What Shows Up On A Background Check
The employer determines what information they need to make a hiring decision. They may ask for driving history, employment history, education, criminal records, and credit history. Pending criminal charges may show up, although some states, like Kentucky, wont ever show pending charges.
Civil orders, such as a restraining order, wont usually show up on a background check. However, if it was in addition to a criminal charge, it may show as an annotation to sentencing.
It Can Determine Applicable Criminal Record Searches
Information returned from a SSN trace can be used to determine applicable criminal record searches. It is helpful to think of the SSN trace as a guide or an arrow it points to many other possible sources of information about a candidate. Whereas a single criminal records search will deliver results for a given name, a SSN trace amplifies those criminal search results by providing all the names and addresses for a specific SSN. That additional information can be used to conduct a more in-depth search of criminal record databases, possibly yielding a more complete search result.
Q6 Are Background Check Services Legal
Background checks are legal in most states. However, every state has requirements and guidelines for conducting these searches. Background checks are also legal for most federal jobs and many state positions.
In certain jurisdictions, there are limitations on who can use background check services and what information can be obtained through them. Therefore, you must consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your states background check laws.
Therefore, you should check with your states unemployment office and the human resources department of your company before making any decisions about hiring a new employee.
Don’t Miss: Are The Social Security Offices Open Now
What Are Public Records
Public records are just that records that are available for public viewing. Public does not mean free, however, as many local courthouses and county offices charge for copies or even per SSN search. Public also doesnt mean easy to find many county records are not searchable online, even with social security numbers. And there is no one-stop government database for all public records across ever state you have to know exactly where to search to get the information you need.
Fortunately, there are people search companies that have literally gone to every courthouse in every county and paid access fees to collect and index all the available public records on virtually everyone over 18 years old in the US. All these records are cross-referenced to match them together so that you can get a near-instant background check by SSN spanning all the information available from throughout the US.
So, if someone currently living in Los Angeles was married in Atlanta and committed a crime in Miami, an instant background check will tell you often for less than what youd pay for one record at one courthouse.
Heres the thing though you dont need a full social security number to get this comprehensive background check. In fact, all you really need is a name and last known state and the people finder company does the rest.
Do I Need To Bring My Social Security Card To An Interview
If you are given the job and requested to complete out HR paperwork following the interview, you will most likely require this. Card of Social Security. If youre given the job and asked to fill out the HR paperwork following the interview, bring either the card or your social security number with you.
Also Check: How Can I Apply For Social Security
Why Did The Social Security Number Trace Identify An Address Where The Applicant States That They Have Never Lived
Occasionally there are addresses listed on the social security trace that are not prior addresses of the applicant. This normally occurs because of a simple data entry error by one of the thousands of clerks and operators that handle the data. Searching an additional jurisdiction does not hurt the applicant, but merely provides for a more thorough background check.
Q9 How Do I Receive My Results
Many people are curious about how they will receive their results. The process is different for each service and can be as straightforward or as complex as you would like.
Some services may require you to fill out a form with your information, like your name and address, then wait for them to contact you with your results. Others may send you an email with your results once they are completed.
After you submit your information and pay for the service, you will receive an email confirming the completion of your report. You can then download the report online or request a hard copy by calling the background check services company.
Read Also: Social Security Office Winter Haven Fl
Expand Searches Based On Name Changes
People might change their names for several reasons, and it isnt uncommon for an applicant to have previously used a different name.
Some of the reasons why someone might have changed their name include the following:
- Correction of errors on birth certificates
- Anglicization after moving to the U.S. from somewhere else
- Concealment of a former identity
An SSN trace can uncover an applicants former names and aliases, helping to expand your criminal records searches and your education history, employment history, and professional license verifications.
Why Do You Need An Ssn For A Background Check
The information you glean from SSN checks and traces is useful for several reasons and can ultimately contribute to stronger, safer, and further-reaching background check processes. The reasons to run an SSN background check include:
-
Checking a Social Security Number against SSA databases helps verify an individuals identity. This check can send up red flags if the candidate has committed or is committing identity theft. At the same time, it makes it simpler to match criminal records to a specific individual, which is not always easy when youre operating based on a name.
-
A list of aliases is useful for conducting a more thorough criminal background check. Since criminal records are associated with names, someone can change their name to avoid being flagged by a background check. Using an SSN to match criminal records to an alias produces more thorough background searches.
