Consumer-Warning.org People Search Tips, Tricks, and Advice
Alert! CRIMINAL RECORDS SCAMS
Posted by Admin on Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
“Protect Yourself And Your Family But Beware Of Online Criminal Records Scams! I Can’t Believe The Hours I’ve Wasted On These Criminal Search Sites……”
And if there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that you can’t always believe what companies claim on their sites. It’s ridiculous and I’m frustrated to be honest with you. That’s really one of the reasons why I made this site.
There are many reasons why people need to search Criminal Records online. I’m a protective parent, and let me tell you I don’t want some sex offender or deadbeat anywhere near my baby! There are a lot of crazy things that can and do happen out there these days. I’m sure you’ve heard of the unbelievable Jaycee Lee Dugard abduction!
Protect Your Family!
Criminal Records searches are incredibly beneficial for your family. Here’s why. We recently moved from another state, which means we had to start all over… with everything. From choosing babysitters, to picking a day care, hiring a decent plumber, even hiring a financial advisor to help us save up for a future home purchase. I also work from home, so from time to time I need to hire assistants. Running employee screenings are very helpful, and I don’t want to see a colorful criminal record show up on someone sitting right next to me! I’m sure you can think of a thousand other reasons to run criminal checks: maybe you’re a landlord; an employer; or you’re scanning the neighborhood for Sex Offenders. Yikes!!
Jump to my Top Pick for Criminal Records!*
* Includes Free Sex Offender Map! (effective. Jan 1, 2010)
So, I’m A Cheapskate… 
I tried to do the Cheap/Free approach at first. It’s kind of funny actually to think of how much time I wasted. Well, not really!?! So picture this…here I am doing searches on Google for this guy I want to hire temporarily. Is he okay? Normal? Is there a criminal history here? Then, I think I found him on a background site that claimed to be up to date and thorough. I click on the link, enter my search, and it’s another search box wanting me to search for him again. So I do, and then they want me to make a purchase before I see anything. So, I keep looking and finally figured out that I’m not going to find zilch until I purchase one of these things. I went through about 5 of these sites before I finally found the data. THEN… having just paid for 5 services, I start going through my list to get a refund, which raises another question: Do these companies even know what in the world customer service is???? I know this all sounds crazy, but I put in the time so you don’t have to. I write about these things to help you: mothers, fathers, potential neighbors, friends, loved ones, etc.
And The Winner Is…(Drumroll please)
Anyway, that was a debacle and I learned the hard way. But, the site I found the data on was Net Detective. I was actually surprised because it was a fair price according to the other sites out there. I got unlimited criminal searches, sex offender searches with maps, mug shots, and conviction dates. Plus I got comprehensive background check searches and other public records information, all unlimited!! Which by the way helps a lot because some of those guys charge you up front then want to charge you every time you search. Sheesh! One of the other things I thought was really cool with Net Detective was that they gave me a phone number to call if I had trouble. So, when I couldn’t find this one person I was looking for info on, and wanted to see if there was a better way, I called them. They got on the phone and helped me find that person right away. I later found out this is called “Assisted Search” which other companies charge for. With Net Detective, it was totally free! Is that cool or what?
Click Here For Net Detective!*
* Includes Free Sex Offender Map! (effective. Jan 1, 2010)
So, thanks for listening to me ramble on… Anyways, I hope you’ll find this helpful when it comes time to do some effective criminal searches and detailed background checks online.
Alert!
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About This Site
My name is Kim and I am a freelance writer. I have over 30 years of experience in office management and administrative expertise. I specialize in handling customer service, training and writing for online businesses.
Writing has always been my passion. I am an avid animal lover who is combining my love of writing and animals together in the children’s books I am writing.
The Internet has opened up a whole new world for people of all ages. While most of us agree it’s changed our lives for the better, there are still precautions that you need to take. I want to help you navigate the Internet safely. However, being security conscious doesn’t stop with the Internet. This blog will be your source of information and education to keep you and your family safe online and offline.
While I wish the cost of maintaining a blog was free, it is not. The providers of some—though not all—of the sites mentioned are generous enough to provide compensation for my honest opinions about their products or services. I do not write about any product that I have not personally tried. Feel free to check out my full compensation disclosure.
Kim
how do i know if this is a trusted website?
