How Deep Do Background Checks Go? What PIs Can & Can’t Find

Understanding Background Checks

Background checks are an essential tool used by employers, landlords, and individuals to verify a person’s history and credentials. However, many people have misconceptions about how deep these checks go and what private investigators (PIs) can and cannot legally uncover.

What Private Investigators Can Find

Private investigators can access public criminal records, including arrests, convictions, warrants, and sex offender registry information. However, some states have restrictions on reporting older records or non-convictions.

Employment history can be verified through public records, references, and social media, but employers are not obligated to disclose sensitive details, such as reasons for termination, without consent.

Civil lawsuits, bankruptcy filings, and judgments are typically part of a background check, providing insight into financial responsibility and past legal disputes.

Address and residency history can be tracked using property records, credit reports, and utility records to confirm a person’s place of residence over time.

Degrees and certifications can be verified through direct contact with institutions, though private investigators cannot access transcripts without the individual’s permission.

Social media and online activity can be analyzed using publicly available posts, blogs, and digital footprints to build a profile of a person’s online behavior.

What Private Investigators Cannot Find

Sealed or expunged records will not appear in a background check as courts remove access to these documents.

Medical records are protected by privacy laws like HIPAA, making it illegal for PIs to access a person’s medical history, diagnoses, or treatments without explicit consent.

Credit scores are not accessible without the individual’s written permission, though financial records such as bankruptcies or liens can be uncovered.

Confidential government records, such as classified or restricted military service details, cannot be accessed by private investigators.

Private communications, including emails, text messages, and phone records, are protected under privacy laws and cannot be obtained without a subpoena or court order.

How Deep Should a Background Check Go?

The depth of a background check depends on the purpose. Employers may require more extensive screening, while personal background checks might focus on criminal history and online presence. Private investigators tailor searches to the client’s needs, ensuring they operate within legal boundaries while uncovering valuable information.

Final Thoughts

While background checks provide crucial insights, they are bound by legal limitations. If you need a comprehensive and legally conducted background check, Roland Investigations is here to help. Our team ensures thorough, ethical investigations to give you peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about our background check services.

By Roland Investigations 2-10-2025