3 Most Dangerous Myths About Searching for Public Records Online
June 7, 2009 by Dunkin · 4 Comments
Lots of people would have us believe that conducting a reasonably comprehensive or especially free people search is a piece of cake. However, that would only be one of the three most dangerous myths about online public records floating around today. To begin with, (1) the availability of online public records is not as widespread as one might think. According to our research:
– Only 35% of public records can be found online;
– Nearly all/ every “free” government public record website contains no personal identifiers, i.e., for privacy purposes, they provide summarized information rather than information about specific individuals.
The federal, state, and local agencies that maintain public records systems make substantial efforts to limit the disclosure of Social Security numbers, phone numbers, and addresses. Some even go so far as to limit the use of the dates of birth. The Social Security number is no longer the “key search tool identifier” it was in the 1980s and early 1990s. Websites with open record searching available to the public generally require only a name, unless a specific case file or docket number or registration number, et cetera, can be substituted.
(2) Government agencies that offer online access on a fee or subscription basis generally disclose partial personal identifiers. Nowadays, very few give Social Security numbers, and those that do often cloak or mask the first five digits. Some cloak the month and date of birth, and only reveal the year of birth. For example, most U.S. District Court and bankruptcy court online systems reveal no personal identifiers on their search results, thus making a reliable “name search” nearly impossible (I’ve tried).
We point this out because the lack of identifiers presents a real problem for employers or financial institutions who, at the same time, are legally required to exert a certain amount of “due diligence” in the process of making certain decisions. The existence of any possible adverse information may have to be double-checked by a hands-on search to ensure the proper match of a given subject to a given adverse record.
Also, we noticed that many governmental websites offering online record access tend to include a warning or disclosure stating that their information could have mis-spellings and/ or should be used for “informational purposes only.” For this reason, such sites should be considered as supplemental or secondary sources only. Again, to protect individuals’ privacy, they may provide summarized information rather than information about specific individuals.
The upshot of which is simply that . . . (3) A criminal record search from such a source usually does not, in and of itself, comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act regulations involving preemployment screening . . . see video below:
In the meantime, you can find a dozen or so lists of public and private record information companies on this website:
– Address and Telephone Numbers; other lists (provided on that same page) include information on the following topics:
– Aviation
– Bankruptcy
– Corporate/ Trade Name Data
– Credit Information
– Convicted Criminal Information
– Driver and/ or Vehicle
– Education/ Employment
– Environmental
– Foreign Country Information
– Genealogical Information
– Licenses/ Registrations/ Permits
– Litigation/ Judgments/ Tax Liens
– Military Service
– Patents
– Real Estate/ Assessors
Sometimes, the only way to conduct a reasonably certain background check online is from a reputable private vendor. A reputable online vendor may provide access to many records that might not be otherwise found online via Government online sources.
Get A Black London Cab FOr Your Airport Transfers
April 16, 2009 by Dunkin · 7 Comments
Some of the most popular and possibly the best cabs in the world are the black taxi cabs of London. These London taxis have earned the status of being the best service provider of airport transfers London. The black taxis in London usually look like the sort of cars that mafia dons are driven around in, as they get out of their Lincolns with a fat Cuban cigar stuck in between their teeth.
5 major reasons why these taxis in London are considered among the best in the world:
First, every driver that is employed by these companies is required to take up various training and topographical testing, which can take as long as four years to master before the private hire certification is bestowed on the driver.
Second, is their commitment to securing the comfort and safety of their passengers. For that reason alone, London taxis have successfully set their own rank in the highest of places in the world of service industry.
3 – Their black colour of the taxis in London. The mere colour is renowned for being elegant and sophisticated makes the taxi travel a delight. The taxis in London being in black can help anyone recognize them easily.
Fourth is the security it offers you through the insurance that they carry, which is termed as Public Hire. This means that they are licensed to carry just a certain number of passengers. This certain figure is normally printed on the plate located in the vehicle’s rear.
And last but not least, is that the taxi travel service in London is packed with extra features that make them wheelchair accessible and useful making child seats and other features available. They implement regulated fare charges and all the vehicles and its drivers must meet and exceed the minimum safety standards imposed by the company and the government. The Public Carriage Office regularly monitors them.
Choosing A Moving Company In Dallas Texas
February 5, 2009 by Dunkin · 6 Comments
Before talking with a Dallas TX mover, decide in advance which goods will be shipped. Consider whether or not you would like the mover to pack and what other types of services you may want. Remember that packing is always a separate bid. An estimator may come to your home and create a bid, or make an estimate by talking to you over the phone. Moves that are less than 50 miles away are usually priced by the hour. For longer distance moves, estimates are based on weight.
