With the advent of the Internet, the world has evolved from the private world of yesterday to a vast database of information. In fact, if you have a search engine you already have open access to social networks, government databases, and public records.
Whether you’re looking for a long-lost friend or trying to do a background check on someone, the free resources offered by the Internet can help you find what you’re looking for.
Since the Internet is essentially a massive database, it’s easy to find tidbits about anyone that together can give a more complete set of information about an individual. There are multiple sites that compile these pieces of information about people when you search for them.
Before beginning the process, learn a few basic details about the person in question. You can start with their birthday or location. Once you have these details, the amount of information you can find about a person is extensive.
Pipl
While many websites can search standard social networks like Facebook or Twitter, Pipl can obtain information from “non-typical” sites in its deep searching process to give a more detailed picture of someone.
Google Groups
Quite possibly the most effective tool for finding someone who used the Internet a long time ago, Google Groups has incorporated over 800 million Usenet messages into its database, making for an impressive archive of Internet conversations that dates back to 1981.
Find Public Records with Zabasearch
If you’re trying to do a full background check on someone, you will need more pertinent information than their online activities. You’re likely looking for any of the following pieces of information:
- Residences over the last few years
- Criminal record check
- Driving record
- Birthday and birth location (for citizenship verification)
Someone with a criminal record or court ruling has a surprising amount of information about them available online. The only things you need are the name and DOB of the person you’re researching; if you know the location this will help narrow things down.
Along with these methods, simply searching for someone on Google can be quite effective too. A useful tip when searching on Google is to enclose the person’s full name in quotes, and you will only get results with the person’s full name.
These are only a few of the resources available on the Internet and armed with the knowledge you gained from this article, you should be able to find someone online easily. If you are looking for professional assistance with conducting a background check on someone or finding information, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team at Smith Investigation Agency is one of the most trusted and reputable investigation agencies in Canada and we’d be happy to discuss how we can help you best.
About the Author
Whitney Joy Smith
Founder of The Smith Investigation Agency in 2014, Whitney Joy Smith’s extensive background as a private investigator is matched only by her passion for the role. A graduate of several respected institutions, including Northwest Florida State College and George Brown College, her early years in life were spent between Canada and the United States. This education, along with her formative years as a private investigator in various agencies, informed much of her knowledge of private investigative laws, regulations, and operating standards in both countries.
The recipient of numerous industry awards and accolades, including the Consumers Choice Award, Best in Ottawa, and many others, Whitney takes pride in working closely with her ever-growing agency to raise the bar, maintain compliance, and meet the investigative needs of clients. Whitney is active in various membership and supporting roles, including the CPIRC, CBN, CAPI, Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and many others. Her experience-driven, thought-provoking articles have been featured in everything from Readers Digest to Business News Daily, and she strives to continually redefine standards for those in the private investigative and security fields. Learn more about Whitney and the team at The Smith Investigation Agency today.
