Background Investigations Flashcards
7 cards from real Private Investigator Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Background Investigations flashcards as text
Which type of commercial database do private investigators most commonly use to search a subject's address history, phone numbers, relatives, and associates?
Answer: Commercial aggregator databases such as Accurint or TLO
Commercial aggregator databases like Accurint and TLO compile public records and proprietary data to produce comprehensive personal history reports used widely by investigators.
In the context of background investigations, 'due diligence' is best defined as which of the following?
Answer: A thorough and reasonable investigation proportional to the risk level of the situation
Due diligence means conducting a thorough, reasonable investigation that is proportional to the nature and level of risk associated with the particular matter being investigated.
Which federal database provides public access to civil judgments, liens, and bankruptcy cases filed in federal courts?
Answer: PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
PACER is the federal judiciary's publicly accessible electronic records system covering all federal court filings, including civil cases, judgments, and bankruptcies.
When verifying a subject's claimed military service, which agency or repository should a PI contact to obtain official confirmation?
Answer: National Personnel Records Center (National Archives)
The National Personnel Records Center, managed by the National Archives and Records Administration, maintains official military service records and can verify service claims.
What is the primary purpose of conducting a social media background check as part of a broader background investigation?
Answer: To gather publicly available information about character, behavior, and associations
Social media background checks review publicly available posts, photos, and associations to assess a subject's character and behavior, supplementing traditional records searches.
Under what legal circumstance may a private investigator lawfully access sealed court records?
Answer: Only pursuant to a valid court order
Sealed court records are restricted by judicial order and can only be accessed through a subsequent court order specifically authorizing their release.
Which type of lien appearing in a property records search would indicate that a subject has unpaid federal or state taxes?
Answer: Tax lien filed by a government authority
Federal and state tax liens are filed against a taxpayer's property when taxes owed are not paid and are recorded in property records, making them discoverable in title searches.