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What is typically included in a basic background check?

  1. Civil records search

  2. Friends references

  3. Health history

  4. Social media accounts

The correct answer is: Civil records search

A basic background check primarily includes a civil records search as it provides essential information regarding an individual's legal history. This search may reveal civil litigation records, including lawsuits, judgments, and any other legal proceedings that are public. Such information is crucial for private investigators when assessing the reliability, trustworthiness, or potential risks related to a person. While references from friends, health history, and social media accounts can offer additional insight, they are not standard components of a basic background check. Friend references may not provide objective or comprehensive information, health history pertains more to personal privacy and medical records which are often protected by law, and social media accounts may reflect a person’s online behavior but vary widely in credibility and relevance compared to formal civil records. Therefore, focusing on civil records provides a more structured and legally pertinent overview when conducting a background check.