Are credit reports included in a background check?
A credit report is sourced at one of the three major credit bureaus. A credit report can reveal if an applicant has lived at a particular address or addresses for a length of time and can be an indicator of how responsibly he/she has handled personal financial affairs. In some states, this product can only be used for certain positions, such as fiduciary or executive management positions, or for certain regulated employers. Note, no credit score is provided on the credit report for employment purposes. State and local laws restrict when a credit report can be obtained for employment purposes.
Do online background checks really work?
A growing trend with the employment screening industry is the use of commercially compiled databases, also known as instant background checks or “national criminal database searches.” These types of checks are quicker and cheaper but lack accuracy and credibility and put employers at a greater risk of fines and lawsuits from the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
What are the most common types of criminal background checks?
A criminal history check reveals detailed information regarding an individual’s county, state, and federal criminal history. Each record varies by the type of information it searches for and the results that are returned.
1) County background checks, or county criminal history search results, include information about criminal cases filed only in the county ordered.
2) State background checks, or statewide criminal history search results, include information as reported to a state by counties within the state. Results may include case number, offense type, date of offense, disposition date/specifics, and confirmation of the current disposition.
3) Federal background checks, or federal criminal history search results, include criminal court record information that can be accessed via one or more of the 94 U.S. Federal District courts across the United States.
What shows up on a background screen?
Background screenings can vary depending on certain positions, industry standards, and state laws. Background products can include,
• Criminal History Checks (Federal, State, and County)
• Civil Searches (Federal and County)
• SSN Validity Checks
• Employment Verifications
• Education Verifications
• I-9 and E-Verify
• State Driving Records
• Professional Licenses and Credentials
• Credit Reports
• Adverse Action Notices
• Personal Reference Verifications
• Government Sanctions Lists
• Sex Offender Searches
• DOT Testing History
• Criminal Investigative Services