Truthed was created with one simple mission: to provide the public with comprehensive, accurate background check reports at the click of a button, without breaking the bank.
However, with great tools come great responsibility. Enter the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) — a law passed in 1970 to regulate the legal use of consumer information filed by consumer reporting agencies. This law is focused on ensuring accuracy, fair use, and privacy for individuals.
Before using Truthed, please read this guide to better understand the legal parameters surrounding the use of background reports:
Illegal Use:
Screening Potential Employees for Any Job
The background reports you obtain through Truthed cannot be used to determine a person’s eligibility for any job position, promotion, demotion, etc. If it involves employment, do not use Truthed.
Hiring People to Work at Your Home
Household workers are considered employees, and as such, fall under the same guidelines for hiring practices. Babysitters, hospice caretakers, nannies, gardeners, landscapers, and others cannot be screened using Truthed.
Educational Admissions & Scholarships
You cannot use Truthed to make decisions regarding a potential student’s admission to a school or educational program, nor can it be used for screening scholarships.
Screening Tenants
If you are a landlord, property manager, or developer, do not use Truthed to screen tenants for residential or commercial properties. It is illegal, and we take this violation seriously.
Extending Credit & Qualifying for Insurance
Do not use Truthed to assess someone’s eligibility for credit or insurance policies. These evaluations require legal methods that Truthed does not provide.
Customer-Initiated Business Transactions
If you’re reviewing customer accounts to determine whether the customer is meeting the agreed-upon terms, do not use Truthed for this purpose. It is illegal.
Using Truthed for any of the above illegal purposes not only violates our Terms & Conditions, but it also violates the law. Violations may result in account termination and potential reporting to law enforcement agencies.
Legal and Acceptable Uses:
Finding Your Long-Lost Friend — Go for It!
Looking to reconnect with an old friend or loved one? Truthed can help you track them down! Whether it’s a high school sweetheart or a long-lost neighbor, we can assist you in making that reunion happen.
Screening Your Tenants — STOP Right There!
This is a job for a Consumer Reporting Agency, not Truthed! Do not use Truthed for tenant screening, as it is illegal.
Checking Out a Potential Roommate — Go for It!
If you’re considering a new roommate and want to learn more about them, Truthed can provide valuable insights before you sign that lease.
Identity Theft — STOP Right There!
Identity theft is a serious crime, and Truthed is not intended for this purpose. Using our service for identity theft investigations is illegal and may result in criminal penalties.
Running a Check on Your Online Date — Go for It!
Meeting someone online? It’s always a good idea to run a background check on your date before meeting in person. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Employer Background Checks — STOP Right There!
As an employer, you cannot use Truthed for business-related background checks. This includes both prospective and current employees.
Obtaining Public Court Records — Go for It!
If you need access to public court records, Truthed can make it simple and easy. Forget the hassle of physically searching for them — we’ve got you covered!
Screening Household Workers for Employment — STOP Right There!
Just like employment screening, you cannot use Truthed to check household workers like babysitters, nannies, or personal caregivers. If you’re hiring, Truthed is not the legal tool for that.
Checking Out Online Buyers and Sellers — Go for It!
Planning to buy or sell an item online? If you’re meeting in person, it’s smart to run a background check for safety. Don’t hesitate — it’s worth it.
Qualifying Someone for a Mortgage, Credit Line, or Insurance — STOP Right There!
You cannot use Truthed for assessing eligibility for mortgages, credit lines, or insurance policies. This is illegal and violates our Terms & Conditions.
The Self Search — Go for It!
One of the most common uses for Truthed is to check your own public records. If you don’t know what’s out there, you might be at risk for mistakes or errors. Arm yourself with the knowledge to protect your future.
Stalking or Spying on Someone — STOP Right There!
Everyone deserves their privacy. Using Truthed to stalk or spy on someone is not acceptable. Use the information responsibly and ethically.
Getting a Person’s Current Address — Go for It!
If you’ve lost touch with someone and need to send them a card or invitation, you can use Truthed to find their current address. We’re here to help connect people!
Contacting Someone Who Has Explicitly Told You Not to — STOP Right There!
If someone has asked you not to contact them, respect their wishes. Truthed should never be used to harass or violate someone’s privacy.
Other Common Uses for Truthed:
- Concerned about a stranger hanging around your home? Run a check.
- Looking for an old friend you lost touch with? We can help.
- Curious about the driver for your kids’ carpool? Check their background.
- Want to clear outdated information from your address book? Truthed can help.
- Searching for your biological parent? We can assist.
- Need to verify a criminal record expungement? Let us help.
- Looking for specific court documents? Access them through Truthed.
- Receiving calls from a strange number? Use our reverse phone lookup to find out who it is.
- Investigating a news story and need reliable information? Truthed is a great resource.
- Want to know more about your new neighbors? Truthed provides local insights.
If You Need a Consumer Reporting Agency, Visit:
- Credit:
- TransUnion
- Equifax
- Experian
- Employment:
- GoodHire
If you're unsure whether your intended use of Truthed is legal, please read our Terms & Conditions page. And if you have questions, feel free to contact us — we're here 24/7 to assist you.
If you need public records for any reason that is deemed illegal or not permitted by Truthed, we recommend you visit an official Consumer Reporting Agency.
