The Process of Background Verification

Employers all across the United States of America conduct background checks on their potential employees. This has become absolutely essential as the nature of a person as well as his credentials can be ascertained by the process of background verification. 

There are a number of ways to conduct such a search. The amount of information that is collected by going through a number of databases proves to be invaluable in making the right decision while hiring. The necessity of going through the entire process of background verification is not confined to the employers only.

Individuals often require security clearances, particularly when they are employmed in a governmental agency. Business partners are often eager to check out the financial status of a prospective partner as are the creditors and insurance companies. A history of either civil or criminal offenses may also prove to be invaluable while considering the VISA or immigration status of an individual. International adoption is yet another instance where the proper verification of an individual’s background is considered to be essential.

Background Verification Laws

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is responsible for regulating the entire process of background checks. The consumer report is prepared by a third party and contains the details of the background check of an individual. The report adheres to certain rules and regulatory practices with the employers being required to disclose the source of information in case they decide to take action on basis of the report.

The consumer report is also available to the employer or any other party interested in investigating the background of another individual, only if the subject hands over a signed authorization stating that he/she has no objection to a background check conducted for the purpose of employment.  The FCRA tries to protect the privacy of every citizen residing in the United States of America by ensuring that the norms are maintained by the various consumer reporting agencies. The details of the statute 15 U.S.C. 1681 - 1681u can be viewed by accessing the website of the Federal Trade Commission on the website http://www.ftc.gov.

Information Obtained

The information accessed by the prospective employer or a creditor may vary widely and is based on the actual necessity. Certain unique identifiers can be verified conclusively by conducting a background check. A name match and social security number verification can be done by going through the appropriate databases as well. The details of payments as well as driving records are effective tools for background verification too as are the criminal history records and bankruptcy filings.

Criminal Records

There are a number of ways of accessing criminal records of an individual. Almost all the state repositories provide search facilities as well as background check tools. This service is limited to certain governmental agencies as well as a few non-governmental organizations. 

Facilities for conducting a national crime search as well as checking out arrest records by contacting the local law enforcement departments is also an effective way of verifying the criminal background of an individual. Going through the sex offender registry of the concerned state will help in making the right decision as far as hiring a caregiver is concerned. Other organizations which require their employees to work with young children will check out the sex offender registry as well.

Working Status

Recruiting U.S. citizens who have the legal right to work in the country is preferred by most American companies. Verifying the legal working status of an employee is important and most business enterprises look to the Internet resource http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis for relevant information.

Driving Records

Driving records are almost always maintained by the department of motor vehicles and requesting a record on behalf of another individual requires a signed authorization in accordance with the FCRA regulations. Details of all traffic violations including severe drunk driving case reports can be obtained by requesting a driving record at the local department of motor vehicles.

Financial Information

Verifying the financial status is one of the most important aspects of a background check. The credit score, bankruptcy records as well as the records of civil dispute cases help to establish the financial credibility of the subject. This information is important to creditors who have received a request for a loan, or even insurance companies and landlords.