Here is a Quick Start Guide to basic internet research.
- Do a GOOGLE search using the person’s name. Search their name along with the name of the town or city or State they reside in to narrow down your results. “True People Search” is also a good website to use.
- Make sure you ascertain the person’s birth date and middle initial in order to verify records. Many people have similar names.
- Look at the person’s social media profiles. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
- Look up COURT RECORDS – both State and Federal – for criminal convictions, civil lawsuits, and bankruptcies.
- Check the appropriate Recorder’s Office for property records and any recorded documents such as tax liens.
- Check the State Corporations and Business Licensing databases for current and past corporate and non profit ties and business licenses.
- If the person is affiliated with a non profit, review the non profit’s tax return.
- Do a Google search of the person’s email address.
- Do a Google search of the person’s social media “handles.”
- Check out their businesses (use the business’ legal name), partners and relatives/associates using all of the above techniques.
- Check Newspaper Archives – both newer and older. NOTE: Obituaries are very helpful for figuring out family relationships and middle names and approximate DOBs.
- Check Ancestry.com’s databases.
