Instant background checks are available through various companies for anyone to look up information on someone else instantly. Usually all that is needed is a name and last name, although an address and phone number often help narrow the search. Social security numbers are also important Going on a date? Entering into a small yet important business situation? Instant background checks will help find out the address history, phone numbers, possible aliases, and neighbors of anyone in the country. Thanks to the nations pool of public records, it is possible to check up on anyone right from home, instantly. The check ups will also often include criminal and civil and marriage records and databases usually search current utility company records, business records, court records, county records, address change records, property records, and many other publicly viewable records. Some other reasons an instant background check might come in handy include finding an old college room mate or colleague, checking the background on a contractor, getting information on a nanny, or even, getting to know a boyfriend or girlfriend better. Sometimes knowing something in a person's background can help save a life before it is too late. Instant background checks can also help people check up on themselves! When entering an application, whether it be for employment or rental, its good to find out what will show up when the potential employer or landlord's does a background check. Over the last decade, many internet based companies have been apt and efficient in providing instant background checks.