Online Background Checks

Online background checks have become a useful tool for employers when making hiring decisions. They are most commonly used to verify the identities and information presented by potential employees on their applications. However, background checks can be used for current employees as well. Employers may use the checks on employees for reasons such as evaluations, promotions, or reassignments. Background checks can be accessed at any time, as long as they are used for employment purposes.

Benefits of Online Background Checks

Many different background screening services are available to check on present or potential employees. Each service may provide different rates and options for employers. Many employers have turned to online screening services because they are typically faster and more convenient. Depending on the screening options that employers choose, some online services can provide them with instant results. Identity checks and criminal checks are usually the quickest reports to obtain since their information is taken from public records.

Online background checks can be very helpful for employers when they want to find trustworthy employees. If applicants have presented any false or misleading information on their applications, this will be revealed with background checks. Employers must notify applicants in writing prior to screening their backgrounds. For the background screening process to be legal, applicants must also submit written consent before background checks can be performed. It is important for employers to abide by federal and state laws when using background reports for hiring.

Abiding by the Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA, sets the standards for background screening. It is sometimes mistaken for the credit reporting law. However, the FCRA covers much more than credit information. This act covers information about an applicant's character, general reputation, mode of living, and personal characteristics in addition to credit worthiness. The main purpose of the FCRA is to make sure that background reports relating to employment are accurate.

The FCRA does not require that all employers conduct background searches. Employers can decide whether or not background checks are necessary for their hiring situations. The FCRA simply sets the rules when background checks are conducted. It also does not make any distinctions between small and large companies. No matter how many employees a business decides to screen, the rules will remain the same with the FCRA.

Accessing Identity Checks

Identity checks will verify basic information that is found on applications. Identity checks can reveal information such as names, addresses, home phone numbers, and birth dates. Some identity checks will reveal average home prices, average incomes, and social security numbers as well. Identity checks will not show e-mail addresses, non-published phone numbers, cellular phone numbers, or information about other businesses because these items are not accessible in public records.

Criminal checks are now required by many companies prior to hiring new employees. They are especially important in professions that involve interaction with children, elderly, or disabled individuals. Education and trucking companies are good examples of professions that require criminal checks for all applicants. Some companies may not require criminal checks, but they can be used as a general precaution during the hiring process. Criminal checks will reveal any felonies, misdemeanors, sex offenses, or county offenses that are listed on the records of applicants.

Background checks provide much more extensive information than identity checks or criminal checks. Since they provide more detailed information, they can be more expensive and may take longer to process. By using online background checks, employers can save some time in the process. Employers can learn a great deal about the personal lives of their applicants from background screening. They may learn details about legal judgments, bankruptcies, tax liens, address histories, credit histories, licenses, driving records, criminal records, and previous employment when they use online background checks.