How to Conduct a Background Check
Background checks are a great way to prevent theft, embezzlement, and other criminal activities. The process provides an opportunity to check the validity of a person’s education, employment history, and other past activities. This type of background check must be done in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. There are a few different ways to conduct a background check. Below are a few tips for completing them:
Background checks are effective for preventing theft, embezzlement and other criminal activity
Most employers have their employees undergo criminal background checks every year. While this is perfectly legal, employers may question the need for such a check. After all, it is difficult to keep a criminal conviction secret, and some employees may even serve their jail time over the weekend. That is why employers should consider the benefits of such checks, as well as the costs and risks associated with a background check.
Occupational fraud costs businesses up to 5% of their annual revenue, and one in five fraud cases results in a loss of $1 million or more. These losses disproportionately affect smaller businesses and are particularly damaging to the reputation and morale of employees. Fortunately, there is a simple solution. Background checks can help companies prevent these losses by revealing potential employees’ past problems and backgrounds.
They can be done by yourself
Performing a self background check can be very beneficial for both employees and job seekers. During the interview process, an applicant is often asked to fill out several pieces of information, including address history, dates of employment, contact information, and credentials. These details could contain embarrassing mistakes or inaccuracies, which could have a negative effect on an applicant’s reputation. The fact that millions of people are victims of identity theft every year should provide ample motivation to perform a self background check.
When attempting to conduct a background check, it is essential to have the person’s Social Security Number. This will help you verify their identity. The Social Security Administration will report the name associated with their number, including legal name changes. The process can be time-consuming, and you may have to pay for additional services, such as fingerprinting. In most cases, a commercial background check service is faster and easier, and more affordable than doing it yourself.
They must be in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
By law, employers must provide a copy of the applicant’s background check, as well as a Summary of the Applicant’s Rights Under the FCRA. These documents are essential in order to avoid liability for any errors that may be in the report. According to the FCRA, employers are also required to give the applicant a reasonable amount of time to review the information in the report. While the FCRA doesn’t provide a specific amount of time, the general consensus is that a reasonable time of two to five business days is sufficient.
Under the FCRA, all background checks conducted on employees must follow certain rules. The FCRA also governs the collection of information by consumer reporting agencies. These agencies may obtain information from a variety of sources and give it to employers, debt collectors, and creditors. These reports may contain information relating to rent payments or public records. These guidelines are intended to ensure that employers are not breaking the law.
They can be done by your state’s Department of Public Safety
When hiring a new employee or rehiring an employee, the first step is to check the applicant’s background. If an applicant is not registered on DDS CTSAFEHIRE, an agency such as Human Resources can run a background check for $25. The application will include the applicant’s name, date of birth, and a cover letter containing their social security number.
Criminal history information, including arrest and conviction records, is available in the form of a background check. This does not include consumer credit, immigration status, or driving records. Nevertheless, state and local law enforcement agencies can use the background information to help protect the public. In Montana, fingerprint checks are available. The criminal history information contained in a fingerprint check can be accurate and comprehensive, while a name-based search is only available for people in Montana. Both types of background checks must be submitted electronically.
They must give you a summary of your rights
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), employers must provide a “Summary of Your Rights” before releasing consumer report information. The new disclosure must inform employees and job applicants of their right to “security freeze” their information to prevent unauthorized access. Employers are required to give this information to job applicants or employees when they consider disciplinary action. This document can be obtained from the company that sold the report.
An employer must tell an applicant that it will use the background check information to make an adverse decision. The notice must state the purpose of the background check and give the applicant at least five days to challenge the information. After the notice is given, the employer must provide the applicant with a copy of the report and a “summary of your rights” that tells them how to contact the background reporting company. Under the FCRA, an employee also has the right to get a copy of their own background report.