Typical background checks include criminal records, driving records, employment, academic degree, and credit check.
A background investigation gathers information from a much wider net to create a more accurate, comprehensive and complete picture of a person’s past.
In the most comprehensive form, a background investigation should include:
1. Personal Identifier Verification- A date of birth and Social Security number are integral to linking criminal, bankruptcy and other public records in an extensive background check.
2. Address History Verification– Where an individual lived is a critical piece to know which courts are necessary to search in order to identify any historical civil and criminal history and to find information from other public records sources.
3. Professional History Verification- Timeline of any employment affiliations. board and non profit memberships may show history of organizations riddled with scandal.
4. News Media Review- Historical and international comprehensive news media may identify past issues that can’t be found on the internet. Often people are under the false impression all news media publications are easily accessible.
5. Internet Searches- Social media’s “allegedly anonymous” explosion enables some people to put just about anything on the internet.
6. Corporate Affiliation- United States corporations where an individual is a corporate officer or registered agent may identify businesses or hidden affiliations.
7. Criminal Records History (State and Federal)- Local and state criminal records are a cornerstone in a background investigation. It’s essential that searches are done at local courthouses or any other official government repository of information.
8. Civil Litigation (State and Federal)- The same as criminal, it’s essential records checks are done at courthouses, official government repositories, or proprietary databases that cover jurisdictions where individuals lived. Civil records may reveal divorce proceedings, disputes with business partners, harassment allegations or litigious history.
9. Bankruptcy Records- A bankruptcy history or history of financial issues might reveal critical financial details.
10. U.S Tax Court Records- U.S Tax Court Records may reveal unpaid taxes or disputes over taxes. This may lead to uncovering other assets or income information.
11. UCC Filings- Has the person been a creditor or debtor in any UCC filings? Or pledge assets as part of a filing?
12. Assets- Data relating to real property, motor, watercraft or airplane records might show one’s living beyond their means.
13. Judgment Filings- History of judgment filings may show litigiousness and/or financial issues.
14. Lien Filings- Like judgment filings, a history of state or federal tax liens may show a history of financial trouble.
15. Professional License Verification- Local, state or federal regulatory bodies may reveal regulatory actions against professional licensees, such as a nurse, attorney, CPA, doctor or even a private investigator.
16. Department of Motor Vehicles Records- A driving record request may identify traffic violations and DUI, which is criminal in some states.
17. Professional Affiliations- Typically professionals are affiliated with organizations that credential or award designations, without checking you don’t know if they belong or not.
18. Financial Regulatory Searches- Essential for banking or financial industry individuals belonging to financial regulatory bodies. This may identify previous violations or regulatory matters.
19. Government Compliance Lists- These lists can identify sanctions from regulatory bodies or politically exposed persons around the world.
20. Campaign Contributions- Campaign contributions may identify strong political ties with polarizing political groups.
21. Voting Records- May identify number of times person voted in local, state and federal elections.
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