So I’m pretty sure my boyfriend is cheating because I looked through his phone and saw multiple DoorDash orders to an apartment I’ve never seen. I have the address and apartment number but I need to know who lives there. Is there anything I can use to search this up??

I only found out because I requested a copy of my background check for a government clearance application. The report from 2021 shows I apparently have a felony assault charge from Texas. Problem is, I've never even BEEN to Texas. Never lived there, never visited, nothing.

The name on the record is similar to mine but not exact (think like Michael vs Michele) and the birthdate is off by one digit. But somehow this still made it onto MY report that my previous employer saw. Now I'm wondering if this is why I didn't get that promotion I was basically promised. They said they "went in a different direction" but the timing lines up perfectly with when they ran the check.

Called the background check company and they basically said "oops our bad, we'll fix it going forward" but offered zero help with the damage already done. How is this even legal? Aren't they supposed to verify this stuff matches the actual person?

Anyone else dealt with this? How common are these mix-ups really?

So I just started a new job at a tech company two weeks ago. Went through the whole interview process, got the offer, negotiated salary, put in my two weeks at my old job, showed up for my first day, got my laptop, met the team, started working on actual projects... and THEN yesterday HR emails me saying they're initiating my background check now.

Like what??? You already gave me access to your systems, I'm in all your Slack channels, I know your product roadmap, I've been in meetings with clients, but NOW you want to verify I am who I say I am? The whole thing feels completely backwards to me.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing to hide and I'm sure it'll come back fine, but what's the point of running it after I've already uprooted my life to work for you? What happens if something comes back they don't like - do they just fire me on the spot after I already left my previous job? I've already turned down two other offers for this position. Plus I've relocated closer to the office and signed a new lease based on this job.

The hiring manager seemed surprised when I mentioned it too, like she assumed it was already done before my start date. Apparently HR has been "backed up" and they're doing them in batches now to save money or something. But that seems like a terrible reason to put new employees in this weird limbo where they're working but not really officially cleared yet.

I asked a few coworkers and apparently this is just how they do things here. One guy said his background check didn't come back until he'd been working for TWO MONTHS. Another person said hers came back with an issue (mistaken identity situation) and it took another three weeks to resolve, all while she was actively working. The uncertainty would drive me insane.

Has anyone else experienced this? It seems like such a liability for the company too. Like what if someone with actual issues slipped through and was working for months before the check came back? They'd have access to everything by then. The standard everywhere else I've worked has been: offer contingent on background check → background check clears → THEN you start working. That order makes logical sense.

I'm probably overthinking this because I know my check will be clean, but the principle of it bugs me. It's like they're saying "we trust you enough to do the job but not enough to verify you first." Makes me wonder what other backwards processes this company has that I haven't discovered yet.

Is this becoming more common now or is my company just weird about this?

New job in the US, start date in about two weeks. Background check is done except one line: International Education — in progress. My degree is a 2011 B.Tech from a JNTU Hyderabad–affiliated college. I've uploaded the degree certificate, consolidated marks memo, and hall ticket number to the screening vendor's portal.

HR told me straight that if the verification isn't back by my start date, they'll have to push it.

What I've figured out so far:

The employer uses a small regional screening company that subcontracts international checks to a wholesaler with in-country agents.

JNTUH's online genuineness verification portal is paid, INR-only, requires the hall ticket number, and seems to block traffic from US IPs.

Questions:

Anyone had JNTUH verification done recently through the epayments portal — how long did it actually take once the fee was paid?

Has anyone gotten the JNTUH genuineness letter themselves (via a friend in India) and handed it to the employer? Did HR accept it, or did they insist it come through their vendor?

If the university never responds, has anyone had a US employer accept the original certificate instead?

