You should always be aware of scams when you get an offer for a free background check. Many websites take information and steal it, or they may simply not cancel your subscription resulting in extortionist fees.
In most cases they only do checks once they are planning on making an offer. Or they may make the offer contingent on passing the background check.
Yes, they provide a comprehensive background check.
You can request a copy of your own criminal background check from a reputable background check company or contact the police department in the jurisdiction where the check may have been conducted. Some background check companies also offer notification services that alert individuals if their background has been requested. Alternatively, you can ask the person directly if they have conducted a criminal background check on you.
Yes, most background check sites will offer anonymous background checks. I would just look at their policy before searching.
In many cases, yes. But it will depend on the nature of your contract and also your state/countries employment laws. In the UK, the job offer you received should have been provisional and made subject to 'a satisfactory criminal record check'. If there were no provisions on the offer, the employer has no standing to perform any further background checks.
Some sites that offer job background checks are Backgroundsonline.com and Hiresafe.com. Still you need to be aware you can also do your own research using social media and databases. Also consider that not all information found online can be trusted.
The only one I can think of right off the top of my head would be Car Fax. However, according to a friend you can also go to autocheck.com for a background check on a vehicle.
There are a number of websites that offer background checks. There is typically a cost for using these.
Organizations that offer a free criminal background check are: the public record centre, as well as the black book online. There's also a site called zimbio which links you to different articles about the subject.
You can get a loan at your local bank. Many banks offer loans for either vehicles or houses, but there is a background check and credit check in order for you to qualify.
Citizens should be able to understand the right and wrong nature has to offer. They should be aware of the limitations it has.
If you want to do a regional or statewide criminal background check then most companies offer this service for about $15-$25. If you want to do a nationwide check or get instant results you may have to pay a bit more. Just Google "criminal background check" to see a number of sites which offer this service.