Final answer:
To run a background check legally, one needs to obtain written permission from the individual. This ensures adherence to privacy laws and ethical collection of personal information. Regularly checking one's credit history is also advised for personal security.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering running a background check on any person, it is imperative to obtain written permission from the individual in question. This is not only a matter of courtesy but also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions to ensure privacy rights are not being violated. While a court order may be required in specific circumstances, typically related to law enforcement investigations, obtaining the individual's consent is the standard protocol for most employment and rental screenings.
It is important to only collect the minimum information necessary and to be transparent about why it is being collected, how it will be used, and who will have access to it. Monitoring your credit history regularly is also a smart practice to identify potential red flags that suggest your identity might have been compromised.