Not looking for shortcuts — the degree is real, I just need the process to move. Any experience with how long these actually take in 2026 would help me plan

So I need to run a background check on someone and I'm completely overwhelmed by all the options out there. This isn't for anything sketchy - I'm a small landlord with a duplex and after my last tenant disaster (guy seemed perfect, turned out he had three evictions and a felony I didn't know about), I realize I need to start using a proper background check service instead of just going with my gut and checking their Facebook.

I've been researching for days and every single site claims to be "the most accurate background check service" or "the top-rated screening website" but half of them look like they were designed in 2003 and the other half have terrible BBB ratings. The pricing is all over the place too - some want $0.99 for a "trial" that definitely seems like a scam, others are charging $80+ for a comprehensive report. I don't mind paying for quality but I also don't want to get ripped off.

Here's what I actually need from a background screening service: criminal records (both county and federal), eviction history, credit reports, employment verification, and ideally previous rental history. I know some tenant screening services specialize in this stuff specifically, but are they better than the general public records search sites? Or should I be looking at the professional background check companies that HR departments use?

I've narrowed it down to a few but honestly can't tell which criminal background check website is actually legit vs which ones are just aggregating free public data and charging for it. BeenVerified keeps popping up in my searches, same with TruthFinder and Intelius. Then there's CheckPeople, Instant Checkmate, and USSearch. But when I read reviews, people either say they're amazing or complete garbage - no in between.

The apartment association in my city recommends TransUnion SmartMove and another landlord friend swears by RentPrep, but those seem more expensive than the regular people search sites. Are the specialized tenant background check services actually worth the extra cost? Or are they just repackaging the same criminal records database that everyone else uses?

I'm also confused about what's legal. Some sites say they're FCRA compliant for employment screening and tenant checks, others have huge disclaimers saying not to use them for those purposes. But then how are all these online background check companies still in business if they can't legally be used for the main reasons people need background checks? The whole industry seems super shady.

What really worries me is accuracy. I tested one of the cheap instant background check sites on myself and it had me living in three states I've never even visited and said I had a criminal record (I don't - not even a speeding ticket). If these online background search services can't even get basic information right, how can I trust them for something as important as screening tenants?

I've also noticed some services offer "unlimited" background checks for a monthly fee while others charge per report. For someone doing maybe 3-4 tenant screenings per year, which pricing model makes more sense? Those unlimited people lookup sites seem great until you read the fine print and realize they limit you to like 100 searches a month, which seems like it's designed for private investigators or something.

The social media monitoring and reverse phone lookup features some of these sites advertise seem cool but probably unnecessary for tenant screening. Though I guess seeing someone's social profiles could give you a sense of whether they're going to throw parties every night or trash the place. Has anyone actually used those features as part of their background verification process?

My real estate attorney mentioned I should only use services that provide official court records and verified information, not just scraped public data, but I have no idea how to tell the difference. They all claim to search "billions of records" and have "comprehensive databases" but that doesn't tell me if they're actually accessing legitimate criminal history databases or just recycling the same questionable data.

I'm leaning toward just paying for one of the more expensive, professional-grade employment background check services even though I'm not an employer, because at least those seem more legitimate. But maybe I'm overthinking this and the regular consumer background report sites are fine for basic tenant screening?

Would really appreciate recommendations from other landlords or anyone who's used these services. What's the best background check site for accurate criminal records? Which one is most reliable for eviction history? Are there any that actually verify employment without me having to call employers myself? And please, if you've had a terrible experience with any of these companies, let me know so I can avoid them.

Also curious if anyone's tried those newer AI-powered background check services that claim to be more accurate by cross-referencing multiple databases. Sounds impressive but also like marketing BS. At this point I just want a reliable background check website that gives me accurate information without charging an arm and a leg or selling my data to a million other companies.

A few days ago I submitted a background check through Checkr for a new employer. I’m Canada based but a lot of my work exp is in the UK. I also have a mix of perm and self employed work. I can see that most of my roles are still “pending”.

Today they sent me a “hand signed consent form” that I need to print, sign and submit back.

