Background Search Definitions:

Personal and Pre-Employment Background Checks
Personal background checks are generally performed by someone who needs to be sure of an individual's background. It could be a potential business partner, or a potential love interest, or a potential child care provider. In days past it was very difficult for the average person to conduct a background search of any kind, however technology has changed search techniques dramatically in recent years. Pre-Employment Background Checks are designed to protect employers and may include: drug screen, criminal background search, credit check and other records verification. Experts in the investigative field caution employers on relying solely on references provided by a candidate. Prospective employees tend to give references by people whom they know will provide a good character reference for them.

Credit reports contain pertinent previous employment data and previous address information. It can often be very useful to scan credit reports as a means of cross-referencing information supplied on the employment application. Many employers believe a person's bill payment history is an excellent indication of a potential candidate's level of commitment and responsibility. Employers also may draw a correlation between credit history, job performance and employee retention. Skeptics say these conclusions are based only on correlations, yet according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, employers do have the right to investigate much of a person's credit history as part of a pre-employment background search.

Credit reports contain valuable personal information, and can be used to track down an in individual. Credit reports often show current employer and addresses of an individual. Generally they should be used in conjunction with other personal background check techniques in order to ensure a complete background search profile. Many consider such a background search profile to be an excellent indication of the applicant's character and ability to perform job duties.

Identity theft, criminal prosecutions, outstanding debt and bankruptcies are all examples of information that can be acquired through a personal or pre-employment background check. Information gathered should be directly related to the safety and quality of the company and more specifically, the job performed.

Federal law requires employers to provide separate consent forms for each type of investigation to be conducted. Background checks on employee's can save companies money by avoiding potential lawsuits, theft, and costly employee retention. It is usually best to outsource the work to a private firm, if the investigation is very detailed. For some employers, searching at the local or state level is much more cost-effective and may produce the results they need without outsourcing. Businesses of this kind generally benefit the most from i-Background.com because we try to provide links to data providers (whenever possible) at state, county and federal levels. These databases are organized in a very easy to use format and provide a very efficient means of conducting a background search.

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2. Criminal Background Checks
As an employer, the consequences of failing to conduct background searches can be devastating. It is suggested that a combination of employment application, personal references and background investigations can give you the highest probability of retaining responsible, dependable employees. An employment application alone is a recipe for disaster. It is estimated that up to 40% of all applications contain some type of embellishment or fabrication.

The implementation of criminal background checks can greatly reduce the financial loss of a company by limiting access to company resources only to those without prior convictions. Other instances where criminal background checks are often mandatory is when an employee will be employed in the health sector, banking sector, government contracting, positions which require use of company vehicle, management, etc. Employers conduct Criminal Background Checks in order to limit the likelihood of negligence lawsuits. The Fair Credit Reporting Act prohibits employers from rejecting employment to those who have been charged but not convicted of a crime. Employers can be held liable of violating Federal law if they reject employment based solely on this type of information. Criminal background checks can be conducted by contacting state and county clerks' offices. Most states provide access to these criminal data records online. Furthermore, most states have inmate records for all DOC inmates available online. Whenever possible we provide direct data links to these criminal databases. Because we charge an annual fee our resources can be used to conduct an unlimited number of background searches.

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3. Online Background Searches
Several very effective websites are providing background search information and services online. A few of the most useful are i-Background.com, U.S. Search, Openonline, and PrivateEye.com. These websites offer a variety of levels of investigation, depending upon the customer's needs. Some of the information can be generated instantly, however please keep in mind a detailed background search profile does take time to complete and accuracy is of paramount importance. People with things to hide often try to trick the system by imposing numbers on SSN or DOB when giving information to officials for court records making it difficult to verify convictions. Background Searches can typically run 1 to 7 days. Most of the major background search firms online understand the importance of adhering to the strict laws outlined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The Act prohibits certain information (i.e. bankruptcies over 10 years old, criminal charges without convictions, etc.) from being considered in the pre-employment process. It is important that employers utilize the services of a competent professional who understands the needs and legal obligations of the company.

Most investigative search firms suggest that you outsource the background checks for your company. This generally means that free background checks do not provide the quality information that you need. Their data often times is aggregated data and can belong to several people of the same name. Free background checks online do not always give the employer accurate or thorough information required by law. While it is true that most people are not trying to hide information from employers, some try to conceal their background and have a tendency of avoiding legal action, whether it be child support obligations or criminal action, by moving from state-to-state or even in more extreme cases, obtaining new identities. Often times, free backgrounds checks on the Internet are not enough to screen for potential red flags.

Other experts in the investigation field recommend contacting county clerks to access public records directly. When the search is of a sensitive nature and accuracy is crucial a background search firm often can send someone to the court house to obtain court records in person. An accurate and thorough background investigation takes time, so be patient.

Now you can have the same access private investigators enjoy by conducting background searches online with i-Background.com. We provide the resources and tools needed to conduct most all background searches. We provide access to databases and other resources that can retrieve information about a prospective employee.

Three very good reasons to join i-Background.com include:

1. To limit time and money spent conducting reference checks and background searches.

2. To ensure accurate and thorough information is gathered during a background investigation.

3. To ensure peace-of-mind which comes from knowing all hiring decisions follow best practices.

In the event that you or your company does not have the time to conduct all required background searches, we will be happy to provide our Background Search Services. Please feel free to Contact Us regarding our pricing of custom Background Investigations.

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4. i-Background.com Basic Background Search
Our basic background search offers an in depth background check and includes several products bundled together at a discounted price. Save time and money by ordering our basic background check providing the features you want at a price that will fit your budget. Our Basic Background Search includes:

• Identifying data and current address
• Previous address history
• Verification of Social Security Number
  (state and year issued)
• Bankruptcy Records
• Tax Lien and Judgment Records
• County Criminal Records search
• Employment Verification

Please Contact Us for pricing information regarding our Basic Background Search.

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5. i-Background.com Comprehensive Background Check
Our most comprehensive background check provides you with the most information to make the best possible decision. This is our most comprehensive background search conducted from our premium databases. Our comprehensive background search combines the best features from all our products in one complete package.
Our Comprehensive Background Search Includes:

• Identifying data and current address
• Previous address history
• Verification of Social Security Number
  (Year and State Issued)
• Sex offender search for the individual's current state of residence
• County or State or National Criminal Record search
• Corporate affiliations
• Professional license search
• Property ownership information
• Bankruptcy Records
• Tax Lien and Judgment Records
• UCC lien filings
• Possible associates
• Employment Verification

Please Contact Us for pricing information regarding our Comprehensive Background Search.

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