A specific concern deserves a specific check
Trust often develops before every detail can be checked. Perhaps a new personal contact has made inconsistent claims, a prospective business associate's history is unclear, or references supplied for a trusted household role need verification. PDC's background enquiries begin with the decision you are facing and the particular facts that would help you make it.
A background report is not a verdict on someone's character. We look for information relevant to the agreed purpose, take care over identity matching and explain what remains uncertain. A shared name, photograph or location is a lead to examine, not proof that a record belongs to the person concerned.
What you may want to establish
A useful brief focuses on verifiable claims rather than collecting everything available about a person. The appropriate checks depend on the context, the information available and the authority required. Sensitive records are subject to restrictions, and private accounts are not open sources.
- Whether key elements of a stated personal or professional history are consistent.
- Whether identified business connections match the account you have been given.
- Whether references or documents supplied for an agreed purpose can be checked appropriately.
- Which contradictions need a direct explanation before you take the next step.
Information to have ready
Set out the reason for the enquiry and the claims you would like checked. Include names, relevant dates, business details and material you legitimately hold. Note which information came directly from the person and which was found elsewhere. If you have only a first name or a social profile, say so; the first task may be establishing whether the identity can be reliably distinguished.
Do not send login details or try to gain access to someone's email or phone. If the matter concerns recruitment, discuss the proposed checks with your HR or legal adviser and tell us what permissions and notices are already in place.
Use the report to ask better questions
The report should explain sources, dates and the strength of the match. An absence of records does not demonstrate that a claim is true or false. Where information conflicts, there may be an innocent explanation, and a measured follow-up can be more useful than making an accusation.
If your concern involves an online relationship and a request for money, pause before making further payments. A short initial discussion can help identify what can be checked and whether a professional enquiry is likely to add value.
Questions you may have
Can you obtain anyone's criminal record?
There is no unrestricted private-investigator access to criminal records. Any proposed check must use an appropriate lawful route and meet the requirements applying to that information.
Will the person be contacted?
That depends on the agreed scope. Discuss it before work begins, especially where checking references or seeking explanations could reveal the enquiry.
Is an inexpensive online report enough?
Sometimes a simple check answers a simple question. The main issues are whether the source is reliable, current and matched to the correct person, and whether it answers your actual concern.