Effective Background Screening Begins With You…

What happens before you run the background check is often the most important element of the screening process. The computer system you are using cannot validate an ID or visually check to see if the individual in question is in fact, who they say they are. For example, when accepting an application for rent, it is so important to authenticate the information provided. Following are some good ideas on how to increase the accuracy of your screening results.

You should always require at least 2 forms of ID.  

Social Security Cards  When Social Security was first implemented in 1936 only those with jobs were issued numbers.  There were 30,000,000 issued the first 2 years.  When credit bureaus started in the mid 1960s  there were still only 250,000,000 people who had cards (at that time you were only issued a card when you were hired at your first job).  In the 1980s people were issued cards with-in a year of their birth.  Now we are at over 500,000,000 cards issued.  Remember that when a person dies the number is not retired (survivor benefits may be attached to a card).  So when credit bureaus were started there were half as many numbers issued as there are now.  Therefore the credit bureaus identify people by name and Social Security number ONLY.  Remember this: if you don’t see and touch the card you could create “identity theft” by entering miss-information.  Make certain the name you enter is spelled exactly like the name on the other ID material and on the application.  Down the sides of a real Social Security card there are pillars which are raised so you can feel them with your finger nails.  This is a security measure provided for you.  Never put an unverified number into a credit reporting system.  Your applicant could be using stolen ID, ID belonging to their child or ID belonging to someone who is deceased. Only you can verify if the Social Security number presented is real.

State issued photo ID (drivers’ license) Once again, take time to verify… is this the person standing in front of you?  Hair color, height, weight etc.  And is the name spelled the same as one the Social Security card and on the application?  Is the address consistent with where they say they are living?  Most important is date of birth.  This must match the application information and MUST be exactly what you give your screening company.  This is extremely vital in order to provide accurate criminal history research.  Municipalities, counties, states and even the federal government keep criminal records by name and date of birth ONLY.  If you get the wrong date of birth the criminal record can be missed.  Note that the state of Arizona requires sex offenders to have 1 year drivers’ license.  This is how they keep track of their residence information which is update yearly.

If you use a screening company that gives you a list of criminals that MAY be your applicant you need to change screening companies immediately! Find a background check company that actually employs licensed private investigators who conduct hands-on, eyes-on criminal history investigations. Only a PI can tell you for sure if your applicant has a criminal history.

Remember… Don’t enter miss information.  ONLY you can verify before you enter information.  Lack of correct data can never get you correct results. Should a crime occur as a result of neglect during the background screening process, you or your company may be liable.