Is it possible to run a background check on yourself?

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I ordered a Savage Arms .22lr rifle today from the LGS. They called in the background check and said I passed, which was no surprise of course, but when they called there seemed to be a moment where a problem came up of some sort. I say that because the guy seemed somewhat hesitant afterwards, but then said, "Well you passed."

Now I'm curious if the guy was just frustrated with something else, or if there was something on my record that I need to know about.

I'm particularly concerned because the other day there was a fraudelent charge on my credit card for $500 to T-Mobile, but I hadn't lost my credit card or anything like that - and I'm very careful about where I use my card.

So now I'm a little worried about whether or not I've become a victim of identity theft, and that there might be something showing up on my record that shouldn't be there.

Any way I can run a background check on myself to find out? I'm already in the process of getting my credit checked by the bank for the same reason. I'd really like to find out if there is anything else going on behind the scenes here that I need to be concerned about. Ie: I'm a suspect or "under investigation" or something like that as a result of some criminal possibly using my name/identity.

I've heard of that happening before, and it has me nervous.

Thanks.
 
I would think you should be able to call the same number the gun dealer calls. I don't know about your state, but in OR they provide a phone number for free background checks that a private party can call before selling someone a gun.
 
If you even suspect credit fraud hit the big 3 credit bureaus and request your free annual report and study it. Anything not right go back through the agencies and get it fixed. A simple background check on yourself will not reveal someone screwing with your SSN or credit history. Check it out now. Freecreditreport .com run by Experian is a good way to get an initial view.
 
The only thing that a FFL knows is you passed or was denied. We are not privy to the reason why.
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Hmmm. Well, I did pass, so I guess that's all the info he got if that's the case. Maybe he was just put on hold for some reason and that's what seemed to be the problem.

Nonetheless, I will get some credit reports, and see if FL has a number I can call to get a background check of myself as well.

Is there perhaps some identity theft hotline for if you suspect you might have become a victim of it and they'd have additional info on how to check?

The credit card thing may have just been as simple as some waiter at a restaurant taking my number (which would be ironic because 90% of the time I pay in cash for this very reason)...... I just get worried though because I'm such a security nut and for CC fraud to happen with me sets off some red flags.
 
The only thing that a FFL knows is you passed or was denied. We are not privy to the reason why.
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I got denied once in CA because of an unpaid car registration -didn't even turn out to be mine. My dealer told me exactly why I was rejected so I could go straighten it out at the DMV.

I was also in a gun store once where a guy was rejected because he had a felony "intimidation of a witness" against him and asked to leave the store.
 
Yes you can

when I applied to be a member of a range when I lived in RI I had to go to the local PD and have them run a check on me, and then have them fill out some form so that I could be a member. They ran a check, charged me $15, and handed me the signed form saying that I wasn't an axe murder or anything, and off i went.
 
tank mechanic,

Who friggin' knows? I also thought that background checks were supposed to root-out psychotic killers, not a means of enforcing traffic rules. :confused:
 
It depends. There are all kinds of background checks, of varying intensity, and of course local laws vary on what sort of resources you will have access to in your state of residence. You can hire it done, but who you hire will directly impact what they can check.
 
My two cents,

1. There are a number of good "private eye" websites that you can run BG checks through, there is a lot of crap too so be careful and if you need a few recommendations PM me (Dont need this to be a plug but anybody who PM's me would be answered)

2. Legally you can write a letter to the FBI and get a copy of your FBI file,(not including anything your currently being investigated for) I dont know if your local stuff works the same way. Criminal backgrounds are public records so it should not be hard at all.
 
Why would that be a cause for denial?
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Here in Pa, we have to register handguns with the State police.:barf:

During the course of the telephonic background check, they check your DMV records also. Dmv was down the other day and it took me considerably longer to get my newest handgun than it did to get my newest longarm two weeks ago.

One can only imagine the background check in Ca.:(
 
Oops~! You can't call the F.B.I. Hotline, which is the number used by FFL's~!:uhoh:

Upon answering, the person who receives your call will ask for YOUR
FFL number and code word. If you don't provide it, they will not take
up their time talking too you. BTW, all FFL dealer's call the same
number~!
 
I bet I know what happened...

