforms.
• Some reports may have limited information.
• Lack of discounts for annual subscriptions.
• Fewer options for customer assistance.
• May list distant or unrelated individuals as “relatives.”
• Searching multiple records can be a lengthy process.

Pricing:

• Basic People Search Functions: $0.95
• Full Background Checks: $3.95
• PeopleFinders Membership:
  • $9.95 for the first month
  • $24.95 per month (150 searches/month)
• PeopleFinders Premium Membership:
  • $9.95 for the first month
  • 29.95 per month (400 searches/month, including criminal records, business records, etc.)
• One-Time Reports:
  • People Search: $1.95
  • Reverse Phone Lookup: $3.95
  • Background Report: $39.95
• Enterprise Solutions: 

Custom pricing for businesses needing 1,000 to 5,000 searches per month.

Final Comparison Table:

Feature	Instant Checkmate	BeenVerified	Spokeo	Intelius	PeopleFinder
Primary Use	Verifying individuals’ background information	Accessing public records from home	Comprehensive social search and people intelligence	Public records access, background checks, identity protection	Public records access, background checks, identity protection
Services	– People Search- Reverse Phone Lookup- Criminal Records Search- Inmate Search- Tenant Screening	– People Search- Phone, Email, Address Lookup- Unclaimed Money Search- Vehicle History- Ancestry Search	– People Search- Reverse Phone Lookup- Reverse Email Lookup- Address Search- Criminal Records Search- Wealth Data	– Background Checks- Reverse Phone Lookup- Reverse Address Lookup- Criminal Records Search- Identity Protection	– Background Checks- Reverse Phone Lookup- Reverse Address Lookup- Criminal Records Search- Identity Protection
Pricing	– $29.95/month- $59.95/quarterly- $14.95/single report	– $1 for 7-day trial- $36.89/month- $23.98/month (3 months)	– Free Plan- $0.95 for 7-day trial- $19.95/month- $14.95/month (3 months)- $69.95/month (Professional)	– $0.95 for individual reports- $24.86/month (People Search)- $34.95/month (Reverse Phone/Address Lookup)	– $0.95 for individual reports- $24.86/month (People Search)- $34.95/month (Reverse Phone/Address Lookup)
Pros	– Detailed reports- User-friendly interface	– Easy monitoring- Extensive record access- Affordable trial	– User-friendly interface- Comprehensive data- Relatively affordable pricing	– Comprehensive background checks- Various subscription plans- Identifies unknown callers	– Comprehensive background checks- Various subscription plans- User-friendly interface
Cons	– Expensive- No free trial- Privacy concerns	– No identity theft services- Lack of transparency in pricing- Limited support hours	– Data accuracy issues- Limited free searches- Privacy concerns	– Not FCRA compliant- Potentially outdated information- Unclear pricing structure	– Not FCRA compliant- Potentially outdated information- Limited social media data
Reviews	N/A	– SiteJabber: 2.5/5- Consumer Affairs: 4.4/5- Trustpilot: 3.3/5	– Consumer Affairs: 1.2/5- SiteJabber: 2/5- Trustpilot: 2.6/5- Reddit: Generally negative	– BBB: 1.1/5- Trustpilot: 2.5/5- SiteJabber: 2.1/5- Consumer Affairs: 2.4/5- Reddit: Mixed reviews	– SiteJabber: 1.1/5- Trustpilot: 4.3/5- Consumer Affairs: 2.9/5- Reddit: Mixed opinions

Final Verdict:

 These five background check tools are the closest thing to having a personal detective on call. Whether you’re sifting through potential new roommates, investigating a mystery caller, or simply verifying an online date, these tools have got your back.

From Instant Checkmate’s detailed reports to PeopleFinders’ affordable one-time searches, each offers unique features to fit your needs and budget. So go ahead, channel your inner detective, and solve your everyday mysteries with a little help from these tech-savvy sidekicks.