In today's world, it's become increasingly common to want to know more about the people we come into contact with regularly, whether it’s for business dealings, hiring employees, or even personal relationships. Background checks and people searches have become a valuable tool in achieving this.
But what exactly is a background check, and how can you find someone using people search methods?
Background checks are an investigation into someone’s criminal, financial, and personal history. It provides a comprehensive report of the individual's past, including criminal records, employment history, driving records, credit history, and much more.
On the other hand, people search is the process of finding individuals, including their contact information, addresses, social media profiles, and more. In this blog post, we’ll cover some methods used to perform both background checks and people searches effectively.
The internet has made it relatively simple to find information on people. Online search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing, are powerful and frequently used tools for finding information. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are also excellent sources of information.
Using the information, you already have on the individual like their name, date of birth, and location, search results may include social media profiles, email addresses, phone numbers, and even photos. However, it's essential that you evaluate the information you find, as not all results are always accurate
People finder websites like WhitePages, Zabasearch, and Intelius are websites that offer free and paid services. The free services can include a name search and general location, while other details require payment. When looking to find an individual, this type of website can quickly provide phone numbers, email addresses, social media accounts, and even public records.
Using people finder websites for background checks is an effective method. However, these services may not offer real-time information and may provide inaccurate information, leading to a false sense of security. Therefore, it's essential to verify the information you find with alternate sources.
Professional background check services offer advanced search capabilities and proprietary software to track down hard-to-find information for a fee. Some of these services include Checkr, GoodHire, SterlingOne, and HireRight. These services provide a comprehensive report that includes a criminal record check, employment verification, credit check, and more, bringing more certainty to the search process.
However, these professional services can be expensive and are typically used for high-level positions or for personal safety concerns. It's also important to ensure the background check service is compliant with current regulations.
Background checks and people searches offer valuable insight into the past, helping ensure that we make informed decisions about the people we interact with daily. However, each of these methods has its strengths and weaknesses. Using the correct approach that best aligns with the situation will ensure the most reliable and accurate results.
It's always vital to verify the information obtained from any of these search methods with alternate sources, as false or outdated information can lead to incorrect conclusions.
In conclusion, performing a background check or people search is an essential step in developing trust in personal and professional relationships. However, while there are ample tools available to help in this area, some techniques are more reliable than others. Planning and evaluating the sources can lead to the most accurate results, ensuring that you can make informed decisions regardless of the situation.
Background Check: How to Get the Best Results
When it comes to hiring employees or going into business with someone, it's important to have a clear understanding of who the person is and what they bring to the table. One way to achieve this understanding is by performing a background check. A background check is a process that uncovers someone's history, including their criminal record, financial history, and employment history. There are a few methods to achieving a background check, and in this post, we'll discuss the best ways to get accurate and comprehensive results.
Method 1: Online Background Check Service
One of the easiest ways to get a background check is by utilizing an online background check service. These services run a database search for any available information on a person, and usually provide results in minutes or within 24 hours. Some of the best-known background check services include BeenVerified, TruthFinder, and Instant Checkmate. These services search through a variety of public records, including criminal records, court cases, employment history, driving history, and credit reports.
There are several advantages to using an online background check service. Firstly, it's a simple process that doesn't require much time or effort. The websites are user-friendly, and usually require only the person's name and last known location. Secondly, the results are quick and comprehensive, providing you with a lot of information in a very short amount of time. And thirdly, using an online background check service is usually quite affordable, with prices ranging from $20-$50 per month for unlimited searches.
Method 2: Hire a Private Investigator
Hiring a private investigator to conduct a background check is another option. Private investigators have access to more in-depth information and can perform a more thorough search. They have connections and resources that allow them to delve deeper into someone's history, and can often find information that an online background check service might miss. Private investigators can also help you if you're dealing with a more complex situation, like a custody battle or a suspected fraud case.
However, hiring a private investigator can be quite costly, with fees ranging from $50-$150 per hour. Additionally, the process can take several days or even weeks, as investigators need time to gather and review information. So, while a private investigator can offer a lot of value, it may not be the best option for every situation.
Method 3: Self-Background Check
Performing a self-background check is another way to get a clear understanding of what information is readily available about yourself. Self-background checks can be done online through websites like Instant Checkmate and BeenVerified. When conducting a self-background check, you'll be able to see what information is available to potential employers or other entities that may be interested in your history. This can give you the opportunity to correct any inaccuracies or address any potential red flags ahead of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no shortage of options when it comes to performing a background check. Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best option will depend on the specific situation. For companies that frequently hire employees, an online background check service is likely the most efficient and cost-effective solution. For those dealing with more complex situations, hiring a private investigator may be worth the investment. And for individuals looking to gain a better understanding of their own history, a self-background check is a great way to go.
