Peopletrail background check service review

Peopletrail is a background check service with over two decades of experience in the industry, having been established in 1994. The company operates across various sectors and specializes in pre-employment background checks. They offer a range of services, including verifications, volunteer background screenings, criminal record checks, and drug testing.

• Want to try Peopletrail? Check out the website here

Peopletrail provides its services for a number of top corporations, including Intel, Whirlpool, Office Depot and Amazon. It has headquarters in Draper, Utah and has served over 20,000 businesses, with over 100,000 searches completed, and an impressive customer retention rate of 99.5%.

Peopletrail has a consumer facing division of the company that uses the name Consumer Credentials.

Plans and pricing

Peopletrail's pricing structure varies based on the type of background check and the level of detail required. They offer different packages for personal background checks, categorized as Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each providing increasing levels of detail and corresponding costs. For instance, personal background checks typically range from approximately $19.95 to $59.95.

For more in-depth background checks, such as those used for political candidates, prices can be significantly higher, reaching up to $295. Furthermore, factors like county court record searches, nationwide database searches, and specific verifications (such as employment and education) can influence the final price.

It's also essential to keep in mind that access fees from various data providers, including courts and DMVs, are often passed on to the customer, contributing to the overall expense. As a result, the total cost can vary considerably based on the specific requirements of the background check.

Features

Peopletrail has many options for features, but you get the ones that correspond to the tier chosen. The lowest tier is pretty paltry, so it makes sense to move up to a higher tier, unless the need for the background check is pretty basic.

The social media search is well done. Not only does it identify the social media accounts of the individual, but it also analyzes content via AI to identify things like hate speech, obscene language and bullying.

Interface and in use

Peopletrail offers a range of features tailored to various needs, but the availability of these features is dependent on the subscription tier you select. The lowest tier provides only the most basic capabilities, which could be insufficient for those seeking more comprehensive background checks. It may be more beneficial to upgrade to a higher tier for those who require detailed and nuanced information, especially if the background check isn't just a simple formality.

One standout feature of Peopletrail is its social media search functionality. This service not only identifies the social media accounts associated with the individual but also leverages advanced AI technology to analyze the content found on those platforms. This analysis aims to detect sensitive issues such as hate speech, obscenity, and bullying, providing users with a clearer picture of the individual’s online presence and behavior.

The user interface for Peopletrail is designed with simplicity in mind, favoring a clean and straightforward layout over flashy graphics and complex navigation. For individual users, the process of initiating a background check is seamless: you select the tier that suits your needs, make the payment, and then input the required details about the person you wish to investigate. This can include their name, Social Security Number, address, and phone number. The entire setup process takes just a few minutes, making it accessible even for those who may not be tech-savvy.

Once the search is complete, results are delivered according to the timeline specified in the pricing structure for the chosen tier. Users receive these findings via email, allowing for easy access and review.

However, it's worth noting that Peopletrail currently lacks a mobile app. After searching both the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store, we found no corresponding apps, which might be a drawback for users who prefer to conduct searches or access results on the go. This absence could limit the convenience for users accustomed to mobile solutions in today’s digital age.

Support

Peopletrail is dedicated to offering comprehensive support to its clients and applicants. To guide clients through its platform, it provides multiple avenues for assistance, including phone support, email communication, and screen-sharing sessions. Peopletrail demonstrates its commitment to customer service by having in-house experts available to address inquiries and concerns.

Additionally, the company strongly emphasizes compliance, aiming to educate clients about relevant regulations and provide tailored solutions. This focus on compliance support helps clients navigate the complexities of background screening and minimize potential risks. In summary, Peopletrail strives to create a support system that is both easily accessible and knowledgeable, ensuring a smooth and compliant screening process.

There is one final way to get support from Peopletrail. First, choose the category that best describes your situation. The options include:

1. A business needing a background check

2. An individual looking to order a background check

3. A current client needing assistance

4. An applicant experiencing an issue with the results of a background check

5. A coach needing a background check for USA Football

Once you select the appropriate category, you will be directed to the correct support portal to enter your question.

For those seeking more advanced support options, Peopletrail may not meet your needs. We did not find a chat box or a community forum. However, there are some self-service help options available, including a FAQ and video content. Unfortunately, we noticed that the links to this content were broken on some pages, but they did work when we accessed them from the main page.

Security

According to the business’s privacy policy, Peopletrail keeps its site secure by periodically examining log files for faults or failures. The company states that all confidential information it stores and transmits will be encrypted, but doesn’t go into detail about the precise protocols used.

Although Peopletrail isn’t overly forthcoming regarding security details, there’s no reason to question the company’s credentials as it has a certification from TruSecure, a well-known security and compliance service.

The competition

Instant Checkmate is a background check service that’s in direct competition with Peopletrail. It’s a better option if you need extra information such as vehicle and gun ownership licenses. However, Instant Checkmate does charge a monthly subscription rather than a one-time fee, so it’s not as suitable for single checks.

If you’re looking for a more affordable premium background check provider, you might want to consider ClearChecks. The top-tier ClearChecks ClearHire Complete package is $39.99, nearly $20 cheaper than People Trail’s $59.95 Gold package. Both plans offer many of the same core features such as a 7-year county criminal record search and international watch list sweeps.

Final verdict

Peopletrail is a competitive entry in the background check market. We appreciate that they provide pricing for individual background checks, verify the results at a top tier, and offer a phone number and an email address for customer support. However, several issues prevent us from giving this service a higher rating.

These include the absence of smartphone apps, unclear business pricing, expensive individual rates without a monthly subscription option, a very basic starter tier, and broken links on the website. Overall, this leaves us with the impression that Peopletrail is an average background check service.

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