What my PI does in this case (and it works more often than not) is they'll create a similar profile to the person based on what they know, e.g., same schools, etc., then use a picture of an attractive person of the opposite sex.

Also, if one of your 'friends' can be persuaded, they can get into your pics/profile.

Another thing is that if you tag photos, friends of friends can often see them.

I'm sure all this varies from state to state, and without a PI license (or with, in some cases), being untruthful in order to gain private information is likely a crime.

In Oklahoma, however, *technically* to get a background check by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, you need the same. We, however, have a site put up by the Oklahoma Supreme Court which shows the docket history (with most documents scanned in) of all cases filed in the major counties, searchable by name/date/lawyer/etc.

Very useful for me when taking a new case to see what's been filed, download a pleadings file, etc.

The downside is that it shows a lot of things where charges were filed, but were dismissed or pled out to a misdemeanor, etc. For example, your vindictive ex files a Victim's Protection Order case against you (an injunctive restraining order used to keep victims and perpetrators of domestic violence/harassment/stalking who are related/romantically involved, etc. apart). Let's say it's based on false information and the judge denies it.

Unfortunately, unless you get the file sealed, it's going to pop up every time someone does a docket search using your name.

So there are good and bad aspects about this, but on the whole, I can't imagine what I'd do without it.

Thanks for the info...it's really good to know. I'm not that concerned about privacy but I like to understand exactly how much information I'm putting out there.