Identity Checks: Do They Help You to Make Smart Hires?

An identity check is an indispensable part of a comprehensive background check. This crucial verification enables you to be sure about the identity of the applicant and to know that the applicant is not misrepresenting this basic personal information. The identity check is the foundation step based on which other verification processes can be carried out. Identity verification does not reveal any information regarding the applicant’s credit, financial history, or criminal history. The main purpose of this information is to check it against the information the candidate gave you to determine if they were being completely honest. If they are not, you may want to reconsider hiring them. An identity check verifies the applicant’s identity by checking the following:

• Full name

• Any aliases

• Social security number

• Date of birth

• Current and past addresses

Types of Identity Checks Social Security Number (SSN) Trace

A social security trace is a report that will return all current and reported addresses associated with a specific individual based on his or her social security number. If there are alternate names (aliases or also known as [AKA]) these are reported also. You should have a CONCERN if the name provided by the nanny to conduct the search does not match the name on file with the credit reporting agency.

Passport (MRZ) Check:

Due to the emergence of latest technologies, it does not take time for an individual to hijack the identities of innocent people and use them as their own. One of the best ways to overcome this problem is by conducting passport verification of individuals. This search involves an algorithmic check that the date of birth, gender and country are valid. It’s considered a "level-one" check, rather than the more in-depth check above.

Motor Vehicle Record Search

Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) reports statewide driving records, including Commercial Driver's License status (CDL) for at least 3 years, oftentimes up to 7 years. Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) offer driving history information including insurance lapses, license suspensions, revocations, accidents, traffic violations, and unpaid, or unanswered summons. The MVR report can flag Driving under the Influence (DWI or DUI) charges and other potential substance abuse problems.

Hiring Background Screening Professionals for Comprehensive Identity Checks?

There are laws and guidelines for identity checks. While verifying the identity of a prospective employee, it is essential to remain in compliance with such laws and guidelines in order to avoid all kinds of legal implications. It is at the same time essential to establish the identity of a prospective employee beyond doubt before hiring him or her for your business or company. Hence, conducting identity checks requires professional expertise and knowledge. One must also possess the legal know-how necessary for carrying out identity verifications on a prospective employee. A background screening professional can help you to conduct the identity verification and deliver efficient results. They have the expertise to provide results while remaining within the parameters of the U.S. laws and regulations. By hiring such professionals, you can mitigate the risk of recruiting a fraudster and save your company from significant losses. After all, prevention is always better than cure!

About The Author Nivedita Gupta is a content marketer and writes on business topics for various clients including cFirst Background Checks, a leading background check company in the US.