Whether you’re meeting someone new online, hiring a contractor, or getting involved in a business deal, knowing who you’re dealing with matters. A background check can help protect your finances, your family, and your peace of mind.
But here’s the catch: not all background checks are created equal — and trying to do it all yourself could lead to incomplete info or even legal trouble. As licensed private investigators in Upper Michigan, we’ve seen firsthand when DIY research works… and when it backfires.
This guide will walk you through how to conduct a basic background check — and more importantly, when to leave it to a professional.
What Is a Background Check?
A background check is a way to gather information about a person’s history, including:
- Criminal records
- Employment verification
- Education
- Credit history
- Social media presence
- Civil litigation or court records
Why People Run Background Checks
Some of the most common reasons include:
- Hiring a new employee or contractor
- Screening a potential tenant
- Checking out an online date
- Entering a business partnership
- Vetting a nanny or caregiver
- Online Dating
How to Do a DIY Background Check
If you’re doing a basic check yourself, start with publicly available info.
🧩 Step 1: Google Them
- Use their full name, city, and state
- Check for news stories, social profiles, or court listings
🔍 Step 2: Search Social Media
- Look at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter)
- Red flags: inconsistent stories, shady photos, or multiple profiles
🏛 Step 3: Use Michigan Public Records
- Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking
- Michigan Courts case search
- County records for civil/criminal filings
🏢 Step 4: Verify Employment and Education
- Cross-check LinkedIn with real company websites
- Call institutions directly (schools, employers)
⚠️ Step 5: Be Careful With Online Background Check Websites
- Many use outdated or incomplete data
- Some are borderline scams with hidden charges
When You Shouldn’t DIY It
DIY only goes so far. Here’s when it’s smarter (and safer) to hire a professional:
🔐 Legal Risk
- Dig too deep and you could violate privacy laws
- Using info incorrectly could result in lawsuits
❌ Incomplete Data
- Many DIY tools miss criminal charges, aliases, or sealed records
🚩 Sensitive Situations
- Online dating or infidelity suspicion
- Child custody cases
- High-stakes business deals
✅ What a Michigan PI Brings to the Table
- Access to databases not available to the public
- Legal knowledge to protect you
- In-person interviews and surveillance if needed
Is hiring a Private Investigator to do a background check right for you?
Running a background check on your own is doable — but not always dependable. If accuracy, legality, and safety matter, a licensed private investigator in Michigan can save you time and give you peace of mind.
If you are looking for an experienced private investigator to help you with a background check then contact us for a 100% confidential consultation! 4 Directions Investigations is a licensed private investigator in Michigan and a member of the Michigan Council of Professional Investigators with specialized training in photography, surveillance, research, and background investigations.
