What Is A Background Check?

Everything You Need To Know Before Running A Background Check

A background check or background investigation is a process performed to gather relevant information about an individual. In most cases, background checks on people are meant to verify the identity of a person. It is meant to back up or cross-check the data provided by an individual about who they are. Background checks are most commonly used in pre-employment screenings. It can, however, be performed for other purposes, from business-related reasons to personal ones. In any case, background checks are meant to ensure the security and safety of everyone involved.

Background checks can be completed in various ways. This would include checking personal references, requesting information from concerned agencies, opting to avail of background check services, and utilizing background check sites. Background checks scour different public records databases containing vital records, criminal records, and other types of information.

What Types of Background Checks Are There?

Background checks are often associated with verifying personal information and checking criminal records. While the aforementioned are among the information often sought in a background check, there are different types of background checks, especially when it comes to employment background checks.

If you choose to utilize Kiwi Searches, a reliable background check site, you can avail of six different types of search reports, namely person, phone, criminal, sex offender, bankruptcy, and liens and judgments. This method is most suitable for personal background checks or purposes like ensuring your family’s safety and security. Kiwi Searches cannot be used to vet potential tenants or for employment purposes.

Here’s a more detailed look at the different types of background checks:

  • Credit Check

    This will determine the financial status of an individual and provide a glimpse at just how financially responsible they are. This type of check is needed especially when hiring for a finance-related job and when going into a business venture with someone.

  • Criminal History Check

    This includes a search through the sex offender registry as well as local and Federal databases. This provides information on arrests, felonies and misdemeanors, court records, and other relevant information.

  • Employment History Check

    This verifies previous work experiences and provides a glimpse into the work performance of an individual.

  • Education Verification

    This will verify the educational background provided by an individual. This is crucial during the employment process as it ensures someone has the necessary knowledge and qualification for a specific job.

  • Motor Vehicle and Medical Records Check

    These types of background checks are mostly specific to a particular job. For instance, if a job entails driving responsibilities, an employer would want to ensure the job applicant has a great driving record.

  • Cyber Background Check

    This check includes the perusal of social media accounts and other related cyber data. This is typically done for more personal background checks although some employees also perform such checks.

  • Social Security Number Verification

    This is yet another way to truly verify one’s identity. It helps in verifying one’s name and address and s whether they can legally work in the country.

What Is the Most Common Background Check Type?

Criminal background checks are by far the most common type of background check. It is often included in employment screenings. It can also be done for more personal purposes like checking out someone you just met online. Criminal background checks could include arrest records, court records, felonies, and misdemeanors among other things.

How Do I Run A Background Check On Myself?

Everything You Need To Know Before Running A Background Check

First, you can request an Identity Summary Check from the National Bureau of Investigation.
This can be done online, via mail, or through an FBI-approved channel.

Another easy and convenient way to run a background check on yourself is through a people search engine. Some sites offer free background checks but if you want the most accurate background check, utilize a reliable service provider like Kiwi Searches.

What Do Background Checks Show?

The type of information you can acquire from a background check would depend on the type as and how extensive the process is. A criminal background check, for instance, would focus more on someone’s criminal history. Information is typically gathered from local and Federal databases and will list an individual’s brushes with the law.

A background check could include the following details:

  • Complete name and known aliases.
  • Address (current and previous addresses).
  • All known contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, and more).
  • Educational background.
  • Work history.
  • Criminal history (arrest records, court records, jail records, and more).
  • Social media profiles.

How Long Do Background Checks Take?

Background checks can take anywhere from 15 minutes to one week. It will mostly depend on the type of background check you requested and how extensive it is. In some cases, a background check could take as long as one month. If you use Kiwi Searches, you can do a quick background check. All you have to do is choose the method of data acquisition - people search, reverse phone lookup, criminal background search, or any other available method - and the type of report you want to receive and wait while the report is being generated.

How Far Back Do Background Checks Go?

This varies depending on the state. In general, states either follow the seven-year rule or the ten-year rule. Of course, there will be exemptions. For instance, in employment background checks, it could go back further than seven years depending on the salary. In some instances, you can also make an official request to go back further.

  Support