Discussion: Should We Investigate The People In Our Life?

The other day, I was listening to one of the local radio stations in Las Vegas. The topic of discussion was regarding how the internet has given people the ability to find out a lot of information on people. The question to callers, was whether they felt that it was a good thing for people to obtain background information on people, or was it an invasion of privacy?

The discussion was quite lively on the radio. Some of the people that called into the radio station were adamant that the information that is available these days, crosses the line into invading the privacy of others. One gentleman that called in, gave the example of starting a new dating relationship. He stated that when a new relationship starts, each party should start off fresh and learn everything there is to know from one another; that this is part of the process and excitement of a new relationship. He stated that by digging into the background of someone he or she just has met, it starts off the relationship badly; giving the impression you are trying to dig up negative information on the other person. However, others who called in stated it is a matter of finding out the truth; that people have a responsibility to find out information and take responsibility for their own safety.

I found this whole discussion to be intriguing. Being an Investigator, most people can probably guess that I am for doing background investigations! Based on the amount of fraud and stories of deception we here about each day, just by opening up the morning newspaper, I personally cannot understand why everyone doesn't do their due diligence on a new relationship; personal or business. Wouldn't you rather know up-front information that might be concerning to you, versus finding out much later when you are more involved in the relationship?

Here are some of the things that you are able to potentially find out as a result of doing a background check.

• Criminal Convictions: If you found out someone you were starting a relationship with or were going to marry had a criminal conviction for theft, credit card fraud, domestic violence or another crime (and this person did not disclose this to you), would this be something you would be interested in knowing? Would your opinion of that person change or at least raise some red flags, for you to investigate further?
  
  
• Marriages / Divorces: Are you dating someone that claims they are divorced? Would it give you piece of mind knowing for sure this is the case?
  
  
• Address History: If the person that you are with claims they lived in a particular city for the last 10 years, but upon doing an address search, you find out that the person lived at several addresses in different states, would this concern you at all? Would you like to know this? Would you have a question as to why the person is being less than truthful with you?
  
  
• Business License Information: Is the person in your life saying they own businesses but he or she hasn't shared a lot of information with you? If it was found that this person doesn't even have a business license and/or may be operating in a less than ethical manner or has had complaints filed against them, would this be important for you to know?
  
  
• Associations: By doing a background check on someone, you are often able to find out who the person is associated with, either in real estate assets or in work related matters. This is sometimes helpful for people to know...
  
  
• Internet Articles-Web Pages: By doing a web search, you may be able to find articles regarding the person in question. They can be positive or negative. Additionally, the number of people that have social networking pages such as "My Space" or "FaceBook" are growing each day. If you are able to find this information, you will get to know a lot about a person.
  

After hearing the above, what is your opinion on finding out personal information on others? Have you ever checked out someone in your life? Have you ever wished you had? Please send me your comments and opinions to newsletter@thebazingroup.com. I look forward to hearing from you!