Background Checks California

Submit your investigation request today – whether it’s surveillance, background checks, missing persons, or fraud cases, our licensed private investigators will review your case and provide discreet, professional support

 

Professional Background Check Investigations - Deep Dive Research

That new nanny seems perfect. Your daughter’s boyfriend is “such a nice guy.” The investment partner has an impressive LinkedIn. But what aren’t they telling you? In our experience, about 1 in 3 people hide something significant from their past – bankruptcies, criminal records, lawsuits, even fake degrees.

We’ve conducted over 2,000 background investigations since 2012. Unlike those instant online checks that miss 70% of relevant information, our licensed investigators access restricted databases, verify claims personally, and dig deep into public records across multiple jurisdictions. When you need to know who someone really is – not just who they say they are – we find the truth.

Types of Background Checks We Perform

  • Pre-Employment Screening – Verify credentials, employment history, criminal records, and references
  • Tenant Background Checks – Eviction history, credit problems, criminal records, previous landlord issues
  • Pre-Marital/Dating Investigations – Marriage history, financial problems, criminal past, hidden children
  • Business Partner Due Diligence – Litigation history, bankruptcies, reputation, actual net worth
  • Nanny/Caregiver Screening – Criminal history, driving records, references, social media behavior
  • Executive Background Checks – Deep dive including reputation, associations, and potential scandals

 

  • Online Dating Verification – Confirm identity, marital status, employment, and check for red flags

What Our Background Investigations Uncover

Real background checks go way beyond basic criminal records. Here’s what we actually investigate:

  • Criminal History – Arrests, convictions, warrants in all counties lived (not just current)
  • Civil Court Records – Lawsuits, judgments, restraining orders, divorces, custody battles
  • Financial Background – Bankruptcies, liens, foreclosures, credit issues, asset verification
  • Employment Verification – Actual titles, dates, reasons for leaving, eligibility for rehire
  • Education Verification – Degrees earned, attendance dates, accreditation status
  • Professional Licenses – Current status, disciplinary actions, complaints, suspensions
  • Address History – Where they’ve really lived, property ownership, evictions
  • Social Media Deep Dive – Hidden profiles, concerning behavior, lifestyle verification
  • Reference Checks – Actually calling references plus finding references they didn’t provide
  • News/Media Searches – Any mentions in news articles, blogs, or public forums

Standard online checks miss most of this. We find it all.

Red Flags We've Uncovered in Background Checks

After thousands of investigations, here are real examples of what we’ve found:

Employment Screening

  • “Harvard MBA” who never attended Harvard (or any college)
  • “Former VP” who was actually a junior sales rep
  • “Clean record” with three felony convictions in another state
  • “10 years experience” who was in prison for 5 of those years

Dating/Marriage Screening

  • “Divorced entrepreneur” still married with kids in another city
  • “Investment banker” actually unemployed for 2 years
  • “No kids” has 3 children and owes $50k in child support
  • “Single” with 4 restraining orders from previous relationships

Tenant Screening

  • “Great previous tenant” evicted 3 times in last 5 years
  • “Stable income” fired from last 4 jobs
  • “No pets” posts daily Instagram photos with 5 dogs
  • “Non-smoker” has multiple social media photos smoking inside

Business Partner Screening

  • “Successful entrepreneur” with 3 business bankruptcies
  • “Industry expert” never worked in the industry
  • “Well-connected” being sued by 12 former partners
  • “Millionaire investor” living in mom’s basement

Cost of Background Check Investigations

Professional background checks cost more than $29 internet searches because we actually investigate:

  • Basic Background Check – $350-500 – Criminal, credit, employment verification
  • Standard Background Check – $750-1,200 – Adds civil records, education, references
  • Comprehensive Investigation – $1,500-2,500 – Full investigation including surveillance if needed
  • Executive/Deep Dive – $3,000-5,000 – Complete life history, reputation, associations
  • Rush Service – Additional 50% – Results within 24-48 hours
  • International Checks – $1,500-3,500 – Investigations in other countries

Compared to a bad hire ($50k+), dangerous tenant ($10k+ damages), or fraudulent partner (everything), professional background checks are cheap insurance. View detailed pricing →

Why Professional Investigators Beat Online Background Checks

Those instant online background check sites? Here’s what they don’t tell you:

  • Missing Records – Only check current state, miss 60-70% of criminal records
  • No Verification – Don’t verify if “John Smith” is YOUR John Smith
  • Outdated Information – Databases can be years behind actual records
  • No Context – Arrest record doesn’t tell you charges were dropped
  • Limited Scope – Don’t check civil courts, references, or social media
  • False Positives – Confuse your subject with others who have same name
  • No Analysis – Raw data without investigation or interpretation

 

We had a client who ran an online check showing “clean record.” Our investigation found two assault convictions and an active warrant. The online check searched the wrong county.

