{"id":18294,"date":"2019-04-23T16:09:53","date_gmt":"2019-04-23T16:09:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalpardon.org\/?p=18294"},"modified":"2019-04-23T16:09:53","modified_gmt":"2019-04-23T16:09:53","slug":"free-background-check-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.nationalpardon.org\/?p=18294","title":{"rendered":"How to Do a Free Background Check on Someone in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether it\u2019s to obtain information about a potential employee, caregiver or even a romantic partner, background checks are a useful tool at anyone\u2019s disposal. Running a free background check on someone is a perfectly valid course of action and shouldn\u2019t be approached with any hesitation or negative connotations, such as being paranoid or invasive.<\/p>\n

That being said, there are two main ways to conduct a background check in Canada: by obtaining an official RCMP background check, or by performing an informal, free background check online.<\/p>\n

How to Check a Criminal Record in Canada for Free<\/h2>\n

An RCMP background check is the only official way to perform a criminal background check on someone in Canada. The RCMP database is the only information network in Canada which has access to criminal records.<\/p>\n

Obtaining an RCMP background check normally involves a fee. In most cases, when someone needs to provide a criminal record check for the purpose of employment of volunteering, the cost will come from their own pocket.<\/p>\n

In some cases, one could obtain a free criminal record check in Canada by applying for a job in which the company conducts the check at their expense. However, the applicant won\u2019t necessarily be given the results of the check in this case.<\/p>\n

The only truly free alternative to an official RCMP background check<\/a> is to conduct an online search. This will of course require more effort and skill to achieve.<\/p>\n

Online or Free Background Checks in Canada<\/h2>\n

An online background check is a free way to learn about a person, but won\u2019t necessarily reveal any criminal activity \u2013 an official online criminal record check in Canada isn\u2019t free. However, one can learn a lot about someone simply through the information that can be freely found online.<\/p>\n

In some cases, all one might need to start is an online handle or nickname. Ideally, starting with more information about the person can yield better results.<\/p>\n

What Is Needed to Perform an Online Background Check<\/h2>\n
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  1. The person\u2019s full name<\/li>\n
  2. Photos of the person if possible<\/li>\n
  3. The person\u2019s address or phone number if possible<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Performing an online background check essentially involves exploring a person\u2019s \u201cdigital footprint\u201d across a variety of platforms and networks. When dealing with younger people such as millennials, this can be a relatively easier task as they tend to have more established and widespread web presences.<\/p>\n

    An older or more cautious person may not have as much information posted online, and may not even use certain major social networks like Facebook and Twitter. However, for most people, even if they are relatively concerned about their privacy, a significant amount of information can be found by conducting the right search.<\/p>\n

    Tips on Where to Start<\/h2>\n

    The best places to start, especially if you have the person\u2019s name or online handle, are search engines and social networks. The top 4 sites to begin any search are:<\/p>\n