Background checks are becoming an industry standard for HR professionals. Most companies want to be protected against problematic employees and are ready to do their due diligence. But background checks are no longer exclusive of the business world. Chances are you’ll get a background check before renting –even as a roommate– or buying property; before being accepted to some grad school programs, and maybe even before dates. If information gives us a chance to avoid important risks, why not use it?
Before running a background check, it is important to understand how they work and what kind of information they gather. We don’t recommend running a background check by yourself if you are not familiar with them. Services like Check People offer comprehensive packages, and their prices are reasonable.
How to Choose a Service or Agency to Run a Background Check?
Scammers are all over the internet. Beware of sites that offer to reveal “sensitive” information, or that offer to perform searches that are evidently illegal. The best way to go is to choose established sites with online reviews and links to other reputable sources. Before committing, ask as many questions as you need, read their privacy policies, and ask for a list of what you’ll be getting. Some scam sites will continue to ask for more money before showing any results, promising to get more information. Established and reputable services will be upfront and clear on their fees and course of action.
What information will you get?
1) Personal Information and Identity Verification: it’s a rookie mistake to overlook this step. The first thing you need to know is that a person is who they say they are. Usually, this step also includes social security verification and citizenship status. Depending on the reasons why you are running the background check, this step may also include:
- Current and previously known addresses
- Marital Status
- Social Media information
- Online dating accounts
- Schooling history
2) Criminal History: While some misdemeanors or very old charges may not be a reason to avoid making a deal or hiring someone, it is very important to know that you are safe. Criminal records can show convictions, acquitted and dismissed charges, and sexual offenders status. This step can also include traffic records, especially if the position or deal requires that the person drives a vehicle (this is especially helpful, for example, when you are hiring a nanny that will be driving with your children). To understand more about the legal implications of hiring decisions and criminal records, you can go here.
3) Credit Status: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) only Credit Reporting Agencies or CRA’s are allowed to issue credit reports. The largest reporting agencies are three: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. These agencies will also give you a credit score and a consumer report. Checking credit status is very important for landlords, or before signing a commercial partnership. Be aware that, in order to get a consumer report, you will need written consent. Most online services will not perform credit status checks, so this is one that you’ll need to get from a separate, verified agency.
Protecting Your Information
As you can see, a thorough background check will offer you a wealth of information in order to make a good decision. But what happens when you are the one being checked? Remember that you have rights and that there are several steps that you can take in order to protect your personal information.
- Never share personal information on dating sites, social media, or via email.
- Never share personal information over the phone, especially to people you don’t know. Serious companies will never make requests for personal information over phone calls.
- Be mindful of what and how you share it on social media. Remember that there is a digital footprint that will remain attached to you for life. Don’t be rude, avoid sharing controversial political views, and keep your personal information limited and as private as possible.
If you find out that your personal information is being shared online without your permission, you have the right to ask for it to be taken down. The same happens when your background check shows that there is misleading, false, or sealed information. Because information is power, you need to understand and exercise your rights.
Background checks are important tools that help people minimize risks and make better decisions. Understanding how they work, what are your rights when you are being checked, and who can search for what kind of information is an important responsibility. Remember that there are boundaries and legal ramifications of background checks, and make sure you are on the safe side before moving forward. This also goes to the kind of decisions you are allowed to make based on the information you get. It is always recommended to get advice from an attorney if you feel unsure, or if you believe your information was used against you