Meena,
That’s a very appropriate question. First of all, if you click this link–McAfee Site Advisor–you’ll see that this is site is rated GREEN for safety, Adware, and Spam by McAfee. What this means is I am not going to cause you any problems. Now as for earning your trust, I will leave that to my readers to comment on. So it’s open season! Anyone care to comment?
All I care about is spreading the tips and tricks that work for me. You can take them or leave them, but I do suggest you check them out. Thanks for posting!
~ Belle
Does Net Detective do Local State and Federal criminal background checks?
Leelan,
Yes, you can pull up local and national search results for your subjects with Net Detective. Good luck!
~ Belle
I just used a site called Sentrylink.com it was atotal scam. I know I have record and it said I had no criminal record. Tommorrow I will try to fix but
Thanks Kirk for sharing. Sorry you got scammed by that one. Hopefully my readers will see your message and be forewarned.
Good luck to you!
i was arrested for dui over six years ago (falsly) charges dropped but i think it still comes up on my background check info. how can i get it removed?
Kevin, This is a very good question. Has the issuing office or department updated the records? I would check with them first. Once that’s cleared, I would think the public records search services would follow suit. But don’t expect that to happen right away. It may take weeks or months.
~ Belle
I have a misdemeanor that I got diversion on. What do you answer that question when they ask if you’ve been convicted of any criminal acts. Will a diversion show up on my background check if they do one?
It’s all about a CONVICTION. Read the court file, especially the clerks note sheet on the day of resolution, see if there is a conviction. No conviction, nothing to disclose.
I have posted my condo for rental on Craigslist. What do I need from my prospective renters to input to Net Detective? First and last name? Current address? Phone number? Please advise.
Thank you! Kim
Kim,
You need a first name and last name, plus a state. Or, if you have a phone number, you can do a reverse phone lookup. Or, if you have an address, you can do a reverse address lookup. Good luck!
www . PUBLICBACKGROUNDCHECKS . COM is a complete fraud. I submitted my fingerprints via livescan and have been waiting for over a month for the results and was told I had to wait further. Hoping that I could get something quicker I went to the net and found this website, found my name as well as the names of several relatives in association and purchased a criminal background check. The results were more than disturbing because I know I have a record, short record but I have been arrested. When I called I was told about a disclaimer that they advertise on their website before purchase. It was at the bottom corner of the screen in smaller print than what I’m typing now. Not a full disclaimer, just a link, I make it a point to actually read these things because of the potential for parties to not be completely forthcoming in their intentions. This company does not state clearly before purchasing the validity or accuracy of their searches. In my opinion that is no different than a realtor selling a house they know has termite damage but doesnt disclose that fact. Sadly that it seems like it’s the norm when youre making purchases for services over the Inet, but i’m going to report them to the attourney general and let them review if this company isn’t doing anything illegal, but as a salesman I can say that what they are doing is definately unethical.
Chris,
I’m sorry you had a terrible experience over on that site! Yikes, sounds like a real nightmare. I wonder if you’ve had a chance to try the service I recommend? I’ve never had the experience you’ve detailed with them. (No one should!!) I guess you always needs to read the fine print, whether you’re buying a house or a criminal background check service. In any case, I do appreciate you sharing. Hopefully your comments will deter some of my readers from making the same mistakes. Thanks for sharing. Best of luck to you.
~ Belle
How far do these records go back? I am looking for arrest documents and court records from a 1972 arrest. Would those still be avaialable?
Marc,
I doubt these records go back that far. But the only way to tell is to get your hands on the service and try for yourself. Or maybe someone you know has access to a service like Net Detective?
~ Belle
Do the records show juvenile convictions also or just adult convictions? And how long does it take for the information requested to show up, meaning is it instant mail through on-line or will I have to wait for the mail-man to deliver by paper documents?
Thanks, Kim
Hi Kim,
The information pulls up instantly. It’s online data accessible via secure login. I believe you get access to both juvenile and adult. Let us know how it goes!
~ Belle
Belle
I am looking for employment in banking and a background check will likely be required on me.
I would like to see what is out there and if it is correct.
Is it possible for me to request a check on myself?
Thank you,
Brad
Oh yes! It’s is possible. I don’t think there’s a better bang for the buck considering you get your record plus unlimited records. Give Net Detective a try and let us know how it goes. Thanks for posting!
~ Belle
ummm do you know if there is any sex offendeers on my street and do you know my dad
what sold me on this was the fact that they provide a phone number. I love that!!!! so many services have no real customer service. this one stands apart. thanks for the tip!! happy blogging, darren