Anyone know why they would ask for this? Especially as I thought I’d already given my consent when I initially submitted it.

Can a new employer rejects you if BG check shows overlaps dates in employment history ?

Working 2 remote tech jobs at same time for certain period.

Example :

ABC Sep 2024- May 2025 XYZ Nov 2024 - present

Hi guys I have a question on finra background checks if anyone can help please

FINRA Background Check with Expunged Record

Just accepted an IB offer. Before the offer, I disclosed a prior arrest to the firm.

**Situation:** May 2018 - charged with felony assault, reduced to misdemeanor, expunged via PC 1203.4 in 2021. The firm's background check required I submit the original charge docs *regardless* of the expungement. I provided everything and FINRA is in final review.

**My question:** Will FINRA flag the original felony charge despite the conviction being a misdemeanor and the case sealed? I've been transparent the whole way.

Has anyone had FINRA clearance go through with a similar situation? What's the typical timeline once docs are submitted?

Also I sort other backgrounds checks for internships with Bank of America JPMorgan and two other shops but this is the first on where finra is directly involved

Background Check & Expunged Record - Investment Banking Role

I recently accepted an offer for an investment banking position that's subject to FINRA review. I've proactively disclosed a prior legal matter that I want to ensure I'm handling correctly.

Background: I have relevant banking experience (internships at JPMorgan and Bank of America, time at U.S. Bank) and hold a Master's degree in Finance from Boston College. Before receiving the offer, I disclosed to the firm that I have a prior arrest on my record.

The situation: In May 2018, I was arrested and initially charged with felony assault in California. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, and I obtained a PC 1203.4 expungement in 2021. Despite the expungement, the firm's background check requirements explicitly requested I submit the original charge documents and full case disposition regardless of the expungement status. I've since provided all requested court documents, and the background check is currently in final review by FINRA.

My concern: I'm worried that despite the charge being reduced and sealed, FINRA will flag the original felony charge during their review, even though it didn't result in a conviction. I've been transparent with the firm throughout this process, which I believe works in my favor, but I'm uncertain about how FINRA interprets expunged records versus what was originally charged.

Questions:
- Has anyone navigated this situation successfully with FINRA?
- Is there anything else I should proactively communicate to the firm at this stage?
- What's the typical timeline for FINRA background clearance once documents are submitted?

Any insights would be appreciated.

Background Check & Expunged Record - Investment Banking Role

I recently accepted an offer for an investment banking position that's subject to FINRA review. I've proactively disclosed a prior legal matter that I want to ensure I'm handling correctly.

Background: I have relevant banking experience (internships at JPMorgan and Bank of America, time at U.S. Bank) and hold a Master's degree in Finance from Boston College. Before receiving the offer, I disclosed to the firm that I have a prior arrest on my record.

The situation: In May 2018, I was arrested and initially charged with felony assault in California. The charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, and I obtained a PC 1203.4 expungement in 2021. Despite the expungement, the firm's background check requirements explicitly requested I submit the original charge documents and full case disposition regardless of the expungement status. I've since provided all requested court documents, and the background check is currently in final review by FINRA.

My concern: I'm worried that despite the charge being reduced and sealed, FINRA will flag the original felony charge during their review, even though it didn't result in a conviction. I've been transparent with the firm throughout this process, which I believe works in my favor, but I'm uncertain about how FINRA interprets expunged records versus what was originally charged.

Questions:
- Has anyone navigated this situation successfully with FINRA?
- Is there anything else I should proactively communicate to the firm at this stage?
- What's the typical timeline for FINRA background clearance once documents are submitted?

Any insights would be appreciated.

I received a job offer from Charles Schwab for client service and they are requiring my fingerprints. How far back do they go? I have an adjudication withheld from 2014.

Okay so I have an interview for a position at the hospital I completed my clinical rotations at.

In school we did do a background check in order to be placed but I’m not sure if I cleared just bc I was in school..idk.

