Introduction On How To Do A Background Check On Someone?
How to do a background check on someone? Running a background check on someone can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.
If you are looking for how to run a background check on someone, there are few things you will need to know first.
In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to run a background check on someone.
We will also cover everything from obtaining consent from the person you are checking on, to finding the right resources to use.
By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to run a thorough and accurate background check. Ready to get started?
What’s A Background Check?
A background check, also known as a background screening, is the collection and verification of an individual’s information or records from private and public sources.
It is a process that is used to verify a person’s identity, criminal record, education, employment history, and other relevant information.
Background checks are commonly used by employers to screen job candidates, that’s why we have map out these 12+ background check for employment but they can also be used by landlords, insurance companies, and other organizations to assess the risk of doing business with an individual.
Note: Background checks can be conducted by the individual themselves, or they can be conducted by a third-party background screening company.
Third-party background screening companies like Sterling background check and Hireright background check have access to a wide range of public and private databases, which allows them to conduct more comprehensive background checks.
In the United States, employers are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when conducting background checks on job candidates.
The FCRA requires employers to obtain written consent from the candidate before conducting a background check, and it also gives candidates the right to review the results of what their background check show and dispute any inaccurate information.
Background checks can be a valuable tool for employers and other organizations in making informed decisions about who to hire, rent to, or do business with and if you are a landlord then you should learn how to do a background check for renters.
However, it is important to note that background checks are not a perfect science, and they can sometimes result in false positives or false negatives.
What Are The Steps On How To Do A Background Check On Someone?
1. Obtain Consent From The Person You Are Checking On.
Obtaining consent from the person you are checking on is essential, as it ensures that you are not violating their privacy or legal rights.
You should always ask the person for their permission before running a background check on them, and make sure they understand what information you are looking for and why.
The form should clearly state the purpose of the background check, the types of information that will be collected, and how the information will be used.
You should also provide the person with a copy of their Summary of Rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Once the person has reviewed the disclosure and authorization form, they should sign and date it. You should keep a copy of the signed form for your records.
2. Choose The Right Resource To Use
The best resource to use for a background check will depend on your specific needs. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a resource:
- Types of checks offered: Does the resource offer the types of checks you need, such as criminal history, employment history, education history, credit history, driving record, professional licenses, and social media activity?
- Accuracy and completeness: Does the resource have a good reputation for accuracy and completeness?
- Turnaround time: How quickly does the resource provide results?
- Cost: How much does the resource charge?
- Customer service: Does the resource have good customer service?
Here are a few specific resources that you may want to consider:
- Third-party background check companies: These companies specialize in running background checks. They typically offer a wide range of checks and have access to a variety of databases. Some examples of third-party background check companies include Sterling Talent Solutions, HireRight, and First Advantage.
- Public records search websites: These websites allow you to search for public records, such as criminal records, court records, and bankruptcy records. Some examples of public records search websites include PublicData.com and Intelius.
- Social media search tools: These tools allow you to search for people on social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Some examples of social media search tools include Social Searcher and Social Mention.
If you are unsure which resource to choose, you may want to consult with an attorney or a human resources professional.
3. Perform A Search On The Person Name
To perform a search on a person’s name, you will need their full name, date of birth, and Social Security number (optional).
You can then search for background checks online or in person at the courthouse.
There are a number of websites that offer background check services. These services typically charge a fee, but they can provide you with a comprehensive report that includes information on the person’s criminal history, employment history, education history, and more.
You can also run a background check on someone at the courthouse. This is typically free, but it may take more time and effort than using an online service.
To run a background check at the courthouse, you will need to go to the clerk’s office and ask for a copy of the person’s criminal history report.
You may also be able to obtain other information, such as the person’s employment history and education history, from the clerk’s office.
4. Review And Verify The Information You Find
To review and verify information on a background check, you should:
- Carefully review the entire report. Make sure to read all of the information, including the fine print.
- Look for any red flags. This could include things like criminal convictions, employment gaps, or discrepancies in the information that was provided.
- Follow up on any concerns. If you have any questions or concerns about the information in the report, contact the background check company or the source of the information.
Disclaimer: I am not a legal professional, and this information should not be construed as legal advice.
Is It Legal To Do A Background Check On Someone?
The legality of running a background check on someone depends on the purpose of the check and the laws in your jurisdiction.
In general, it is legal to run a background check on someone with their consent. However, there are some restrictions on who can run a background check and what information can be included in the check.
Conclusion On How To Do A Background Check On Someone?
To conclude, there are a few key steps to follow when running a background check on someone:
- Get the person’s consent. This is a legal requirement in most jurisdictions.
- Be clear about the purpose of the background check. This will help you to determine what type of information you need to collect.
- Only run a background check if you have a legitimate business need to do so. This could include hiring a new employee, renting out an apartment, or conducting a business transaction.
- Use a reputable background check company. These companies have the experience and resources to conduct thorough and accurate background checks.
- Review the results of the background check carefully. Look for any red flags, such as criminal convictions, employment gaps, or financial problems.
If you are unsure whether or not you should run a background check on someone, or if you have any questions about the process, it is always best to consult with an attorney.