Whether you're hiring a new employee, entering a business partnership, or making a major personal decision, a professional background check can reveal information that changes everything. But not all background checks are created equal.

Here's what a thorough, professionally conducted background investigation actually uncovers — and why it matters.

Criminal History

A professional background check searches criminal records at the county, state, and federal levels. This goes far beyond a simple online search and includes:

• Felony and misdemeanor convictions
• Pending charges and open cases
• Arrest records (where legally accessible)
• Sex offender registry status
• Domestic violence records

Many online background check services only search limited databases. A licensed investigator accesses primary source records directly from courthouses and law enforcement agencies.

Civil Court Records

Civil litigation history can reveal patterns of behavior that criminal records don't capture. A professional search includes:

• Lawsuits filed or received
• Judgments and liens
• Restraining orders
• Bankruptcy filings
• Small claims history

This is especially important in business due diligence, where a potential partner's litigation history can signal serious risk.

Financial and Asset Information

For business partnerships, fraud investigations, or divorce proceedings, financial background research can uncover:

• Real property ownership
• Vehicle and watercraft registrations
• Business ownership and affiliations
• Known bank accounts and financial institutions
• Liens, judgments, and tax records

This type of research is often called an asset investigation and is a critical component of many legal cases.

Employment and Education Verification

Professional background checks verify that a person's claimed credentials are accurate. This includes:

• Dates of employment and job titles
• Reasons for leaving (where available)
• Degree and certification verification
• Professional license status

Résumé fraud is more common than most employers realize. Verification protects your organization from costly hiring mistakes.

Identity Verification

A thorough background check confirms that a person is who they claim to be. This includes:

• Social Security number validation
• Address history
• Known aliases and name variations
• Date of birth confirmation

Identity verification is particularly important in fraud cases and situations where someone may be using a false identity.

Social Media and Online Presence

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) research can surface publicly available information from social media, news archives, and online databases. This can reveal:

• Publicly posted statements or behavior
• Known associates
• Business activities not disclosed elsewhere
• Inconsistencies with stated background

What a Professional Check Finds That Online Services Miss

Consumer-grade background check websites are limited by the databases they subscribe to. A licensed investigator goes further by:

• Pulling records directly from courthouses
• Searching multiple jurisdictions where the subject has lived
• Cross-referencing multiple databases for accuracy
• Verifying information through primary sources

The difference between a $20 online search and a professional investigation can be the difference between a clean result and uncovering a serious red flag.

When Should You Order a Background Check?

Common situations where a professional background check is essential:

• Pre-employment screening for key hires
• Vetting a business partner or investor
• Verifying a caregiver, nanny, or household employee
• Due diligence before a major financial transaction
• Legal proceedings requiring documented evidence

Get a Thorough, Accurate Report

At Valdes Investigation Group, our background reports are conducted by licensed investigators using professional-grade research tools. Every report is accurate, comprehensive, and delivered in a format suitable for legal use.

Contact us today to discuss your background check needs in a confidential consultation.