When you are given a name to check out, get as much data as you can. You may not be able to get any more than just the individual's name, but try anyway. A big hurdle to overcome is the relative commonality of many names. Too often you will discover more than one person with the same name. The other relevant data you get on an individual will help you make intelligent choices.
People switch jobs, shed spouses, alter their appearance and even speak untruths.
Ergo, check your information with more than one source. Dealing with conflicting information is part of research. Get as much as you can and be prepared to sort it out, carefully, later as you collect more data. Don't neglect to note where you got the biographical information. Write the name down, spell it back to the individual, make changes and ask for other relevant details.