Regardless of the method chosen, a background check is an essential tool in protecting yourself, your company, or your loved ones from potential risks. By researching a person's history, you'll be able to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence. Don't leave anything to chance- make sure to perform a background check before making any important decisions.
Background checks are a valuable tool that many individuals and organizations use to obtain information about a person's criminal, financial, and personal history. You may need to conduct a background check on someone before hiring them for a job, renting them a property, or even before going on a date with them. In this blog post, we will explore three methods of conducting a background check and the top benefits of doing so.
Method 1: Online background check websites
In recent years, several online background check websites have emerged, making it easier than ever to obtain information about someone's history. These sites allow you to access public records, such as criminal records, employment history, and credit reports.
One popular website for conducting a background check is Instant Checkmate. This site allows you to search for someone using their name, phone number, or address, and provides a detailed report on their criminal and personal history. The report may include information such as their address history, criminal records, employment history, and even social media profiles.
Another popular website is TruthFinder. This service offers similar features to Instant Checkmate but also includes a feature that allows you to search for sex offenders living in your area. This is a valuable tool for parents who want to ensure their children's safety.
While online background check websites are convenient and easy to use, it's important to keep in mind that they may not always be 100% accurate. The information provided on these sites is obtained from public records and may not include information from all jurisdictions. Additionally, websites that offer free background checks may not be as reliable as those that charge a fee.
Method 2: Hire a private investigator
If you need a more thorough investigation, hiring a private investigator may be the best option. Private investigators have access to information that is not available to the public and can conduct a more in-depth investigation.
For example, a private investigator may be able to obtain information about someone's life that is not public knowledge, such as their financial records or medical records. Additionally, private investigators may be able to conduct surveillance, obtain witness statements, and even conduct a background check on someone's friends and associates.
While hiring a private investigator may be more expensive than using an online background check website, it can be a valuable investment if you need detailed information.
Method 3: Conduct a manual background check
If you are on a tight budget and need to conduct a background check, you can do it manually. This involves doing research on the person using public records such as court records, property records, and newspaper archives.
For example, you may be able to obtain a person's criminal record by searching court records in the county where they live or have lived. You may also be able to find information about their property ownership by searching property records. If the person has been involved in any legal disputes, you can search newspaper archives for articles that provide information about the dispute.
While conducting a manual background check can be time-consuming and may not provide as much information as an online or private investigator background check, it can be a valuable tool if you cannot afford other options or want to supplement the information obtained from other methods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, background checks are essential to ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you. Whether you use an online background check website, hire a private investigator, or conduct a manual background check, obtaining information about someone's criminal and personal history can prevent you from making costly mistakes. While there are some limitations to each method, combining multiple methods can provide the most comprehensive picture of a person's history. By taking the time to conduct a background check, you can make informed decisions about whom you hire, date, or do business with.
Background checks are an essential tool for any employer, landlord or individual looking to hire, rent, or work with someone on a personal or professional level. Such checks provide a detailed look into an individual's background, including their criminal history, education, and employment history. In this blog, we will discuss how to conduct a background check, the methods, benefits, and real-life examples that illustrate the importance of this process.
How to Conduct a Background Check?
There are various ways to conduct a background check. The following are the most popular and widely used methods;
Method 1: Online Background Check
Online background checking is a popular and convenient way of investigating an individual's history. This method entails using search engines and social media profiles to gather information that the individual has shared over the internet. The information collected includes their employment history, educational history, criminal records, financial history, and professional licenses.
Some popular online background checking platforms include:
- BackgroundChecks.com
- Intelius
- TruthFinder
Method 2: Hire a Private Investigator
Professional investigators can also help to conduct a comprehensive background check on individuals. Private investigators have the knowledge, tools, and resources to conduct a detailed background check, in-depth investigation, and search.
Method 3: Use Public Records
Public records are another valuable resource of conducting background checks. These documents are publicly available and can provide useful information about an individual's history. Such documents include marriage certificates, court records, real estate transactions, and bankruptcy filings.
Real-life Examples and Anecdotes
Employers who conduct background checks have saved themselves from potential lawsuits resulting from harm caused by employees who have attempted to conceal their history. Criminals with a history of assault, harassment, or theft could significantly hurt a business or company's reputation, profitability, and stability. Some real-life examples include the following;
- The case of a financial adviser who had a history of felony convictions for stealing clients' money.
