Here is a list of contact numbers for your credit bureau inquiries: Equifax Inc. For credit-related concerns: Call 1-800-685-1111 to get a free credit report using the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act.
California provides an exception-You can record someone without their consent, if it will be used to prove kidnapping, extortion, bribery, or a violent felony. Most states will not allow you to record someone in furtherance of your own crime or tort.
As to other information, it depends on the source. There a certain things that an employer cannot run a background check on. For example they can't run a credit check on you without permission. Can they run a check where something is of public record (e.g. do you own land in the county). Yes and no. To check your credit, they need your consent.