How to dig up dirt on people?

I'm sure someone on here will know how to dig the dirt on people.
I'm working with someone who I'm sure is stretching the truth somewhat and not sure where to find out about his history and the likes.

Not Dave P by any chance???

No-one on here I'm glad to say

[Bri w]

Ask them a question(s) you already know the answer to.

[dizzyblonde]

Talk to an office gossip?

[yorkie_chris]

such an open question? depends entirely on what sort of info you need... professional stuff? talk to the relevant people. personal stuff, why do you care?

why do you need to know? their business is their business. i doubt it affects your life too much by letting them believe what they want to so let it be.

[keith_d]

If it's someone working for you, check their references and arrange an informal lunch with one of the referees. Off the record chats can be quite fruitful.

[husky03]

why the need to go down this path?-if its a matter of professionalism at work fair enough but other than that if its just to make them look stupid in other peoples eyes thats wrong.People tend to expand on the truths regarding their life due to insecurities in their own value, and people who see the need to dig up dirt on others tend to have the same insecurities-if you do find out stuff on this person what are you gonna do with it?if no ones getting harmed or at risk leave it be, because you look bad if not worse than them.

basically this guy - we are trying to set up charity/not 4 profit organisation. BUT he's cagey about his past and a few things have come out over the weekend and his behaviour is strating to make me doubt his credability. - Been involved with the police over a high profile story a couple of years ago - seems to have been scammed a few times losing large sums of money, suing people that have walked away with money, been victim of credit card fraud but still fighting to get money back.
He's had a few jobs for his age - ones which you would expect a few years service before quitting.
behaviours - standing at petrol pumps to fill up the car yet only putting a fiver in, not wanting to put money in the bank and leave it as petty cash - things are not adding up and I don't want to be taken for a fool
I can't check references as we don't work for each other more of a committee member for this fledging organisation. as for making him look stupid its not - i just want to make sure that we are not being taken for mugs and money while he just entertains himself.