-
Address histories are exceedingly helpful in widening the scope of a background check. Most criminal convictions are filed at the county level, which means county criminal searches are a common first step to finding a candidates criminal history. By telling you where a candidate has lived in the past, an SSN background check tells you where to order additional searches.
You May Like: Social Security Office San Francisco
Free Background Check Services
Free background checks provide you with basic information about a potential employee, such as their full name, social security number, address history, sex offender results, county criminal results, and global watchlist results.
- Criminal background report for most jurisdictions.
- Pay-per-use, no setup or hidden fees.
- Built-in applicant identity verification.
Best For Employers: Checkr
Aside from its rave reviews from both candidates and employers, Checkr is the best background check company for employers because its easy to use. Invite up to 25 candidates in a single go, and access simple reports to make hiring decisions quickly.
-
Limits inconsistencies in court record terminology
-
Some background checks can take weeks
-
Aliases and common names delay results
-
Fees can vary depending on the county.
Checkr launched in 2014 and has offices in both Denver and San Francisco. Its the best background check site for employers because you can bulk-invite candidates and simplify court jargon all in one easy-to-use interface. With over 500 employees, Checkr works solely to provide background checks to employers. It also has some of the best reviews across all of the background check sites we examined.
With no consistency across county and state databases, PAM technology helps disseminate terminology, so human resource representatives dont have to spend much time deciphering results.
Pricing varies by country and add ons, although higher volume may offer better pricing. 84% of Checkrs background checks come back within 15 minutes, allowing employers can make hiring decisions quickly.
Background checks include the following reports:
- Criminal Records
-
Free for landlordstenants pay for background checks
-
25 million people visit site each month
-
Poor user reviews on some sites
-
Commercial properties cannot be managed on Apartments.com
Recommended Reading: How Much Is Full Social Security
Tip : Beware Of Phishing
Phishing is a type of identity fraud gimmick that has been in existence since the dawn of the internet. Attackers often pose as a trusted person or entity to send you malicious links, files, and attachments and lure you into giving out your SSN, password, credit card number and other types of sensitive info. It could happen over the phone or on the internet .
To protect yourself from falling prey to phishing, make sure to NEVER EVER give out your personal information no matter how alluring or convincing it may sound until you can confirm it is from a legitimate source. A lavish prize in a contest you never competed in? A big discount on an item you never purchased? Think carefully before you act.
Whats The Difference Between Public Records And A Background Check
When people refer to state public records or open records, they are typically talking about lawsuit claims, traffic tickets, vital records , tax liens, bankruptcies, and so forth. When they refer to a background check, they mean criminal records, warrants, arrest records, and other criminal history details.
You May Like: When Can You Claim Social Security
Ssn Trace And Address Search
Included in the US AliasSEARCH is an SSN trace service that can help employers uncover address history information based on data held by the Social Security administration. Employers who run address history checks can improve their confidence level while also expanding the scope of the records they review. A best practice is to check county-level criminal records in the locations an applicant has lived going back for the last seven years. An SSN trace helps you find that information.
How To Get The Most Out Of A Ssn Trace Report
Running a SSN trace isnt just a matter of plugging a social security number into a database. In reality, its what you do with the information that makes for a more thorough background check. For example, experienced background screening analysts are able to examine SSN trace reports and determine the appropriate follow-up, helping to deliver information that improves the quality of the overall background check. Working with a reputable background screening partner can bring together technology and expert human analysis so that you can retrieve, decipher, and understand the information coming from a SSN trace report. Expert screening analysts can:
- Determine what other data sources must be checked to verify data from a SSN trace report, including where its necessary to do a deeper dive, either in the form of additional research or additional court searches.
- Identify appropriate next steps when a SSN trace produces few or no results. Analysts can request clarifying information from the candidate, and they can also help you determine if there are valid reasons for limited information, such as a newly issued SSN or suspected identity theft.
Also Check: Anderson Social Security Office Sc
What Is A Credit Report
Credit reports come from the three credit bureaus, TransUnion®, Experian® and Equifax®. They are a look at someones credit history. It shows how much debt the individual has and how faithful they have been at repaying their debts in the past.
The information in a credit report is usually necessary when making decisions about financial transactions, and sometimes landlords will want it for tenant screening*. This report usually requires a Social Security number, or SSN. However, most people know that they need to give their SSN to get a credit report, so they are willing to give it for these instances.
