BeenVerified is an online background check company that aggregates public records and social media information to provide comprehensive background reports on individuals and properties. It allows users to perform people searches, reverse phone lookups, email searches, and property searches through its website and mobile applications.
What is BeenVerified?
BeenVerified is a platform that provides access to public records and other publicly available information about individuals and properties in the United States. Founded in 2007 by Josh Levy and Ross Cohen, the company aims to make public records easily accessible to everyone. By compiling data from multiple sources, BeenVerified offers users detailed reports that can include contact information, criminal records, social media profiles, addresses, phone numbers, and more.
Key Features
- People Search: Find information about individuals using their name, location, or other identifying details.
- Background Checks: Access criminal records, court records, and other background information.
- Reverse Phone Lookup: Identify the owner of a phone number and view related details.
- Reverse Email Lookup: Discover information associated with an email address.
- Property Search: Obtain details about properties, including ownership history and value estimates.
- Unclaimed Money Search: Search for unclaimed assets or funds that may belong to you or someone you know.
- Mobile Applications: Use BeenVerified’s services on-the-go with apps available for iOS and Android devices.
How is BeenVerified Used?
Personal Use Cases
- Reconnecting with Lost Contacts:
- Example: If you’ve lost touch with a childhood friend, you can use BeenVerified’s people search to find their current contact information and reconnect.
- Online Dating Safety:
- Example: Before meeting someone from a dating app, you might run a background check to verify their identity and ensure they don’t have a concerning criminal history.
- Verifying Unknown Callers:
- Example: If you receive calls from an unfamiliar number, the reverse phone lookup can help you identify the caller to determine if it’s a spam call or someone you know.
- Property Research:
- Example: Before purchasing a home, you can use the property search feature to investigate its ownership history, assess property values, and check for any associated liens.
- Finding Unclaimed Money:
- Example: You can search for unclaimed funds or assets that may be owed to you, such as forgotten bank accounts or uncashed checks.
Professional Use Cases
- Landlords Screening Tenants:
- Example: A landlord might use BeenVerified to run background checks on potential tenants to ensure they have a reliable rental and financial history.
- Small Business Hiring:
- Example: A small business owner could perform background checks on job applicants to verify their employment history and check for any criminal records.
- Journalists and Researchers:
- Example: Journalists might use BeenVerified to gather information about individuals related to a story or investigation.
- Private Investigators:
- Example: Investigators can utilize the platform to collect comprehensive data on persons of interest quickly.
Integration with AI and Automation
While BeenVerified itself is a platform for accessing public records, it intersects with AI and automation in several ways:
- Data Aggregation: BeenVerified uses automated systems to collect and organize vast amounts of data from various sources efficiently.
- Artificial Intelligence: AI algorithms may be employed to improve the accuracy of search results, linking related records, and removing duplicate information.
- Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Users might interact with chatbots on BeenVerified’s website or mobile apps to get assistance with searches or understand how to use different features.
Detailed Exploration of Features
People Search
The People Search feature allows users to find comprehensive information about individuals. By entering a person’s name and location, users can access:
- Contact Information: Current and past addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
- Relatives and Associates: Family members and known associates.
- Public Records: Birth records, marriage and divorce records, and death records.
- Social Media Profiles: Links to social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
- Criminal Records: Any criminal history, including arrests, convictions, and traffic violations.
Use Case Example:
Suppose you’re organizing a high school reunion and need to contact former classmates. Using People Search, you can obtain updated contact details for your peers, making it easier to send out invitations and updates.
Background Checks
Background Checks provide a deeper dive into an individual’s history, particularly focusing on criminal records and legal issues. This feature might include:
- Criminal Records: Detailed records of any misdemeanors, felonies, or arrests.
- Court Records: Information about civil lawsuits, bankruptcies, liens, and judgments.
- Sex Offender Status: Checks against the national sex offender registry.
Use Case Example:
Before hiring a nanny for your children, you might run a background check to ensure they have a clean criminal record and no history of offenses that would pose a risk.
Reverse Phone Lookup
The Reverse Phone Lookup allows users to identify the owner of a phone number. By entering a phone number, users can find:
- Owner’s Name: The name associated with the number.
- Address Information: The billing or registered address tied to the number.
- Carrier Information: The phone service provider.
- Spam Scores and User Comments: Indicators if the number is associated with spam or fraud.
Use Case Example:
If you’re repeatedly receiving calls from an unknown number, you can use this feature to determine if it’s a telemarketer, scammer, or someone you may know.
Reverse Email Lookup
This feature helps users discover information linked to an email address, such as:
- Owner’s Name: The individual associated with the email.
- Social Media Profiles: Accounts linked to the email address.
- Additional Contact Information: Potential phone numbers and addresses.
Use Case Example:
If you receive an email from someone claiming to be a business associate, you can verify their identity and legitimacy before responding or sharing sensitive information.
Property Search
The Property Search tool provides detailed information about real estate properties, including:
- Ownership History: Names of current and previous owners.
- Property Value Estimates: Market value assessments and property tax details.
- Sales History: Records of past sales and transaction amounts.
- Property Details: Square footage, number of rooms, and lot size.
- Neighborhood Information: Local schools, crime rates, and demographic data.
