What Background Check Is Free?

Prospective clients often ask, “What background check is free?” when looking for a background screening provider that is comprehensive, fast, affordable, and compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and local and state laws. This article addresses the types of free background checks available, their limitations, and the legal implications of using them, as well as explaining why professional background screening services are essential for detailed and compliant results.

Importance of Background Checks for Employers

Background checks are critical for employers for several reasons:

Enhanced Workplace Safety: Research indicates that comprehensive background checks can lead to a safer work environment, with a significant reduction in workplace violence.
Improved Hiring Accuracy: Statistics show that approximately 75% of employers have uncovered inaccuracies or falsehoods on resumes through background checks, highlighting their importance in verifying candidate information.
Reduced Turnover: Effective background checks contribute to lower turnover by ensuring candidates meet the qualifications and culture fit for the roles, thus leading to better retention rates.

Types of Free Background Checks and Their Limitations

While there are free resources for conducting background checks, they often provide limited information and come with considerable legal limitations:

National Sex Offender Registry: This registry is publicly accessible and provides information on individuals convicted of sex crimes, but its scope is limited to sex offense convictions.
State-Level Online Resources: Some states offer access to criminal records online. However, these databases might not be comprehensive, often lacking up-to-date or detailed information.
Google and Social Media Searches: These can reveal publicly available information about a candidate, but using such information for hiring decisions can lead to legal issues, particularly concerning privacy and discrimination laws.

Caution with Free Online Services: Many free online background check services are not legally compliant for use in employment or tenant screening. These services often lack proper verification processes, potentially leading to decisions made on inaccurate or outdated information, which violates federal laws regarding background checks.

Professional Background Screening: A Comprehensive Approach

Professional background screening involves several key steps that go beyond merely collecting information:

Legal Compliance: Obtaining consent from the candidate before conducting any checks to comply with FCRA and other privacy laws.
Verification of Information: Professional services do not just gather data; they verify that the information is correct, up-to-date, and legally reportable. This includes ensuring that data matches the applicant in question, which is crucial for preventing identity mix-ups.
Components of a Professional Background Check:
- Social Security Trace: Confirms identity and uncovers any potential fraud or misidentification.
- Criminal History Check: Includes a thorough search of federal, state, and local databases.
- Employment Verification: Checks the accuracy and truthfulness of a candidate’s work history.
- Education Verification: Ensures claimed academic achievements are valid.
- Motor Vehicle Records: Important for roles that involve driving, ensuring the candidate has a clean and safe driving record.

Conclusion

While the question, “What background check is free?” might lead to some basic tools and resources, it is important to recognize the limitations and legal risks associated with using free services for formal employment or tenant screening. Professional background screening services like EDIFY Background Screening offer the expertise, technology, and compliance assurance necessary to conduct thorough, accurate, and legally compliant background checks. With EDIFY, employers can make informed hiring decisions, ensuring safety, integrity, and suitability of candidates in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

By Zia Rhodes|2024-04-23T11:21:45-04:00April 23rd, 2024|WHAT|Comments Off

About the Author: Zia Rhodes

Zia Rodes is a dedicated Customer Success Manager at EDIFY Background Screening, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring client satisfaction across various screening services including employer background checks, tenant screenings, and comprehensive drug tests. With her deep expertise in conducting criminal background checks, evaluating eviction and credit histories, and ensuring accurate drug test results, Zia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that aligns perfectly with Edify's commitment to service excellence and integrity. At EDIFY, Zia is renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to tailor solutions that meet the unique needs of each client, from small businesses to large corporations. Her approach is always grounded in the company’s core values of transparency, ethics, excellence, and compassion. She understands that every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce trust and reliability, ensuring that clients not only receive thorough background checks but also experience a process that is as smooth and transparent as possible. Zia’s extensive understanding of background screening processes, from criminal background histories to detailed checks of credit and eviction records, makes her an invaluable resource for clients needing diverse background check solutions. Her dedication to exceeding client expectations helps EDIFY stand out as a leader in comprehensive and trustworthy background screening services.