What Information Could You Get From Instant Checkmate
An Instant Checkmate background report may include information on a persons employment history, phone number, social media profiles, past addresses, criminal records and other information from public records. This is a legal way to get information about someone else, so you can make informed decisions.
If you have additional details to add to your search, you can do so on Instant Checkmate as well. This may help Instant Checkmate provide more tailored results for your search. Regardless, using this tool, you can often find a detailed report with available information.
Start Your Background Check Now with Instant Checkmate
With Instant Checkmate, a background check can be quick, even without a Social Security number. Simply use the search bar above with the information you have, and you can potentially have your report the same day.
Use Instant Checkmates people search tool to run a background check today to see what information may be available about a person without the need for their SSN. Save time and effort as you perform a background check to learn more about the people in your life.
*DISCLAIMER: Instant Checkmate does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency ). You may not use Instant Checkmate to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance.
The Author
Ed Smith is a writer, coffee addict, and jack of all trades. He’s based in San Diego, California.
Also Check: Social Security Office Charleston Wv
What Is A Social Security Number
A social security number is a nine-digit number that is issued by the US government to all US citizens and eligible residents.
An SSN is used by the government to keep track of your earnings, how long you have worked, and any benefits you might be entitled to.
Once you are issued with an SSN, you will use it for life. The only exception to this is if you fall victim to identity theft when the government may, in some circumstances, agree to issue you with a new one.
In more recent times, your SSN has become an integral part of accessing a whole host of other services including obtaining credit, opening a bank account, obtaining private insurance, buying a home or a car, and much more.
One important point to note is that a persons SSN is not a matter of public record. While some peoples SSN will show up on a background check, it will not have been sourced from any public database.
Individual Tax Identification Number
What if the applicant provides an ITIN instead of the SSN on the application? If an applicant used an Individual Tax Identification Number to apply for credit or a loan, those tradelines may become part of the applicants credit history. However, without a SSN, most often, the credit bureaus will not recognize the ITIN and no records will be reported.
The ITIN is issued for tax purposes and was not meant to facilitate private commerce. ITINs are granted to individuals who are not qualified to receive a SSN. Some landlords or property managers include an ITIN in a credit report request without realizing it is not a SSN. Both the SSN and ITIN include 9 digits. However, an ITIN begins with the number 9. SSNs do not begin with 9.
But what if the applicant does not have a SSN? How can you get a background screening without a social security number? Here is the good news.
Read Also: How Much Can You Earn On Social Security Disability
Social Security Information You Can See Online
When you sign in to your online account, you’ll be able to view your Social Security statements. If you don’t yet receive benefits, you’ll see an estimate of the amount you could receive when you do retire.
There’s a table that shows your monthly benefit amounts if you retire — for instance, if you were born in 1960 or later, your chart may show retirement at 62 years old , 67 years old and 70 years old . Note that these retirement ages may change in the future. The longer you wait to retire, the more money you could receive per month.
You can also see your eligibility and earnings information. If you’ve worked at least 10 years, you’ll have enough work credits — you need 40 — to receive benefits. If you click on Review your Earnings Record, you’ll see your taxed Social Security and Medicare earnings for each year you worked.
Ssn Trace: A Complete Guide For Employers
The first step in a pre-employment background check should be to conduct a Social Security number trace .
At iprospectcheck, we conduct regularly conduct social security trace reports for employers across the U.S. in a variety of different industries.
We put together this guide on everything you need to know about SSN trace reports and how to conduct them.
Lets get started.
Don’t Miss: Social Security Survivor Benefits After Turning 18
What Information Do You Need To Do A Background Check Without A Social Security Number
Instant Checkmate makes it possible to run a background check with just the persons full name. You can potentially have greater success finding a background report if you have additional information such as their city, state, age and middle initial. With this, most people can start a background check using Instant Checkmate.
That said, additional information also helps you determine which of the results are the person youre looking for, as many people have the same name or might spell their name differently than you suspect. This is especially important when you are looking up a person with a common name like John Smith or Jane Turner. In general, the more information you have, the better your potential results will be.
People are often more willing to give you this type of information if they are going to go on a date with you or sell you something because these identifiers can be less of a risk for identity theft. You may also be able to find this information on your own without directly asking the person.
If you know a persons name and location, you can perform a background check using Instant Checkmate.