Call or email the movers in Dallas you are considering for the job and ask for an estimate. Get involved in the estimating process and try to meet with the relocation consultant to survey your home and prepare a written estimate. Ask each prospective mover how long his or her estimate is valid for and question whether the estimate is binding or non binding. Never accept an estimate over the phone and do not consider using a company that offers you this service.
Inform the mover of any possible unusual situations on either end so your estimate can be more accurate. Make the mover aware of any problems that he may encounter at the delivery such as parking problems, road access, street accessibility, delivery time restrictions or if there are any stairs or elevators involved. The cost of your move can increase for such occurrences. Try to reserve a parking space for the moving van if your new home is on a congested street. If the moving crew has to carry your load more than 75 feet from the moving van to your door you may be charged for excessive distance. Some neighborhoods may prohibit trucks over a certain weight. The driver will offload your possessions into a smaller vehicle and the charge for that can be quite high. Advise the relocation consultant if you anticipate this situation arising. In addition, advise the consultant if you are moving to a high-rise building where an elevator reservation is required. This can cause problems for the delivery schedule if the mover does not know about this in advance and additional charges will likely apply.
Check for the DOT license number. All Dallas movers are required to be licensed however interstate movers are required to meet two additional criteria.
1. Publish their tariffs or price list and make it available to anybody who request a copy
2. Participate in a dispute settlement program and to offer neutral arbitration in the event a dispute arises. A dispute may arise in the event loss or damage happens to a shipment while in the hands of the mover.
Contact your local department of consumer affairs and ask if there are any complaints registered about the movers you’re considering. If the move is within your state, request the same information from your state’s transportation department and public utilities commission. Keep in mind that there are usually two sides to every story. A pattern of many complaints, however, is not a good sign.
Ask all movers for references.
Be sure to understand the coverage for loss or damage of your shipment. All licensed movers must provide liability for the value of goods they transport. There are different levels of liability that you need to be aware of. You need to understand the amount of protection provided and the additional charges that may apply. See VanLines.com’s guide to moving insurance to understand the different options.
Ask the right questions such as:
1. Does your company subcontract its moving services?
2. Which subcontractors could be used to move my home?
3. Will the contents of my home be on one truck the entire time? (Moving goods between trucks increases the potential for damage)
4. What services are not listed on this bid, and what do you charge for them? What training do your movers and/or packers receive (especially for packing and moving fragile items)?
Car Dvd Entertainment
January 31, 2009 by Dunkin · 3 Comments
Today’s auto market is becoming more and more varied, with Hummers lining up next to Smart Cars and Geo Metros in dealer lots. One of the first things many people do when they buy a new vehicle is to make it their own by adding custom touches. Bored spouses and kids make in car DVD systems one of the hottest new upgrades on the auto market.
Imagine, you’re headed across the country with your family to visit the in-laws in Omaha, and your kids are driving you crazy. A car DVD system allows you to pop in one of their favorite movies and have them entertained for hours while on the road, now that is pure gold.
There are two main types of in car DVD systems: portable and in-dash. Portable systems, though not as sleek or worry-free as the in-dash systems, are considerably cheaper and more versatile. They are usually powered by your car’s 12-volt power adapter but can be converted to run from your home’s power supply, allowing you to take the DVD player and monitor into your in-laws house when your happy family arrives.
In-dash car DVD systems are hardwired into your vehicle’s entertainment system. They display movies either on a screen in the centre-console, on a screen that descends from the roof of the vehicle, or on a screen which flips up from the dashboard. Though these systems aren’t portable outside the vehicle, once installed they don’t require any extra cords or setup: you can load in your movies and drive away. Screens located either on the centre-console or which flip up from the dashboard can double as displays for in-car GPS or navigation software, but they can be distracting to drivers. The flip-down screens avoid driver distraction, but they are usually only convenient for back-seat viewing, leaving a front seat passenger to count license plates or play I-Spy with the driver.
In car DVD systems are perhaps the biggest boon to the long family road trip since Car Bingo, and as the technology improves you can expect the systems to get smaller, lighter, and cheaper. Though portable systems are still the choice for families on the go since they require no expensive installation or conversion, more and more auto manufacturers have plans to include built-in systems in their vehicles, especially upscale and family autos. It may be tough to find a driver for your next road trip, as the entire family will be stretched out in the back seat, munching on popcorn and watching a film.

