Clear information before you order
Learn what a background check can contain, how potential records are matched, why human review matters, and how to use public information responsibly.
Explore the guides
Each guide uses plain language, careful claims, clear limitations, and links to official resources where regulated uses are discussed.
Start here · Complete overview
Understand what background research is, the records that may be available, why matching is difficult, and the difference between general and FCRA-regulated screening.
Read the complete guide →Detailed report contents
Explore identity, address, court, property, public-filing, business, license, vehicle, source, and reviewer information in detail.
Explore report information →The CIAdata difference
See what a real reviewer examines, how possible matches are compared, where AI or automation may assist, and what review cannot guarantee.
Understand human review →Responsible personal research
Learn which questions a report may help explore, what it cannot prove, how to choose the right scope, and how to verify important findings.
Read the responsible-use guide →See before you buy
Review an eight-page fictional report and its accessible webpage alternative, including example reviewer notes and source limitations.
Open the sample report →Employment and housing
Understand why employment, tenant, credit, insurance, and related eligibility decisions require a separate compliance process.
Read the regulated-screening notice →Transparent pricing
Compare pay-once and subscription services, report scope, matching, review, delivery, and permitted uses before ordering.
Compare one-time reports →Personal safety
Learn how public-record research may support identity questions, what it cannot prove, and which romance-scam warning signs matter.
Read the dating-safety guide →Review your own records
Choose the right official or commercial source, compare identifiers, verify possible matches, and understand how to address errors.
Read the self-check guide →Accuracy and verification
Understand mistaken matches, outdated records, incomplete coverage, human review, and how to verify important findings.
Read the accuracy guide →Timing and delays
Learn why timing varies by report type, jurisdictions, source access, identifiers, and the amount of review a possible match requires.
Read the timing guide →New · Public-record fundamentals
Understand how public records are created, why coverage varies, how possible matches are evaluated, and when to verify with the originating agency.
Explore the public-records hub →Record-type guide
Learn why allegations and outcomes differ, how jurisdictions affect coverage, and why dispositions and identity matching matter.
Read the criminal-records guide →Record-type guide
Understand party roles, filings, dismissals, judgments, appeals, and the importance of reviewing the latest official docket.
Read the civil-court guide →Record-type guide
Compare assessor data, recorded deeds, mailing addresses, transfer dates, and official county sources.
Read the property-records guide →Accuracy guide
See how names, dates, addresses, jurisdictions, contradictions, and source verification affect match confidence.
Read the identity-matching guide →Quick definitions
Understand first, then search