- The case of Jane Doe, an employee of a nutrition and wellness product company that was found guilty of embezzlement worth over $1 million. The company had conducted a background check and discovered her previous criminal activities.
Benefits of Conducting a Background Check
Conducting a background check offers several benefits, including:
1. Safety and Security
Background checks help employers minimize the risks and threats associated with hiring employees who may pose a risk of violence, harassment, or other forms of misconduct.
2. Avoiding Costs from Wrongful Hiring
Wrongful hiring is an expensive mistake that can cost organizations significant amounts of money. Conducting background checks can minimize the chances of hiring unqualified or unsuitable employees.
3. Compliance with the Law
Employers are legally required to conduct background checks on some individuals, such as those in the healthcare and financial sectors. Ensuring that all new hires have valid credentials and are cleared by governmental background checks is required by law.
4. Boosting the Reputation of the Organization
Employers that provide safe and secure work environments and ensure their employees conduct themselves professionally gain a reputation as a trusted and reliable entity within their industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conducting background checks is an essential process for any employer, landlord, or individual looking to work with someone. Online background checks, hiring a private investigator, and using public records are the most common methods of conducting background checks. The benefits of conducting these checks include safety and security, avoiding costs of wrongful hiring, compliance with the law, and boosting the organization's reputation. Conducting these checks not only safeguards organizations but also gives employees an increased sense of security by knowing that their coworkers and clients have been properly screened.
background check: What It Is and How to Do It Effectively
A background check is a process of validating or evaluating a person's history, records, or reputation using various sources, such as criminal records, education records, employment history, credit reports, and more. The purpose of a background check can be for employment screening, tenant screening, business partnerships, or personal reasons. Whatever the reason, it is crucial to conduct a background check properly to avoid legal liabilities, safety risks, or financial loss.
In this post, we will discuss the methods of conducting a background check effectively and the benefits of doing so.
Method 1: Online background check
One of the most convenient and cost-effective methods of conducting a background check is by using online services, such as TruthFinder, BeenVerified, or Intelius. These companies offer a robust database of public records, including criminal records, court records, driving records, social media profiles, and more. All you need to do is to provide the person's full name, age, and last known location, and the service will compile a detailed report within a few minutes.
However, online background checks have their limitations, as they rely on public records that might be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Some states also restrict the access to certain records, such as sealed criminal records or juvenile records. Moreover, online background checks cannot provide you with a personal interview or character references, which can be critical in certain situations.
Method 2: Hire a Professional Investigator
If you need a more comprehensive or customized background check, you can hire a licensed private investigator or professional background screening company. They have access to a wider range of sources, such as confidential databases, surveillance, interviews, and more. They can also tailor the research to your specific needs and legal requirements, such as complying with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) or the state-level laws.
However, hiring a professional investigator can be more expensive and time-consuming than an online background check. You also need to ensure that the investigator is licensed, insured, and trustworthy, as they have access to sensitive information and can be liable for any negligence or violation of privacy laws.
Method 3: DIY background check
If you have the time, resources, and expertise, you can conduct a background check yourself by using multiple sources, such as online databases, public records, court records, personal references, social media, and more. This method requires you to have basic research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to verify and interpret the information accurately.
However, DIY background checks can be risky and unreliable if you lack the necessary knowledge or access to certain records. You can also expose yourself to legal liabilities, such as defamation or invasion of privacy, if you use or disclose the information improperly or without consent. Moreover, DIY background checks can consume a lot of your time, especially if you need to check multiple people or sources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conducting a background check can provide you with valuable insights into a person's history, reputation, and suitability for a particular purpose. It can also help you avoid potential risks or damages, such as hiring a fraudster, renting to a criminal, or partnering with an unreliable business. However, to do a background check effectively, you need to choose the right method that suits your needs, budget, and legal requirements. You should also use multiple sources to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information and seek professional advice if you have any doubts or questions. Lastly, you should always respect the privacy and rights of the people you investigate and use the information ethically and responsibly.
background check: The Key to building a secure environment
In today's world, the importance of background checks has become one of the most critical factors in making an informed decision - be it hiring a new employee, renting out a property, or even finding a suitable partner. Indeed, the need for background check has never been more urgent than it is now, when the world is facing an unprecedented wave of violent crimes, identity thefts, and financial frauds.
This post outlines the different methods of conducting a background check, the various ways to do it efficiently, and why it has become a necessity in today's age.
