About Background Check Services and Tools

When conducting a background check or search of any kind, there are several different types of background check services and tools available to help ensure the process is efficient and compliant with state and federal laws. These may include hiring a background investigator, utilizing special release forms for FCRA checks, conducting a background verification or hiring a background check company.

Background Investigators

Hiring a background investigator allows you to utilize these private services at a cost in exchange for simply waiting for your search results. Often, private investigators are able to uncover details that the general public is unable to access about an individual. When hiring one of these professionals, ensure they have a great track record and have been in business for some time. You will often get what you pay for, too; the more expensive the rate, the more experienced the investigator often is.

Background Check Forms

If you are conducting a background check yourself, you'll need to ensure you're in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Certain background check forms may need to be used in order to do so. For example, in the case of a FCRA background check, a proper Applicant Release Form must be filled out by the subject of the check. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, this must be utilized in cases where employment decisions will be based on the results of a background check.

Background Verification

Another useful service or tool you can use when conducting a background check on someone is verifying information that has been given to you by the individual. This is often utilized in cases where professional licenses or certain educations are required, or you simply want to confirm former employment information. Verifying this information or finding out it is inaccurate may provide reason for a more in-depth background check.

When hiring a new employee, former employment may be verified with a quick phone call to the Human Resources Department of the company where the person worked before. Educational records are confidential, but you may request a copy of the original diploma or degree, or be able to verify a school had a student by that name at a certain time. Professional licenses for insurance agents, financial professionals, cosmetologists, physicians and other professionals are always found with the local Professional Licensing Agency, or PLA.

Background Check Company Services

When all else fails, or if you simply must outsource your background checking duties due to time constraints, there are several background check companies which will complete the check for you. You may find one of these companies locally, or use their services over the Internet.

By providing the name, phone number, address and perhaps even Social Security Number of the individual, these companies can provide you a wealth of information about them. Credit reports, criminal histories, schools attended, former employment and even local court and family records may be provided in a complete report upon conducting the check. Most often, these services are provided for a reasonable fee, and many companies offer monthly memberships if you must conduct several background checks over a lengthy period of time.

Regardless of how you choose to conduct a background check, you will need to utilize some sort of background check services or tools along the way. Whether this involves using a simple form or hiring an outside individual or company, these services and tools will help ensure the best results possible.