background checks

A background check is the process of researching official and commercial records about a person or business entity. Background checks were often completed when a prospective applicant applied for a job that requires high level of security for instance a position at a school or a bank. Background checks were traditionally performed by law enforcement, however, now most background checks are often purchased as a service from a private citizens or businesses. The information acertained usually includes the following: past employment, credit , and criminal history. Background checks are important because they permit better informed and less-subjective evaluations to be made about a person or business entity. However, they also pose risks including improper and illegal discrimination, identity theft, and violation of privacy.

Based on the sensitivity of the information contained in consumer reports and certain records, there are a variety of important laws regulating the dissemination and legal use of this information. For example, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates the use of consumer reports (which it defines as information collected and reported by third party agencies) as it pertains to adverse decisions, notification to the consumer, and destruction and safekeeping of records. If a consumer report is used as a factor in an adverse hiring decision, the consumer must be presented with a “Pre-adverse action disclosure,” a copy of the FCRA summary of rights, and a “notification of adverse action letter.” Consumers are entitled to know the source of any information used against them including a credit reporting company.

Most employers choose to search the most common records such as criminal records, driving records, and education verification. Other searches such as sex offender registry, credential verification, reference checks, credit reports and Patriot Act searches are becoming more and more common. Employers conducting background checks should be mindful of the position in question when determining which types of searches to conduct and should always use the same searches for every applicant being considered for one position.

Background checks are often performed to confirm information found on an employment application. They may also be conducted as a way to further differentiate potential candidates and choose the one the employer feels is most suited for the position.. Background checks are typically peformed for those working in positions with special security concerns, such as trucking and airline transportation.

The amount of information acertained in a background check depends on the sensitivity of the reason for which the search is conducted for example: somebody seeking employment at a low wage job would be subject to far fewer requirements than somebody applying to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Types of Information contained in background checks:

• Criminal and incarceration records
• Birth certificate or legal status in the country
• Litigation records

Prospective employers may want to identify potential employees who routinely file discrimination lawsuits.

• Driving and vehicle records
• Drug Testing
• Education records
• Employment records
• Financial information
  • Including Credit scores, liens, civil judgments, or bankruptcy
• Licensing records

Any government entity with authority that has some review power over professional conduct of its licensees usually maintains records regarding the licensee, such as personal information, education, complaints, investigations, and disciplinary actions.

• Military records
• Social Security Number
  

Advantage PI Inc. has provided expert ethical assistance assistance in the area of background checks for small and large business owners and private citizensfor over 12 years. We can assist you with your information needs.