Before we dive into the different methods of conducting a background check, it is essential to understand what makes for a quality check. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Accuracy: The information provided should be precise and based on reliable sources. Mistakes in data can lead to legal and ethical problems further down the line.
- Timeliness: Turnaround time can be a critical factor when urgency is involved. A quick yet thorough check should be carried out for speedy results.
- Legal Compliance: Adherence to legal requirements and regulations should be observed to protect privacy rights.
- Quality Reports: Reports should be easy to understand, and the organized data must be presented coherently.
Now, let's move on to the different methods of conducting a background check.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to carry out a background check is by accessing publicly available records, including criminal and driving records, financial statements, and social media accounts. This method can also include pulling up online news articles or public records to provide a comprehensive profile of the individual being background checked. These checks are especially useful for small businesses, individuals, and landlords.
Many states have websites that allow the public to access criminal records, court minutes, and even marriage licenses. A private investigator can also be hired to gather all necessary information from public records in other states.
Professional associations can also be useful sources for background checks, especially if the individual has a degree or certificate in a particular field. Professional organizations can provide access to databases that have public and non-public information on their members. For example, a physician who is a member of the American Medical Association (AMA) will most likely have a record in the AMA database, which can provide useful information. However, these sources may be restricted to individuals within the organization and are usually used for pre-employment background checks.
background check companies offer services that can be customized to your needs. These companies use their research and analysis expertise to provide information quickly and confidentially. The information provided includes the person's criminal record, employment history, education, credit score, drug tests, and insurance claims, to name a few. The use of background check companies is popular among larger businesses and government agencies. They are fast and efficient and allow companies to focus on their operations while the background check is in progress.
In conclusion, conducting background checks is becoming an essential part of decision-making in hiring, tenant, and customer screening. They're vital in protecting both personal and business assets and reputation. Failing to conduct a thorough background check before hiring someone, as an example, can put a company at risk of litigation, damage to its reputation, and property damage.
Gone are the days when hiring was a simple process. What has become imperative now is taking the necessary steps to know who is getting access to what and who is coming in contact with whom. The best way to achieve this is through background screening. It may cost some money, but think of it as paying for assurance and peace of mind.
Careful preparation and conscientiousness are essential in selecting the right background check provider, to ensure regulatory compliance and protect the privacy of the individual. In the end, the best method depends on the size of the organization, cost sensitivity, and the kind of activities carried out by the potential hire or renter.
The benefits of background check are clear, and the risks of avoiding them can be costly. By taking a little extra time and money to conduct a background check, individuals, businesses, and government agencies can protect themselves from harm and reduce the likelihood of wrongdoings.
background check: Why It’s Essential and the Best Ways to Do It
Whether you’re conducting a job interview, renting out a property, or hiring a nanny, conducting a background check is vital to ensure that the person you’re dealing with has a clean slate with no criminal record or negative history. It’s a critical component of any risk management strategy and provides peace of mind to individuals, organizations, and businesses. In this article, we’ll go over the best ways to conduct a comprehensive background check and why it’s so essential.
How to Conduct a background check?
There are several methods involved in conducting a thorough background check. Here are the top three ways:
Method 1: Online background check
One of the easiest ways to conduct a background check is to use an online background check service. These services provide reports that compile information from a variety of sources, such as criminal records, credit reports, employment history, and social media profiles. You just need to enter the person’s name and other relevant information, and the background check company will provide you with a comprehensive report.
Some of the best online background check companies include BeenVerified, Instant Checkmate, and TruthFinder. These companies are regulated and must comply with the law regarding the collection and use of personal information. However, keep in mind that online background checks may not always be perfect, so it’s essential to use them as a starting point and cross-check with other sources such as public records.
Method 2: Public Records
Another way to conduct a background check is to use publicly available records. Government agencies such as courts, police departments, and federal agencies maintain a wealth of information on individuals that may include criminal records, financial filings, and other public documents. To access these records, you can visit the relevant agency’s website, use a public information website, or go to the courthouse or government office.
Keep in mind that accessing public records may not be entirely free, and some documents may not be available online. Additionally, the search process can be time-consuming, and the data may not be up to date.
Method 3: Hire a Private Investigator
In some cases, if you need to conduct a more detailed background check on a potential employee or tenant, you may need to hire a private investigator. A private investigator has access to different sources of information and can conduct a more comprehensive investigation. You need to provide the investigator with the candidate’s personal information, and they will conduct the research on your behalf.
