Understanding Intelius: A Popular Background Check Service in the USA

Intelius is a widely used online service that provides various public records, background checks, and people search tools. It allows individuals to access detailed information about others, which can include criminal records, contact information, and financial histories. In the United States, Intelius is one of the most well-known services for conducting background checks, and many individuals, businesses, and organizations use it to gather information for various purposes.

What is Intelius?

Intelius is a data aggregation and information services company that offers online tools for searching public records and background information. It compiles data from multiple sources, including public records, social media profiles, and other publicly available information. Users can search for individuals by name, address, phone number, or email, and access information about that person, such as:

- Criminal history

- Contact details (address, phone numbers)

- Social media profiles

- Employment history

- Court records

- Financial information

While Intelius provides users with the ability to access a variety of personal details, the information it presents is primarily drawn from publicly available data and records. However, it may also include information from private sources that are legally available for public use.

Why Do People Use Intelius for Background Checks?

People use Intelius for background checks for a number of reasons. These include:

1. Personal Safety and Security: Individuals may use Intelius to vet potential roommates, dates, or business partners to ensure that they don’t have a criminal background or any other red flags.

2. Checking on Employees or Tenants: Employers or landlords may use background check services like Intelius to verify the criminal history or financial stability of applicants for jobs or rental agreements.

3. Tracing Lost Contacts: Many people use Intelius to search for lost friends, relatives, or classmates by looking up their contact information, including past addresses or phone numbers.

4. Prevention of Fraud or Identity Theft: By conducting background checks, individuals can check if their identity has been used for fraudulent purposes.

5. Investigating Legal or Financial History: Intelius is also used to check if someone has a history of lawsuits, bankruptcies, or judgments, which may be relevant in legal or business dealings.

Is Intelius Used by Employers?

Yes, Intelius is often used by employers to conduct background checks during the hiring process. Employers use background checks to ensure that potential employees have the qualifications they claim to have and to check for any criminal history, fraudulent activities, or past legal troubles that may affect the hiring decision.

However, it’s important to note that while Intelius provides comprehensive reports, it may not be as thorough as some services that specialize in employment screenings. In the U.S., the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background checks can be used in employment. Employers must obtain written consent from candidates before running a background check and cannot discriminate against individuals based solely on negative findings that are legally protected.

Can Intelius Tell If I Attempt a Crime or Create Secret Accounts?

Intelius compiles and reports on publicly available information, but it cannot monitor or track activities that are not publicly recorded. If you attempt a crime or create secret accounts (for example, anonymous accounts or untraceable financial accounts), Intelius would not have access to that private or unreported information.

For instance, if someone commits a crime but has not been arrested, charged, or convicted, Intelius would not be able to provide any details. Additionally, if you create secret or encrypted accounts (such as anonymous email addresses or encrypted bank accounts), Intelius would not be able to detect these actions unless they were somehow connected to publicly available records.

Can Intelius Tell About Secret Bank Accounts?

No, Intelius cannot tell you about secret bank accounts. Bank account information is protected by strict privacy laws, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and the Right to Financial Privacy Act (RFPA), which prevent financial institutions from sharing customer information without consent or a legal requirement. Intelius, being a public records aggregator, would not have access to private financial data unless it is publicly reported (for example, if a bank account is involved in a legal matter, such as bankruptcy proceedings or a court case).

If someone were involved in fraud or secret financial activities that resulted in legal action, Intelius might report on any relevant court records or judgments. However, Intelius cannot access or disclose the details of a person’s private, non-public bank accounts.

Conclusion

Intelius is a powerful tool for accessing a wide range of public records and background information. People use it for various purposes, including vetting individuals, verifying employment, and investigating criminal or financial histories. However, Intelius has its limitations: it can only provide data that is publicly available or legally accessible, and it cannot uncover hidden activities such as secret bank accounts or crimes that have not been recorded.

While Intelius is a useful tool for many purposes, it’s important to recognize its limitations and the privacy laws that govern the access and use of personal information. Whether you are using it for personal, professional, or legal reasons, understanding what Intelius can and cannot do is crucial when considering its use for background checks.