Some people know exactly why they need to run a background check, others may ask themselves what are some reasons to run a background check? And why would it be important to do so?
In this post, we will explain some of the top reasons to run a background check on someone within the United States, and why it could be important to run a background check on yourself.
Before we start let us discuss what a background check is, and what data could be found within a check once complete.
What is a Background Check?
A background check is a process of investigating the background records of an individual or even organization. The public records of a background records report will consist of criminal records, commercial records, and financial records.
When something happens like an arrest those documents are compiled and filed within that person’s record. These become a file on that person that can be viewed by the general public.
Because of this, there are billions of records that are created every year on almost every adult American.
Below are some of the most common reasons background checks and searches are performed by companies and the general public.
What does Information show on a Background Check?
When a background check is performed it will outline a criminal record check that is performed at the county, federal, and state level for criminal record data.
The extent of data that will show on the report will come down to a few factors. It depends on the purpose of the background check, for instance, it the check is subject to the FCRA or Fair Credit Reporting Act it will be more extensive.
And what the scope of the background check is for. If the background check is for something that is very sensitive for let’s say security clearance the background check will be very deep.
Here are some of the more common areas within a background check
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- Criminal Records Report
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- Personal Details
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- Financial Information
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- State or Federal Licenses
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- Driving Details
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- Previous Employment
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- Education Details
Most Common Reasons to Run a Background Check
1. Hiring of employees
This is almost standard practice now within larger companies and even smaller ones follow this protocol when possible.
Running a background check on a new employee helps keep the company safe by knowing what criminal matters if any potential candidate has.
2. Leaving kids with someone new
Is your child being coached by someone new? if so, you may want to run a background check on that person to make sure their record is okay.
Need a babysitter? Let’s face it there are times you will probably need to leave your children with someone other than a family member. If this happens you will definitely want to run a background check on that person.
Whenever children are involved there should be no question if a background check should be run.
3. Caregivers for the elderly
Do you have aging parents that need to have caregivers assist them within there home? If so, you should run a background check.
Even though most companies that provide this service runs there own background check on these candidates before hiring, you should also do the same to double check who will be assisting your loved ones.
4. Relationships and Dating
This is another Reason to Run a Background Check and probably should be mandatory for anyone that gets involved with someone new. Just because that special someone seems to be perfect, you really should check deeper before getting too involved
Technology has made it so easy to perform a background check that anyone can search directly from there home or business on any device that is connected to the internet.
5. Curiosity
Are you curious about someone? Do you have a gut feeling something may not be right? If so, then you should run a background check to find out if everything is okay.
Remember, public records are a right to almost anyone looking to view these records. If the record is not sealed then chances are you can view them.
6. On Yourself
This may sound odd but in reality, you should understand what your background report says about you. There could be wrong information or even an open warrant that you may not know about.
If you are getting ready to apply for a new job, odds are that a background check will be performed on you, so know what’s on your report beforehand so you can fix any issues.
Personnel Background Checks Versus Employee & Employer Consent
Remember a few things on personal background checks vs an employee background check that requires FCRA complaints.
These background checks that are personal in nature like running a background check on a neighbor or yourself and there is not an employer-employee relationship at play then you do not need to have written permission to run the background check.
Do keep in mind that if you’re hiring a babysitter then you should probably ask for consent to be safe before running the check.
Why is running a background check important
Have you wondered why are background checks important? This question can be answered so many different ways. Depending on who you ask, the reasons can be very different. From someone wanting to know more about a potential date a long distance relationship, or someone doing business with someone new, the reasons are really endless as to why background checks are so important.
Why is a criminal background checks important?
Criminal background checks are important because they shed light on someones criminal past. This information can help you determine whether or not you should do business with this individual, go out on a date with someone new, let your child stay alone with a new coach and many more reasons that can keep you and your family safe
In Closing
These are just some of the reasons people run background checks, we know there are countless other reasons to run a background check on someone or even yourself.
Remember public records were put into effect so that people like you and me have access to these types of records to make better decisions on who we should and shouldn’t let into our lives.
