A Real Look at Ethical & Legal Background Checks for Private Clients

Introduction:

Let’s face it—background checks aren’t just for employers anymore. Whether you’re thinking about getting into business with someone, have concerns about a new relationship, or just want peace of mind before making a big decision, it’s smart to know who you’re dealing with. But before diving in, it’s just as important to understand what’s legal and what crosses the line.

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we take ethics and legality seriously. If you're in New York and considering a background check for personal reasons, here's what you should know.

 
So, What Is a Background Check Anyway?

A background check is essentially a way to gather and verify details about a person using public records and investigative tools. Private clients often want checks for things like:

• Learning more about a new romantic partner
• Checking if a roommate is trustworthy
• Verifying a business partner’s past
• Looking into potential fraud or shady behavior
• Making sure family members are safe

Unlike background checks done for jobs or rentals—which are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)—personal checks follow a different set of rules.

 
What the Law Says

If you’re a private individual hiring someone to run a background check, you still have to play by some strict legal rules. Here are a few key things to know:

1. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
This law mainly applies to employers and landlords, but parts of it matter for private checks too.

You can’t access someone’s credit report, Social Security number, or financial history unless you’ve got a legally valid reason—like if you’re serving court papers or doing legal skip tracing. Pretexting (pretending to be someone else to get info) is flat-out illegal under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. There needs to be a legitimate reason behind the background check—no digging into someone’s life just for curiosity or revenge.

2. New York’s Privacy Laws
New York is pretty strict when it comes to personal data. You can’t get access to things like:

• Medical records
• Bank or financial account details
• Sealed or expunged criminal records
• Credit reports (unless the person gives permission)

3. What’s Fair Game
There’s a big difference between public and private info. Legal background checks pull from sources like:

• Court and arrest records
• Property ownership
• Business licenses
• Social media
• Civil lawsuits
  If the information is public and legally accessible, it’s typically fair to use.

 
Ethics: Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should

Running a background check comes with responsibility. Being ethical means balancing your right to protect yourself with the other person’s right to privacy.

1. Think About Why You’re Doing It
Ask yourself:

• Am I doing this for a legitimate reason?
• Is this about safety or protecting myself/others?
• Will I use the info fairly?
• If it’s more about curiosity, jealousy, or control—that’s a red flag.

2. Respect Boundaries
Ethical investigators don’t:

• Hack accounts
• Use fake identities
• Spy on people in private spaces
• They stick to what's legal and open to the public.

3. Double-Check Everything
Bad info can do real harm. A good investigator will:

• Use more than one source
• Double-check facts before reporting anything
• Never spread rumors or unverified details

4. No Bias
Background checks should never be used to discriminate. Period.

5. Keep It Confidential
Handling sensitive info means protecting it. A professional won’t leak your data or share results with anyone who’s not authorized.

 
How We Do It at Easton Secure Solutions LLC

Here’s what you can expect from us:

We Follow the Law
We stick to public records, open-source tools, and vetted databases—nothing shady or questionable.

We Use Ethical Tactics
No hacking, no impersonating, no secret surveillance.

We Verify Identity
We help confirm names, phone numbers, emails, social accounts—you name it.

We Keep It Clear
You get reports that are honest, factual, and easy to understand. No fluff or wild assumptions.

We Make Sure You Understand
Before starting anything, we walk you through what’s legal and ethical so you’re never left in the dark.

 
When Should You Think About a Background Check?

Some common reasons our clients reach out:

• Dating someone new online and want to be sure they are who they say they are
• Starting a business and want to vet your potential partner
• Worried about fraud, scams, or manipulation
• Screening a new roommate or tenant
  Basically, if your safety, finances, or peace of mind are on the line, it may be worth looking into.

 
Final Thoughts
Background checks aren’t just about gathering facts—they’re about doing it the right way. If you need help making informed decisions without crossing ethical or legal lines, we’re here for you.

Need a background check done the right way?
Get in touch with Easton Secure Solutions LLC. We’ll treat your concerns with the care, privacy, and professionalism they deserve.

 
Contact Us Today
Visit Easton Secure Solutions LLC or call us to talk about your situation. Let’s figure out how we can help—ethically and legally.