Background checks come in two main types: pre-employment background checks and investigative background checks. Each has its own purpose and legal rules. Knowing these differences is key to avoid legal issues and lawsuits.
Pre-Employment Background Checks: Heavily Regulated for a Reason
Pre-employment checks are tightly controlled by laws, especially the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA now covers background checks for jobs, too. Companies must follow strict rules to stay legal.
The FCRA makes sure employers are clear with job seekers before doing checks. They need written consent first. If a check finds something bad, the person must be told and can dispute it. This keeps hiring fair and based on real facts.
States like California have their own rules, like Senate Bill 731. It lets some criminal records be sealed, so they can’t be used for jobs. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act also helps by stopping federal employers from asking about criminal history early on.
Western Verify makes it easy for companies to follow these rules. We offer quick, accurate checks without the legal hassle. Our fraud detection service and SSN trace auto-populate feature help you get reliable results fast.
Investigative Background Checks: A Different World
Investigative checks are different, done by private investigators. They don’t follow the same rules as pre-employment checks, unless they involve credit reports. These checks are for legal cases, insurance, or other non-job reasons.
Private investigators must be careful with databases. Many databases don’t allow their info for job checks because of the sensitive nature of the data. This includes things like lawsuits and bankruptcies.
Investigative reports have more freedom but need more caution. Without the FCRA, there’s a higher chance of wrong or missing data. This can lead to mistakes in the reports.
Why Compliance Matters in Background Checks
Not following rules, especially the FCRA, can lead to big legal problems. There are firms that seek to sue for these violations, leading to big fines or settlements. Everyone involved in checks must be careful to avoid these issues.
Western Verify helps businesses deal with these legal issues. We offer clear pricing, customizable reports, and local support. Our fraud detection service and SSN trace auto-populate capabilities help reduce errors and ensure accurate reports. This way, you can make good decisions with confidence.
The Importance of Volume and Specialization in Pre-Employment Screening
The pre-employment screening industry is very competitive. Prices range from $45 to $75 for a basic check. These checks include a criminal history review, sex offender search, and terrorist watch list check.
For businesses, offering these services, volume is crucial for making money. Some succeed by focusing on specialized services for certain industries or clients.
At Western Verify, we provide customizable background checks. You can add or remove elements based on your needs. Our platform lets you design a report that meets your exact requirements, all while following industry rules.
Conclusion
It’s important to know the difference between pre-employment and investigative background checks. Each has its own legal rules and purposes. But, ignoring these rules can lead to serious problems.
Western Verify is here to assist you. Our platform is easy to use and mobile-friendly. It helps you get the data you need without legal issues. We support you in both pre-employment and investigative checks.