Dealer gave the guy the info, and the guy on the other hand basically said something like "i dunno... common name, let's check... approved" or "gee, looks like the system's down again... no, it's back up... approved."

A "delayed" is a PITA for most dealers.
 
Here in Pa, we have to register handguns with the State police.
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No we don't. There is no registration of either long guns or handguns in PA. Dealer runs a NICS check. Perhaps there was some kind of a glitch with this... is that what you're talking about?
 
Can't you go to the courthouse and have them do a background check? They'll probabkly charge a fee though.
 
Pashooter, what do you call the form you fill out at the gunstore that goes to the state police when you buy a handgun?

The one that asks where you work, what your drivers license is etc?

The gunstore opens in 10 mins, I'll get back to you with the form number.

Just cuz they don't call it registration, don't mean it ain't.


ok, called the gun store:

Form # sp4-113 application/record of handgun sale.


and I verified it with the owner, a dmv check is done, he has people denied (for handgun).

He also has personal knowledge of guns being confiscated by police during routine traffic stops when the gun does not show as being registered, with no other action than confiscation.

Can I prove this? No, but I am close friends with my gunstore owner and have never known him to lie or embellish.



The state police claim they are only making record of the sale not the gun, that's why you have to put the serial # of the gun right??
 
If you are concerned about identity theft, some credit cards offer a service where they will monitor your credit transactions (I don't know what they are really called but basically anytime a credit check is done on you it's flagged) They then send you a report. This way you can look at the report and if you notice anything, you can take action.

As for the background check, I don't think it has much, if anything to do with your credit rating. I think they are looking for outstanding warrants, criminal history, etc...

Of course this is only speculation, someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
Campers, I don't see what the big deal is.

Unless the thread orginator has purchased his last store-bought gun, he's gonna have a background check done every time he buys a new boomstick.

Tell ya what. You'll probably drop $100 on having someone do it. May as well get a new used toy. Go to your gun store, and get that background check done.

If that was your first experience with the national "instant" check system, be prepared to maybe wait, because it isn't always all that "instant."
 
OK, pacodelahoya, I'll grant you that the form sp4-113 does go to the State Police, though my understanding is that they're not supposed to be retained. I have heard the controversy around the fact that some jurisdictions do retain the forms, thus creating a defacto registration of firearms, though this is contrary to PA State law.

As for confiscating a firearm during a routine traffic stop because it does not show up in this ad hoc registry... well, I won't say it's never happened, but barring any other reason why the gun should be confiscated (e.g. carrying a loaded firearm without a permit) that would be an illegal act on the part of the cops. By law, there is no registration of firearms in PA, and therefore having a firearm that isn't so "registered" is perfectly legal.

I have a whole crapload of "unregistered" handguns, as I owned them before moving into the state, so never filled out an sp4-113 for them.

Not trying to start an argument pacodelahoya, just pointing out that there's no legal requirement to register a handgun in PA.

Peace! :)
 
You are correct PAshooter. I own several pistols, only two for which I filled out that silly form. By law handgun purchase records must be destroyed within 7 days I believe, and as such the police could get in trouble big time if they ever tried to use "unregistered" as an excuse to confiscate your weapon.
 
I have to agree with PASHOOTER. I am a retired LEO from PA and there is no such law on Pennsylvania's books allowing an LEO to confiscate a gun that is legally held by a citizen.

If the person was accused of a felony at the time of the stop the gun could be confiscated. If accquitted the gun MUST be returned (if it clears NCIC).

If the traffic stop is for summary offenses, and the gun is legally carried, then the LEO can't do anything.

The only database that LEO's in PA have access to is the stolen gun list. The serial number could be run to determine if the gun is stolen. I have never had to perform that check.

If you are carrying your gun legally in PA, and get pulled over, there is no reason why the LEO would even know there was a gun in the vehicle. You are not required to tell them unless they ask.
 
Question for you loumarch (and sorry for the thread hijack), but if pulled over in PA, does the fact that you're a concealed carry permit holder come up when the officer "runs you"?

Just curious, since - as you say - the permit holder doesn't have to volunteer this information. If the officer's going to find this out anyway, I'd just feel more comfortable volunteering the information upfront, for everybody's peace of mind.

Your thoughts?
 
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