Search Living People

There are many prevailing misconceptions regarding the use of online tools to search for living people. Many approach these tools with “morally questionable” intentions, such as stalking a crush, stealing identities, and finding private information about people they know. However, even those with legitimate concerns about the people they fraternize with and/or would like to hire / live with / get into a relationships with would do well to read and understand the uses of living people searches.

Living people search engines cannot be used to evaluate someone for a job, credit, or insurance. For these matters, you will have to do it the “old-school” way, and actually interview them and/or asses them with your own tools. You can, however, discover if particular person was in prison or has a questionable track record with the law. Similarly, people searches might help you understand whether your nanny did time, but not whether she is agreeable and knows how to take loving care of your child. Here are common uses for people search engines:

Perhaps the most important guideline to keep in mind is this: use common sense. You cannot find the information required to hire or enter a romantic relationship with someone based on public records. These records might help you eliminate choices and verify information, but they should not be used as the sole source of information, especially in these important matters. They are a supplement to the information you gather by meeting and interviewing (or dating) the person, not a replacement to it.