Keep your search simple. Put quotation marks around the name you are searching. This tells the search engine to only find pages that contain that exact name. Focus first on gathering all the free information that you can. Bookmark or save a list of the websites that require payment to pursue later.
You will need to know the person’s full first and last name, as well as current or previous state or city of residence. Intelius and Spokeo provide some information for free, such as name, address, home phone number, age, and relatives.
Most census records are grouped by state, so it is helpful to know the state in which the person was born, died, or lives. Contact a state or local historical association in which your target lived, especially if he or she died prior to the 1940s. Many historical documents, public records, and newspapers have not been digitized, and are only accessible as paper documents or on microfilm.
Most social media sites allow you to search their content to find users or identify users associated with a certain company, institution, or geographic region. [6] X Research source Information on social networks is self-reported and as a result, may not be accurate. [7] X Research source The creation of fake or spam profiles on social media sites is on the rise, which can make it difficult to know if you are connecting with your target or someone else. [8] X Research source
Be aware that these sites and their content may not be available in English. Content on these sites may be patrolled and censored by the government, especially in Russia and China. [13] X Research source
See if your state or county has a searchable online public records database. In Google or Bing, type the state or county plus “public records”. Next, search for specific public records (birth, death, marriage, divorce, etc. ) within state or county webpages.
Military service records can only be requested by a veteran or their next-of-kin. Casualty lists and records of medals, awards, and decorations up to the Vietnam War are also available on the webpage for the National Archives. [17] X Research source
Search the county clerk’s office for criminal or civil court records. The county clerk maintains records for civil, small claims, and even criminal cases decided at the district or county level. In a search engine, type the county’s name and “criminal records” or “civil court records”. If known, you can also enter the appellate’s or defendant’s name or the case number. Track down inmate records through the state Department of Corrections (DOC). In a search engine, type the name of the state and “department of corrections”. In general, you should be able to find information such as an inmate’s DOC number, location of incarceration, and dates of incarceration.
Compare prices and services offered by different companies. Interview a potential investigator. Ask them to show you their state-issued PI ID card. Record their name, license number, and expiration date. [20] X Research source Validate their business or individual license by following-up with your state’s Department of Consumer Affairs.
Read the contract carefully and do not hesitate to ask questions. Stipulate a deadline by which all work will be completed. Request an itemized estimate of services to be offered as part of the contract, and have the company provide an official invoice and receipt. Keep a copy of the contract, invoices, and receipts in a single folder.
