A background check is an online tool that searches thousands of different public documents to gather a wide range of information about a person. Background checks are now part of everyday life in most parts of the world, but people are still amazed at how freely and legally information about a person can be accessed through a background check. You can do free background checks using various tools to give you all the information you need about an individual or company.
The variety of information a background check can reveal is astonishing and includes:
- Criminal record (state, county, and city)
- History of education (high school and university)
- Working documents
- Work permit
- Financial records
- Credit history
- Driving history
- License details
- Social media profiles
Types of Background Checks
There are two main types of background checks that most people will encounter.
- The first is a consumer background check, which most employers and owners use. This is a comprehensive search that complies with the various rules and regulations governing this type of background check.
- The second is a public background check, which is not limited by these rules but which cannot always easily access the same sources of information. For the most part, these checks will always show the same information, if not more, than a consumer check.
How Are Background Checks Used?
Background checks are used for all kinds of different reasons these days. Some of the most common reasons people do a background check are:
Job Checks
Employers almost always do background checks before offering people a position. This is to verify that their CV is correct and that they don’t hide anything that could exclude them from work.
Forensic Audits
Many people
use background checks to investigate someone in their neighborhood or workplace they don’t trust. If you fear someone in your life is hiding a secret criminal past, a background check is a quick and easy way to uncover the truth. Background checks will show criminal background or arrest information, as well as anything else you want to know about your past.
Find a Lost Family Member or Friend
Most people have someone from their past they would like to reconnect with, whether it’s an old girlfriend, a long-lost cousin, or that best friend from elementary school they meet and part ways. A background check is a simple and effective way to locate almost anyone, even if you only have basic information to continue.
Check Your Records
Whether you’re applying for a job or renting a home, there’s a lot to be said about doing a personal background check first. It’s a great way to find out what information about you is in the public domain and what a new employer or potential owner might discover. This means that you are one step ahead of them and that you will not have any unpleasant surprises during interviews or when you find your dream property.…
