The Different Types of Free Background Checks Available
Are you considering running a background check on someone? Perhaps you’re considering hiring a new babysitter and want to check their background beforehand. Or maybe you’re going on a first date with someone you met online and want to do some research. Whatever the reason, there are a few different types of background checks available. Keep reading to learn more about a free background check, the different types, and what information they can provide.
Free Background Checks
Different types of free background checks are available, depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re interested in checking your credit report and score, you can access them free through the major credit reporting agencies. If you’re interested in getting a comprehensive background check on someone else, several websites offer free credit checks, driving records searches, and criminal background checks. A criminal check will show any arrests or convictions on your record. Another type is a sex offender registry search, determining if the person has been convicted of a sex crime. However, these services typically don’t include information about bankruptcies, liens, or judgments.
Civil Background Checks
There are three types of civil background checks: name-based, Social Security number-based, and fingerprint-based. Name-based checks are the most common and involve searching public records for a person’s name. Social Security number-based checks are similar to name-based checks, but they use the individual’s Social Security number to search the records. Fingerprint-based checks are the most accurate type of check and involve taking fingerprints and running them through a criminal database.
Some states offer free civil background checks, while others charge a fee. The type of check that is performed depends on the person’s state. For example, some states only offer name-based searches, while others offer all three types of searches.
Employment History Checks
Employment history checks are an important part of a free background check. This type of check can tell you if the person you are considering hiring has a history of job-hopping or if they have been fired from previous jobs. It can also tell you how long they have been working and where they have worked in the past. This information can be helpful when deciding whether or not to hire someone.
Credit Reports and Credit Scores
When it comes to your credit report, you want to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date. This is especially important if you plan to apply for a loan or mortgage. Your credit score is a three-digit number based on your credit history and reflects your overall credit risk. Lenders use your credit score to help them decide whether to approve you for a loan and at what interest rate. You can get your credit score free from most online lenders or for a fee from other sources.
Employment Verification
Employment verification confirms that an employee worked for a given company and performed the duties listed on their resume. It can be used to verify an employee’s work history, title, and dates of employment. Employment verification is often used by employers to screen potential employees, as well as to confirm the qualifications of current employees. There are several different types of free employment verification services available online.
The most common type of employment verification is a standard reference check. This involves contacting the employee’s previous employers and asking them to verify the dates of employment, position titles, and salary information. Reference checks can also include verifying education credentials and checking for any disciplinary actions or lawsuits against the employee. Another type of employment verification is a skills assessment. This involves having an expert review the employee’s resume and perform a skills test to determine if they have the qualifications for the job they are applying for. A final type of employment verification is a criminal background check. This will reveal any criminal convictions the applicant may have previously incurred.