Use Case Example:
When considering buying a new home, you can use Property Search to research the property’s history, compare property values in the area, and make an informed purchasing decision.
Unclaimed Money Search
The Unclaimed Money Search helps users find lost or forgotten assets, such as:
- Uncashed Checks: Payroll checks, refunds, or rebates that were never deposited.
- Bank Accounts: Dormant savings or checking accounts.
- Insurance Payouts: Unclaimed life insurance benefits.
- Inheritance: Assets from deceased relatives that were not distributed.
Use Case Example:
You might discover that you have unclaimed funds from a utility deposit you made years ago or a forgotten savings account opened in childhood.
Mobile Applications
BeenVerified offers mobile apps compatible with iOS and Android devices, providing users with on-the-go access to their services. Features of the mobile app include:
- Instant Background Checks: Perform searches anytime, anywhere.
- Augmented Reality: Use features like tracking registered sex offenders in your vicinity.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simplified navigation and quick access to reports.
Use Case Example:
While meeting a new client or date in an unfamiliar area, you can quickly use the app to perform a background check or assess the safety of the neighborhood.
Data Sources and Accuracy
BeenVerified compiles data from multiple sources to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. These sources include:
- Federal, State, and Local Records: Government databases providing official records.
- Publicly Available Information: Such as social media profiles, blogs, and online forums.
- Commercial Data Providers: Companies that collect and sell consumer data.
- Court Records: Legal documents from civil and criminal cases.
Considerations on Data Accuracy
While BeenVerified strives to provide accurate information, users should be aware:
- Data Variability: Information may vary based on the availability and accuracy of public records.
- Updating Frequency: Records are updated regularly, but there may be delays in reflecting recent changes.
- Verification: Users should cross-reference important information with official sources when necessary.
Legal and Ethical Use
Compliance with Laws
BeenVerified operates under regulations that govern the use of public records:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): BeenVerified is not a Consumer Reporting Agency and reports should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, or any purpose covered by the FCRA.
- User Responsibility: It’s important to use the information ethically and legally, respecting individuals’ privacy rights.
Ethical Considerations
- Privacy Respect: Users should consider the ethical implications of accessing personal information.
- Consent: When appropriate, obtaining consent from the individual before conducting a search is advisable.
- Avoiding Misuse: Information should not be used for harassment, discrimination, or illegal activities.
Integration with AI, Automation, and Chatbots
AI-Powered Data Processing
- Efficient Data Aggregation: Artificial Intelligence algorithms help process and organize vast amounts of data quickly.
- Improved Search Accuracy: Machine learning models can enhance the relevance of search results by learning from user interactions.
- Data Cleansing: AI assists in removing duplicate records and correcting inconsistencies.
Chatbots and Virtual Assistants
- User Support: Chatbots can provide instant assistance, guiding users through the search process or answering common questions.
- Enhanced User Experience: Automated interactions reduce wait times and improve accessibility.
Use Case Example:
A user uncertain about how to perform a reverse email lookup can engage with a chatbot on the BeenVerified website, receiving step-by-step instructions in real-time.
Examples and Scenarios
Scenario 1: Online Marketplace Safety
Situation: You’re planning to buy a used car from a seller on an online marketplace.
Usage:
- Vehicle Search: Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number into BeenVerified to access the car’s history, including salvage records, accidents, and recalls.
- Seller Verification: Use People Search to verify the seller’s identity and check for any fraudulent activities.
Outcome: By accessing this information, you can make an informed decision, negotiate better, and ensure a safe transaction.
Scenario 2: Protecting Against Scams
Situation: You’ve received a job offer via email from a company you’re unfamiliar with.
Usage:
- Reverse Email Lookup: Enter the sender’s email address to verify if it is associated with the legitimate company.
- Company Research: Use People Search to find information about the individuals mentioned in the email.
- Phone Lookup: If a contact number is provided, perform a reverse phone lookup.
Outcome: Determining the legitimacy of the offer helps protect you from potential phishing scams or identity theft.
Scenario 3: Community Safety
Situation: You’re moving to a new neighborhood and want to ensure it’s safe for your family.
Usage:
- Sex Offender Tracking: Utilize the mobile app’s augmented reality feature to identify registered sex offenders in the area.
- Property Search: Research the neighborhood’s property values, ownership stability, and crime rates.
- People Search: Learn about your potential neighbors and community demographics.
Outcome: Gaining insights into the neighborhood aids in making an informed decision about relocating.
Scenario 4: Business Networking
Situation: You’re attending a professional conference and want to maximize networking opportunities.
Usage:
- People Search: Research keynote speakers and attendees to understand their professional backgrounds.
- Social Media Links: Access their social media profiles to engage with them appropriately.
- Common Connections: Identify any mutual associates to facilitate introductions.
Outcome: Being well-informed enhances your ability to network effectively and build meaningful professional relationships.
Limitations and Considerations
- Data Privacy: While accessing public records is legal, users should be mindful of privacy concerns and avoid misuse of information.
- Not a Substitute for Official Checks: For purposes like hiring or tenant screening, official background checks compliant with the FCRA are required.
- Possible Inaccuracies: Users should be aware that data may be outdated or incorrect due to delays in public record updates.