Our Background Investigation Process

  • Initial Consultation – Call (714) 504-5554 to discuss your needs and concerns
  • Subject Identification – Gather complete identifying information to ensure accurate results
  • Database Searches – Access restricted law enforcement and professional databases
  • Court Records Review – Physical checks of relevant courthouses when needed
  • Verification Phase – Personally verify employment, education, and references
  • Social Media Investigation – Deep dive into online presence and behavior
  • Analysis & Red Flags – Identify concerns and inconsistencies
  • Comprehensive Report – Detailed findings with supporting documentation

Legal Compliance & FCRA Regulations

Background checks have strict legal requirements we always follow:

  • FCRA Compliance – Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements for employment screening
  • Permissible Purpose – Legal reasons required for credit and certain records
  • Disclosure Requirements – When and how subjects must be notified
  • California Specific Laws – Ban the Box, salary history, cannabis use restrictions
  • Privacy Protection – Secure handling of sensitive personal information
  • Record Retention – Proper storage and disposal of investigation records

 

DIY background checks often violate these laws. We ensure full compliance while maximizing legal information gathering.

Industries & Situations Requiring Background Checks

Employers Avoid negligent hiring lawsuits. One bad hire can cost $50,000+ between training, termination, and replacement.

Property Managers/Landlords Prevent property damage, evictions, and problem tenants. One bad tenant can cost $10,000+ in damages and lost rent.

Families Nannies, caregivers, tutors – anyone with access to your children or elderly parents needs thorough screening.

Dating/Relationships Before moving in together, getting married, or introducing them to your kids – know who they really are.

Investors/Businesses Before signing partnership agreements or investing money, verify their track record and claims.

Attorneys Witness credibility, opposing party assets, jury selection – background investigations support better legal strategies.

Why You Can't Afford NOT to Run Background Checks

Here’s the reality: people lie. Studies show 40% of resumes contain false information. 1 in 4 people have criminal records. Financial fraud is at an all-time high. That charming person might be exactly who they seem – or they might be your worst nightmare.

The cost of not knowing:

  • Bad Employee – Theft, lawsuits, workplace violence, reputation damage
  • Dangerous Tenant – Property destruction, non-payment, legal eviction costs
  • Fraudulent Partner – Lost investment, ruined credit, legal battles
  • Wrong Caregiver – Child endangerment, elder abuse, theft
  • Hidden Past Relationship – Domestic violence, financial ruin, custody battles

One proper background check could save you from years of problems and thousands in losses.

Fast Investigative Services

At Above Limits Investigations, we understand that time is often of the essence. Whether you’re dealing with a personal matter or a complex corporate issue, our team of skilled investigators is equipped to handle cases swiftly without compromising on quality. Our streamlined processes and advanced technological tools enable us to gather and analyze information quickly, providing you with the answers you need in a timely manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do background checks take? Basic checks 2-3 days. Comprehensive investigations 5-7 days. Rush service available for urgent needs.

Are background checks legal without permission? Depends on purpose. Employment/tenant screening requires consent. Personal investigations often don’t.

What if someone has a common name? We use multiple identifiers (SSN, DOB, addresses) to ensure we’re investigating the right person.

Can you check records in other states? Yes, we check all states where subject has lived, worked, or traveled frequently.

Do you provide international background checks? Yes, through our network of licensed investigators worldwide.

Will the subject know they’re being investigated? For employment/tenant screening, yes (legally required). For personal investigations, no.

What shows up on a background check? Everything from criminal records to social media, depending on investigation depth. We find what others miss.

Can you remove negative information? No, we report facts. But we provide context that might explain negative records.

Why You Can't Afford NOT to Run Background ChecksAdd Your Heading Text Here

Here’s the reality: people lie. Studies show 40% of resumes contain false information. 1 in 4 people have criminal records. Financial fraud is at an all-time high. That charming person might be exactly who they seem – or they might be your worst nightmare.

The cost of not knowing:

  • Bad Employee – Theft, lawsuits, workplace violence, reputation damage
  • Dangerous Tenant – Property destruction, non-payment, legal eviction costs
  • Fraudulent Partner – Lost investment, ruined credit, legal battles
  • Wrong Caregiver – Child endangerment, elder abuse, theft
  • Hidden Past Relationship – Domestic violence, financial ruin, custody battles

One proper background check could save you from years of problems and thousands in losses.

Know Who You're Really Dealing With - Get the Complete Truth

Don’t gamble with your safety, money, or family. Know exactly who you’re letting into your life or business.

Call (714) 504-5554 for confidential consultation. Available 24/7.

Or start your background check online with our secure form.

Licensed investigators ready to reveal what others hide. Because everyone looks good on paper until you investigate.

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Frequently Asked Questions