6 Ways to Verify Someone’s Identity Before Making Big Decisions

When you interact with someone, whether online or offline, knowing their true identity can help you avoid risks. Trust is an incredible thing—it builds relationships, opens doors, and fuels opportunities. But let's be real: trusting the wrong person can lead to sleepless nights, awkward conversations, or worse, financial chaos. 

In 2023, consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). That's not just a number. It's a hard-earned vacation fund, a kid's college savings, or a dream business slipping away. If you're hiring, buying, or even meeting someone new, verifying who you're dealing with is a smart and non-negotiable move.

Why Verifying Identity is a Must

Knowing who you're dealing with can help you avoid risks and make smarter decisions. Here are three reasons why verifying identity is a must before making big decisions:

1. Avoiding Scams in Online Transactions

Online scams are no longer clunky schemes with typos and poorly edited photos. Today's fraudsters are slicker than ever, and they're banking on your trust (literally). The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported a jaw-dropping $12.5 billion loss in 2023 alone. 

2. Protecting Yourself During Hiring Processes

Hiring someone for a job isn't just about skill—it's about trust. Imagine the frustration of investing time and resources in a new hire only to discover their qualifications were fabricated. These minor inconveniences can jeopardize team morale and business operations. 

A CareerBuilder survey found that 58% of employers caught candidates stretching the truth. Background checks, especially those diving into criminal and civil records, help prevent those "What was I thinking?" moments and ensure you're making informed decisions.

3. Ensuring Personal Safety

Meeting someone for personal reasons, whether for a networking coffee or a first date, can be exciting and nerve-wracking. But what if the charming smile hides a not-so-charming past? A report by Sumsub in 2023 highlighted a tenfold surge in global deepfake incidents, proving that verifying someone's identity is no longer optional. Identity verification tools can give you the facts—no catfish allowed.

6 Ways to Verify Someone's Identity

There are reliable tools and methods to check someone's identity. These options are easy to use and give you peace of mind before committing to anything. Let's dive into the most effective ways:

1. Ask for Official Identification

Asking for ID might feel old school, but there's a reason it works. A government-issued ID like a driver's license or passport is a quick way to ensure someone isn't bluffing. Fun fact: According to the Department of Homeland Security, verifying government-issued IDs reduces identity fraud risks dramatically. The only catch is, people can fake IDs, too. 

2. Use People Search Tools

People search services are like your friend who's always two steps ahead. Got a name or phone number? These tools dig up everything from address history to aliases, giving you the confidence to move forward (or back away).

3. Run a Background Check

Background checks go beyond the surface, diving into criminal records, civil cases, previous address history, phone numbers, emails, licenses, financial standing insights, licenses, and even eviction records. They're the real MVPs for individuals, employers, legal firms, landlords, or anyone looking to avoid "hidden surprises." 

In 2023, HireRight's Annual Benchmark Report found that 72% of employers used background checks to prevent workplace nightmares.

4. Conduct a Skip Trace

Skip tracing isn't just for bounty hunters in action movies. It's a practical way to locate someone's current addresses and legitimate contact information. Whether you're chasing an old friend or verifying a new acquaintance, skip tracing tools ensure you're on the right trail.

5. Verify Online Profiles

Scrolling through someone's social media might feel a little nosy, but it's a goldmine for verification. According to Hootsuite, over 4.7 billion people use social media worldwide, making it a reliable starting point. Look for consistency in details, endorsements, and connections—and if their profile screams "scammy vibes," trust your gut.

6. SSN and Name Match

When it comes to verifying identity with precision, SSN and Name Match tools stand out. This service operates like an alternative to eVerify, checking whether the Social Security Number and name combination you provide align correctly. 

Ideal for situations where accuracy is critical, this search ensures peace of mind as a professional researcher carefully reviews each result. Whether you're hiring, conducting a background check, or verifying an applicant or policy holder, this tool adds a layer of assurance that's hard to match.

When to Use Identity Verification Tools

Different situations call for different tools. Below are some examples where identity verification is helpful:

• Online Marketplaces

Buying or selling online often feels like a leap of faith. Picture finding the perfect deal on Craigslist, only to realize the seller vanishes faster than a magician after you send payment. It's heartbreaking when it involves significant sums or sentimental items. 

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) lists online purchase scams among the top three fraud types. Using people search or background check tools provides clarity, helping ensure you're dealing with someone trustworthy and keeping your hard-earned money safe.

• Rental Agreements

Whether you're a landlord or tenant, trust is key in rental agreements. Landlords can verify tenants' financial reliability, while tenants can confirm property ownership. TransUnion's data shows that 41% of landlords have dealt with non-paying tenants—proof that verification pays off.

• Business Partnerships

Starting a business partnership is like getting married without the cake. Do your homework. Background checks reveal lawsuits, financial instability, or other issues that might be kept hidden from you. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that small businesses lose an average of $79,000 annually to employee dishonesty. 

• Online Dating

Meeting someone from an online dating app should be fun, not a safety hazard. Statista's survey found that 20% of online daters experienced harassment. Tools like people search, reverse phone lookup, background checks, or social media checks can help you avoid impostors and creeps.

• Employment Screening

Nobody wants to hire trouble. Thorough identity verification ensures you avoid fraud, negligence, and misconduct. The FTC's 2023 Consumer Sentinel Network reported over 5.39 million fraud cases, with identity theft making up 19%. Don't let your workplace add to those numbers.

Tips for Accurate Identity Verification

To ensure your identity verification efforts are effective, consider these strategies when choosing the right tools and methods for your situation.

1. Always Use Reliable Tools

Free tools might save you a buck, but they often miss the mark. Invest in paid services for reliable people searches, background checks, or skip tracing. The National Consumer Law Center advises sticking to trusted sources to avoid unreliable or outdated data. 

2. Double-Check Data

Cross-referencing is your best friend. If a people search tool gives you an address, confirm it through official records or direct contact. It's better to spend extra time now than regret it later.

3. Prioritize Privacy

Identity verification shouldn't feel invasive. Use ethical methods and respect privacy laws. The American Bar Association stresses that compliance with data privacy laws isn't just moral—it's mandatory.

Conclusion

Identity verification not only gives you peace of mind, it also allows you to make informed decisions you can stand behind. Whether you’re buying a car, hiring an employee, or just swiping right, knowing who’s on the other side makes all the difference. 

People search, background checks, and skip tracing tools aren’t just for detectives; anyone can use them to navigate today’s unpredictable world with confidence.

So, the next time you’re faced with an important decision, take a moment to verify. Trust is earned, not given—and with the right tools, you can ensure it’s well-placed every single time.