Doing a background check before hiring a new employee can save you potential headaches and provide peace of mind. You don't have to hire an agency to do the background check, as there are many apps available for your iOS device that can do the work for you.

BeenVerified

BeenVerified's Background Check App is a free tool that allows you to make one free background check per month, with additional background checks available for purchase. BeenVerified offers details that include criminal records, property records, contact information, and even information about who that person is related to.

Date Check

While Intelius' Date Check is geared toward singles on the online dating circuit, it does offer the basic tools and features required for checking out a potential employee. Using either a name, phone number or email address, Date Check can find details like property records, living situations and criminal record. The Date Check app is free.

Pistevo Background Check

The Pistevo Background Check app is designed specifically for criminal record checking, including sex offenders, civil court records and even terrorist records. The iOS app is available for free, though you need to set up an account and purchase the background checks.

Background Checker

Background Checker requests an Instant National Criminal Search to return details for public criminal records. You have to set up an account, and it costs a fee to view criminal records. You also have to agree to the Terms of Use -- this includes that the app is intended for employers, and is not compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.