While hiring a private investigator can be expensive, it’s the best option when you need to conduct a more thorough background check. Remember to do your due diligence and hire a reputable and licensed private investigator.
Why Conduct a background check?
Conducting a background check helps you make informed decisions and reduce risk. Here are some benefits of conducting a background check:
1. Hire the Best Candidates
Conducting a background check on a potential employee can help you select the most qualified and suitable candidates. By reviewing their employment history, references, and education, you can make an informed hiring decision.
2. Reduce Risk
By conducting a criminal background check, you can minimize the risk of hiring someone with a history of criminal behavior. It’s especially important if the job involves working with vulnerable populations such as children, elderly people, or individuals with disabilities.
3. Protect Your Business
Conducting a background check can protect your business from potential lawsuits or damage to your reputation. By ensuring you have employed trustworthy people, you can prevent them from committing fraud or embezzlement that can harm your business or clients.
Conclusion
Conducting a background check is essential if you want to make informed decisions and avoid potential risks. By using the methods we’ve outlined above, you can conduct an efficient and comprehensive investigation. Keep in mind that conducting a background check is not only important for employers but also for individuals wanting to rent out their property, housekeepers, or babysitters. By taking the time to perform a background check, you can ensure that you’re dealing with trustworthy individuals that won’t endanger your clients, property, or business.
Background checks have become an essential tool in today's world for a variety of reasons, from improving safety to reducing liability. If you're considering running a background check for any reason, whether for personal or business reasons, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this post, we'll explore the various methods available for a background check, which options are best suited for different scenarios, and the benefits of performing one.
The first thing to consider when performing a background check is the type of information you're looking for. For example, if you're a business owner looking to screen potential employees, you may be interested in criminal history, work experience, educational background, or employment history. Personal background checks may explore criminal records, credit history, or driving records.
Once you've determined the type of information you'd like to uncover, it's time to consider the options available for background checks.
Online databases are a popular choice for background checks because they offer quick and inexpensive results. Companies like Intelius, BeenVerified, and TruthFinder offer a wide range of search options, including criminal record searches, public records, and social media searches.
With online databases, you can perform background checks on yourself or anyone else from the comfort of your own home. However, it's important to be mindful of the limitations of online background checks. While they can provide you with plenty of information, there's no guarantee that it's accurate or complete. To get the most comprehensive information available, you may need to turn to other methods as well.
background check services offer a more thorough option for conducting a background check. These companies typically gather information from a variety of sources, including federal, state, and local databases, criminal and civil court records, and credit monitoring systems. Some reputable background check services are GoodHire and HireRight.
While background check services may be more expensive than online databases, they offer peace of mind and a more complete picture of an individual's history. Additionally, because they're more comprehensive, they can help businesses avoid legal issues by ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
If you're dealing with a particularly difficult or sensitive issue and need more detail, hiring a private investigator may be the best solution. Private investigators can access information that may not be available to the public, such as sealed or expunged records.
Although private investigators are the most expensive option, they can be invaluable when seeking detailed information, such as when investigating a potential business partner or uncovering evidence in legal proceedings.
After examining the different methods available for conducting a background check, the question remains: "Why perform a background check?"
The benefits of performing a background check are numerous. For personal reasons, running a background check can help protect yourself against potential scammers or fraudsters, ensure the safety of your family or loved ones, or simply give you peace of mind about the people you interact with.
For businesses, conducting background checks is often a legal obligation, as employers must ensure that their employees are trustworthy and pose no threat to fellow employees or the public. Beyond compliance, however, background checks can help minimize risk by reducing instances of theft or fraud and improving overall employee quality.
In conclusion, whatever your reasons may be for running a background check, it's critical to choose the right method and ensure the information you collect is accurate, complete, and relevant to your needs. By doing so, you'll enjoy greater peace of mind, reduced risk, and the ability to make more informed decisions based on the information you've uncovered.
Background checks are an essential tool for getting a clearer picture of someone's past, particularly when it comes to hiring new employees, signing a lease, or entering into a business relationship. These checks are designed to reveal any red flags, criminal records, or other pertinent information that might be relevant to the situation at hand. In this post, we'll explore some of the best methods for conducting background checks, as well as some of the benefits of doing so.
There are a number of ways to go about conducting a background check, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are three of the most popular methods:
One of the easiest ways to conduct a background check is to use an online service that specializes in this kind of research. These types of services are quick, relatively inexpensive, and can provide you with a lot of information about the person you're investigating. Some sites also offer a variety of different packages and options, so you can choose the one that works best for your needs and budget.