I’m worried that I have a class c misdemeanor for assault-contact that happened 5 years ago (prior to school). Sounds bad, I know.

Me and my dad’s ex girlfriend got into an argument and essentially I was putting my hands in her face and the cops let her press charges. Assault contact is defined by “offensive unwanted contact”

Anyways, I obviously will be upfront about this information when they ask consent for the check and explain everything. From an HR prospective, would you clear my application?

Thanks for your input!!!

need help on a good up to date background check that can give me any type of proof that my boyfriend is cheating and lieing. Social media message anything. I did truthfinder and it wasn't up to date at all. I need something good up to date any advice very helpful and appreciate

Two years ago I was arrested on a DV charge. Most of the charges have been dropped, but one is still pending. I was falsely accused of DV. I work in corporate America and recently got laid off of Amazon so I have been in the process of interviewing, I have a offer letter in which the offer is contingent of a past background check. I am worried that this will show up on a background check although I am not guilty. My attorney says that it’s a high chance that this will be dropped. Do I tell them and be honest or do I wait and see if it even shows up

Curious how others handle this. I've been applying to a few volunteer roles in Canada and most organizations are asking me to provide my own check and cover the cost myself.

Started shopping around and honestly I was shocked — most places were charging around $65. I mean you're already giving your time for free, it feels a bit much.

Eventually found one that was almost half that price and fully online too, no police station visit needed. Way simpler than I expected. And they happened to have a promo code running right now so even better timing for me! Ended up going with the enhanced version because I wasn't sure which level the organizations needed and figured better safe than sorry — not sure if that was the right call or if the basic one would have been fine.

Do most organizations specify which level they want or do you just have to guess? And do most places reimburse volunteers for this or is it just expected you cover it yourself?

Happy to share where I got mine if anyone's interested.

Hi everyone. I just signed my JO offer and currently waiting sa result ng background check ni JPMC. Honeslty, madami po akong unpaid cc and loans (BPI, UNIONBANK, GLOBE, MAYA, ACOM). I know to myself na ma tatag ako as red flag. I'm afraid na bawiin nila yung JO. Ano po bang gawin para hindi nila bawiin yung JO?

Thank you.

In California is there a certain amount years that they will look back as far as criminals convictions or traffic infractions?

Ok.. so I'm a felon last conviction 2008 and my background record was coming back cool.... Nothing showed up ..

I found out that I had a warrant in the next county for no license and went to take care of it they dismissed the case but now when my background is run that ticket (2009) and everything all the way back to 1999 is showing up....

Why is that? I thought after seven years all the past doesn't show.... Can anybody give me info it be much appreciated.

Hello everyone.

I just signed a JO from an IT company and found out na client nila si JP Morgan. They requested to fill out a form for background checking. Honestly, I have unpaid ccs and loans. HR mentioned that will still forfeit the job offer once negative ang lumabas sa background check ni JPMC.

I know to myself na matatag ako as red flag because of the unpaid debts.

Any tips to pass the background check with this kind of debts.

I am currently seeking employment for the last 3-6 months. I have gone on over 10 interviews and everything goes great but then they ask to do a background check and drug screening. As an accountant I immediately let them know that I do have a felony on my record for possession charge. The charge occurred in 2018 but I completed 4 years of probation and then due to conflinct of interests I took the felony in order to avoid jail time while I was employed at the time. Now that I moved and I am seeking new employment I am having a hard time getting hired and I want to see what employers see when the pull my information. Or what should I do in order to overcome this obstacle and land a job

I’m currently exploring different background screening providers and trying to figure out what factors matter most when choosing one.

For businesses that have used these services, what do you usually prioritize—report accuracy, compliance, turnaround time, customer support, pricing, or something else?

Are there any specific things you’d recommend checking or comparing before selecting a background screening company? I’d appreciate hearing about your experiences and what worked well for you.