Guides

Can You Really Know Everything About Someone Online? (An Expert’s Take)

I'll be honest with you - I'm getting tired of people asking me if you can "find everything" about someone online. Last week alone, three different clients asked me this exact question. And every time, I have to explain that no, the internet isn't some magical repository where everyone's deepest secrets are just waiting to be discovered. Look, I get why people think this. We see it in movies all the time - some hacker character types furiously for thirty seconds and suddenly has access to someone's entire life history. But after doing this work for over a decade, I...
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5 Red Flags to Watch When Meeting Someone from the Internet

Meeting people online isn't weird anymore. Hell, it's probably how most of us connect these days - whether you're swiping on dating apps, joining Facebook groups, or sliding into someone's DMs after they posted something hilarious on Twitter. And honestly? There's something pretty exciting about finally meeting someone you've been chatting with. You've built up this whole idea of who they are, and now you get to see if reality matches up. Sometimes it's even better than you imagined. But I've learned the hard way that not everyone online is who they claim to be. I'm not trying to make...
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Stop Unknown Numbers: My Secrets to Mastering Free Reverse Phone Lookups

We’ve all been there. Your phone rings, flashing an unfamiliar number. Do you answer? Ignore it? Block it blindly? That nagging uncertainty-Who was that? Was it important?-can linger for hours. In an era where spam calls account for nearly 50% of all mobile traffic (according to First Orion), and scams grow more sophisticated by the day, identifying unknown callers isn’t just about curiosity; it’s about security.

I remember a call I got last year from a number with my area code. The voicemail claimed my “social security number was suspended”-a classic scam. But what if it had been my kid’s school calling from a new line? Or a client with an urgent request? That’s where free reverse phone lookup tools come in. They promise instant answers without costing a dime. But here’s the truth: unless you use Veripages, not all tools are equal, and “free” often comes with fine print.

Guides

How to Check If a Company is Legit: Your Scam-Proof Guide

The digital landscape? It's booming. A true phenomenon, right? But unfortunately, where there's growth, scams aren't far behind. And believe me, they're EVERYWHERE. The stats don't lie. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC.gov) says consumers lost over ten billion dollars to fraud in 2023. Ten. BILLION. A massive amount of that, sadly, comes from online scams run by illegitimate businesses. That's where I've come in, and, frankly, that's why I wrote this article. I think the risk is understated. For years, I've been on the front lines supporting businesses and individuals through the murky waters that you encounter when trying to...
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Gun Background Check Timeline: Factors Affecting the Process & What to Expect

So, you're considering purchasing a firearm. That's a big decision, and an exciting one too. But after the initial excitement, reality often taps you on the shoulder: the gun background check. Suddenly, what seemed like a simple transaction becomes a bit...murky. How long will it take? Are there things that could cause a delay? These are questions that I hear constantly, from first-timers and seasoned gun owners alike. It's a common concern, and a valid one. Navigating the labyrinth of gun laws and the NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) can feel, well, a bit overwhelming, to say the...
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Level 2 Background Checks: Requirements, Process, and Your Rights

Now, in my many years of assisting individuals and (believe me) just as many organizations with background screening, I've seen that that knot-in-your-stomach feeling can surround the entire process. Often, this is amplified exponentially when a Level 2 background check is requested or required if you like. I vividly recall a young woman - fresh out of college, bright-eyed, and eager to start her dream job as a teacher's aide - contacting me, nearly in a panic to start out. Imagine that? She was totally taken aback upon learning out that she needed a Level 2 screening, and the terminology...
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Reasons You Might Fail a Background Check (and How to Avoid It)

Ever get that slightly queasy feeling when you think about a background check? You know, that knot in your stomach? You are definitely not alone. I've seen countless people wrestling with anxiety when their past is about to be gone over with a fine-tooth comb, especially when a new job is on the line; it's very common. As someone who has been working in and around background checks for a while, I've helped individuals navigate this often-confusing process. I've learned a few things. And I've helped them ensure their past doesn't unfairly derail their future - because sometimes things just...