However, there are some drawbacks to using these services as well. For one thing, the information you receive from an online background check service may not always be accurate or up-to-date. In addition, some of these services can be costly, particularly if you're looking for more detailed or comprehensive reports.
Another way to conduct a background check is to use social media and internet research to gather information about the person you're investigating. This might involve searching for their name on various social media platforms, looking up any blogs or websites they've written for, or even scouring news articles and court records.
The benefits of this method are that it's free, relatively easy to do, and can often provide you with valuable insights into the person's lifestyle, interests, and habits. However, there are a few downsides to relying solely on social media and internet research. For one thing, the information you find may not be entirely relevant or accurate. In addition, not everyone maintains a social media presence or writes for public blogs, so you may not be able to find much information about certain individuals.
Finally, you can always hire a professional investigator to conduct a background check on your behalf. These individuals have access to a wide range of resources and information that you might not be able to obtain on your own. Additionally, a good investigator can help you interpret the information you receive and provide you with important insights into the person's character and history.
Of course, there are some downsides to hiring a professional investigator as well. For one thing, these services can be expensive, sometimes costing several hundred or even thousands of dollars. Additionally, not all investigators are created equal, so you'll want to do your research and choose one who has a good reputation and track record.
Regardless of which method you choose, conducting a background check is an important part of due diligence when it comes to hiring, leasing, or entering into business relationships. By taking the time to learn more about the person you're considering, you can reduce the risk of potential problems down the road and make more informed decisions about who to trust and who to avoid.
To summarize, the benefits of a background check include:
- Reducing the risk of hiring someone with a criminal history or other problematic behavior
- Getting a more complete picture of a person's character and history
- Avoiding potential legal problems or liabilities down the road
Ultimately, investing in a background check can help you make better decisions in both your personal and professional life. Whether you use an online service, social media research, or a professional investigator, taking the time to gather information about the people in your life is always a smart choice.
Background Check: Everything You Need to Know
If you are looking to hire a new employee or rent out your property, you might want to consider conducting a background check. A background check can give you insight into a candidate's criminal history, credit score, employment history, and more. In this blog post, we will explore the different methods of background checking and why it’s essential to conduct a check before hiring or renting out.
How to background check?
Fortunately, there are multiple routes one can take to conduct a background check:
Method 1: Online Search Engines
One of the easiest ways to conduct a background check is by using an online search engine like Google. Type in the candidate's name and add keywords like "criminal record" or "arrest records." You can also add in any previous employer’s name, city, or state to gather more information.
Method 2: Hire a Professional Background Checking Agency
Another option is to hire a professional background checking agency. Such an agency can access public records databases, conduct interviews, and provide you with a report on the person's background. However, do note that this step is costlier and takes more time.
Method 3: In-house Checks
Lastly, you can conduct a background check in-house by utilizing data services such as credit score reporting agencies like TransUnion.
The Best way background check?
The best way for most businesses is to do both of these – in-house checks and professional background checks – to have a more comprehensive view of a candidate's background.
Why background check?
It's integral for businesses to undergo a background check to avoid preventable circumstances. Say, for example, a company hires a person without conducting a background check. Later, it is found out that he has a severe criminal record. Now, this can be risky for the company, its employees, and clients, leading to negative consequences down the line. Additionally, businesses can lose money and reputation, so a background check must be conducted before bringing in someone for the team. The same goes for renters.
Real-life examples and anecdotes
Here are a few examples to help you understand how important it is to conduct a background check:
1. Roommate nightmare:
A person shared a flat with a roommate without conducting a background check, which led to her living with a drug dealer. Things escalated, and the person eventually had to call the police. If only she had done a background check, she would've avoided the entire situation.
2. Hiring a “felon”
A small business owner hired an employee without conducting a background check. Only later, the owner discovered the employee’s criminal history when the police came to the workplace to investigate a mug shot burning on the down the street. This situation could've been prevented by doing a background check.
3. School Volunteer
A school district hired a volunteer without conducting a background check. Later in the year, it was discovered via the police department that the volunteer was registered as a sex offender. If only they had done a background check, they could have prevented a dangerous situation.
Conclusion
The benefits of conducting a background check before hiring someone or renting out are immense. It limits liability, reduces turnover, improves the company's reputation, and ensures the safety of people present on the premises. While you can conduct a preliminary check via online search engines, it's best to have an agency handle and provide a comprehensive report. The consequences of not conducting a background check can be detrimental to your business or your clients. Whether it's due to workplace security risks or a housing issue, take the time to background check to ensure everyone is safe.