Gaps in Background Checks by Babysitter and Pet Sitter Apps Can Put Your Children & Pets at Risk
When you hire babysitters or pet sitters through apps, you are using these platforms to bring someone into your home and you’re not only granting them physical access—you’re also entrusting them with the safety and well-being of your most valued family members, whether they’re children or beloved pets.
How thorough are the background checks behind the “Background Checked” badges on popular babysitting and pet sitting apps really? How do they actually compare to those done by a private investigator?
Limitations of App-Based Background Checks vs. Private Investigators:
Database Accuracy
App-based checks rely on national databases, which often lack complete records. Private investigators have access to special databases that allow them to conduct manual searches of court records and access federal databases for more thorough results.
Identity Verification
Apps use applicant-provided information and automated searches, which can miss issues due to errors or aliases. Private investigators use advanced methods—like social security traces, address histories, and cross-referencing—to confirm identities and prevent mismatches.
Legal Limitations
Checks through apps are typically performed by Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) and must comply with laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), limiting what can be reported (e.g., omitting certain arrests or older cases or sealed/expunged records). Private investigators are not always bound by the same restrictions and can uncover additional details, report broader information, and provide more depth.
Beyond Criminal History
Apps focus on criminal records and don’t verify claimed experience or certifications. Private investigators can dig deeper and check additional sources to verify details that automated checks cannot do.
Summary: Standardized Screening vs. Personalized Investigation
App-based checks offer a basic, standardized, and legally limited screening process, designed for speed and low-cost. In comparison, private investigators provide detailed, personalized investigations using specialized tools, exclusive access, and human judgment. This approach creates a deeper profile of the individual, reducing the risk of missing or incorrect information that may be critical when hiring a babysitter or pet sitter.
Contact Aegemis for a FREE consultation to learn more.