In today's world, ensuring personal safety is more important than ever. Whether you're hiring a new nanny, entering into a business partnership, or considering an online relationship, knowing who you're dealing with is crucial. This is where professional private investigators come in. At Lewis Investigations, we specialize in conducting thorough background checks to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into how private investigators conduct background checks and why they are essential for personal safety.

The Importance of Background Checks for Personal Safety
Background checks are a critical tool for verifying an individual’s identity, past behavior, and potential risks. While many online background check services claim to provide quick results, they often lack accuracy and depth. A professional private investigator, however, has access to resources and databases that the general public cannot use.
Whether you're hiring a caregiver, going on a date, or renting property to someone, a background check helps ensure your safety and peace of mind. Lewis Investigations offers detailed and discreet background investigations tailored to your needs, ensuring you make the safest choices possible.
How Private Investigators Gather Information
Private investigators use a combination of public records, specialized databases, and investigative techniques to collect and verify information. Here’s an overview of how we conduct our background checks:
1. Accessing Public Records
One of the first steps in a background check is searching public records. These records can include:
- Criminal records (arrests, convictions, outstanding warrants)
- Court records (civil lawsuits, restraining orders, bankruptcies)
- Property records (ownership history, liens)
- Business registrations (to verify legitimacy)
By analyzing these records, we can uncover any red flags that might pose a risk to you or your loved ones. This is especially crucial for those who are hiring employees, entering relationships, or allowing someone into their home.
2. Verifying Employment and Education History
Many people exaggerate or falsify their resumes, making it crucial to verify employment and education history. Our team contacts past employers and academic institutions to confirm credentials, ensuring the person in question has been honest about their background. This step is essential in preventing fraud and ensuring the trustworthiness of individuals in positions of responsibility.
3. Checking Social Media and Online Presence
A person's digital footprint can reveal a lot about their character. We conduct thorough social media investigations, checking for:
- Inappropriate or suspicious online activity
- Connections to concerning individuals or groups
- Contradictions between their online persona and real-life actions
Social media platforms often provide insights that traditional records cannot. For example, an individual might present themselves one way in official documents but engage in harmful or illegal activities online. By analyzing posts, comments, and connections, we can detect potential risks.
4. Surveillance and In-Person Investigations
In some cases, online and document-based checks aren’t enough. When necessary, we conduct discreet surveillance and in-person investigations to verify someone's behavior. This is especially useful for:
- Monitoring suspicious individuals
- Confirming residence and daily routines
- Identifying undisclosed relationships or activities
Our team at Lewis Investigations ensures that all surveillance is conducted ethically and within legal boundaries. This step is often crucial in child custody cases, infidelity investigations, and fraud detection.
5. Conducting Reference and Character Checks
A crucial part of any background check is speaking with references and people who have interacted with the subject in personal or professional settings. We reach out to former colleagues, landlords, neighbors, and acquaintances to gather insights into their character, reliability, and potential risks. This step provides a well-rounded view of the individual beyond what records and digital data can offer.
Why Hire a Private Investigator Instead of Doing It Yourself?
Many people attempt to conduct background checks on their own using search engines or free online databases. However, DIY background checks often miss critical information and may even produce inaccurate results. Here’s why hiring a professional investigator like Lewis Investigations is the better choice:
- Access to exclusive databases: We use law enforcement-grade resources that aren’t available to the public.
- Experience in analysis: Our investigators know how to interpret complex records and identify red flags.
- Legal compliance: We ensure all investigations are conducted ethically and legally to protect your rights.
- Discretion and confidentiality: Unlike online services, our investigations are private and secure.
- Comprehensive insights: Our experience allows us to uncover patterns and connections that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Additionally, professional investigators have the expertise to interpret data correctly. Misinterpretation of records or online information can lead to false assumptions and poor decisions. Our team ensures that all findings are presented clearly and accurately, giving you reliable information to act on.
Real-Life Scenarios Where Background Checks Matter
To understand the value of a professional background check, consider these real-world scenarios:
- Hiring a nanny or caregiver: You need to ensure that the person responsible for your loved ones has no history of violence, abuse, or fraud.
- Online dating and new relationships: Many individuals misrepresent themselves online. A background check can reveal past criminal activity or deception.
- Renting out property: Landlords can protect their investments by screening tenants for financial and legal risks.
- Business partnerships: Verifying the credentials and history of potential partners prevents financial loss and fraud.
- Child custody battles: If an ex-partner is unfit to care for a child, a background check can provide evidence to support custody claims.
Contact Lewis Investigations for Expert Background Checks
We prioritize your security and tranquility above all else. If you need a thorough and professional background check, Lewis Investigations is here to help. Our experienced team in Independence, OH ensures you get accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions.
Call us today at (440) 392-9009 to discuss your background check needs. We do corporate investigations, insurance investigations, personal investigations, and polygraphs. Let us help you uncover the truth and protect what matters most.
FAQs
How long does a background check take?
The timeframe varies depending on the depth of the investigation, but most background checks take between a few days to two weeks to complete. More complex cases may take longer.
Can a private investigator access sealed or expunged records?
No, private investigators cannot access sealed or expunged records. However, we can look at surrounding circumstances and other available data to uncover relevant information that may hint at past legal issues.
Will the person being investigated know they are under a background check?
No, our investigations are conducted discreetly and confidentially. The subject will not be notified unless required by law. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need without raising suspicion.
What information do I need to provide for a background check?
We typically need the full name, date of birth, and any known addresses of the person you want investigated. Additional details such as previous employment or social media handles can help us conduct a more thorough search.
Can background checks be used in court cases?
Yes, the information gathered by a private investigator can be used as evidence in legal proceedings, including child custody cases, fraud investigations, and employment disputes. However, it must be collected legally and ethically.