Definition
Public records refer to information recorded by a public agency, such as a local or federal government, that is available to members of the public free of charge or for a small administrative fee.
Analysis
Certain information about an individual is freely available to anyone who wishes to access it. These public records include:
- Criminal record
- Civil judgments against the individual – for example, if the individual has been sued by a creditor
- Bankruptcy filings
- Foreclosures
- Tax liens
Public records can easily be found on the internet or by paying a company who specializes in finding these records. Additionally, many public records are included on a consumer credit report.
