Tips for doing online background checks

Have you met a man who says he's a doctor out West? Wondering if your new business partner has a shady background? How about a job applicant who seems too good to be true?

Fortunately, the Internet is loaded with helpful public-record databases. Many offer free information. You just need to know where to look.

If information is critical, you still might want to turn to an investigator. Online sites are improving, but they probably cannot substitute for a professional's experience. Searches still take some skill. Nonetheless, you can do a lot online. Here’s help.

Start with search sites

Search engines such as Live Search, Google, and Yahoo! are good places to start. You'll see what people have posted about the person on their Web sites. If the person is mentioned in news stories, you'll see those, too.

You may uncover previous employers and addresses. This will help you search targeted sites.

Search using individuals' names and their businesses' names. If a person's name is common, your search will be more difficult. Try variations of the name and include an occupation or location.

Look for personal blogs too. Google offers a specialized blog search tool to help you find relevant blogs.

Try social networking sites

Like many employers, I check MySpace.com to learn about potential hires. Professionals may not turn up on MySpace. But they may use business networking sites.

LinkedIn.com is the MySpace of business networking. But there are others like it. You might also want to check Xing.com, Ecademy.com, and Ryze.com.

See what people claim about business affiliations, education, and work history. You may find inconsistencies.

Public records

There have always been public records. But courthouse procedures can be intimidating. The Web eases things.

There is a huge number of courts today. Most have records online. The National Center for State Courts will help you find state and federal courts. GovEngine.com lists local courts.

Search using the individual's name and business. You'll need to visit various court sites if the person has moved around.

You'll also find other public records online. But again, you'll need to do some work.

Begin by visiting your state's official Web site. You'll find the state's sex offender registry. You should be able to search it by name or address.

Depending on your state, more public records may be available online. You may be able to find property records. And don't forget to search for business filings, which include the incorporation of new businesses, trademark requests, address changes, leadership changes, and other key information about potential partners or competitors.

State sites will also provide links to local government sites. Check these sites to see what information they offer you regarding background checks.

Alumni associations

You may be able to use the Web to verify college degrees. Visit the school's alumni association. Many list their members and graduation dates.

If people aren't listed, that doesn't mean they lied about whether or where they got a degree. They simply may not belong to the alumni association. If someone is listed, it proves that they did graduate from the school.

College registrar offices normally will confirm degrees. But, in my experience, that takes a phone call.

Licensing boards

Licensing records are typically available for professionals such as doctors and attorneys. Additionally, you can find out about disciplinary actions.

Visit NASD.com's BrokerCheck to learn more about securities brokers and firms.

You'll need to visit statewide boards to check on doctors and attorneys. The American Medical Association lists links to state medical boards. FindLaw.com lists links to state bar associations.

About the author   Kim Komando writes about workplace technology and security issues. Based in Phoenix, she's the host of the nation's largest talk-radio show about computers and the Internet, The Kim Komando Show, and writes a syndicated column for more than 100 Gannett newspapers and for USA Today. Find Kim's show on the radio station nearest you, and subscribe to her free e-mail newsletters to learn more about all things digital.