Background investigations are not “one size fits all”.
Background investigations comes in all different shapes and sizes. The range includes everything from a $19.95 background investigation you can find on the Internet to a pre-employment background check (which typically lacks depth) to an FBI-Like Investigation. Your private investigator can help you decide what depth will give you the information you need.
Regardless of what type of background investigations you’re looking for, there are a few basic questions that every background check should answer.
Are there any serious issues in the person’s past?
First things first. A background investigation will not uncover everything or it may uncover only part of the story.
You want to make sure that you are not dealing with the proverbial “serial murderer,” or somebody that has been repeatedly evicted. You also want to make sure that you are not dealing with somebody who has been charged with or convicted of any serious crimes. Finally, a clean record for the last twenty years after some “misspent youth” might be just that, a few mistakes early in life.
The investigation may turn up a history of drug dealing, petty theft or indecent exposure — or even serious offenses like grand theft, larceny or assault. Whether its a pre-employment check, a custody battle, a landlord making new tenant decision or trying to learn more about a potential mate, FPI conducts background investigations for you before you make important decisions. We provide information so that you can support your case or decision.
Is the person who they say they are?
You want to make sure that the person’s name, date of birth, address history and Social Security number match the person they claim to be. Effectively, you want to make sure that you are not dealing with a complete con artist who stole someones identity.
In addition to confirming these basic details, every effort should be made to verify details of the subject’s employment history, salary, education history or, if applicable, professional licensing.
For example, if you are landlord performing background investigations on a tenant you want to make sure that the tenant is actually employed where they say they are. Be sure that you are renting to the actual person who is going to live there.
Are there any potential character issues that may exist?
FPI’s background investigations will help you determine if there is a history of repeat behavior that may lead to problems — like a person who has been involved in numerous lawsuits (you might be the next on their list).
Or a history of financial troubles that may lead to bankruptcy. Has this person had multiple bankruptcies or judgements?
How about lifestyle issues, such as photos in far-off places, that may indicate someone living beyond their means.
Or a recent DWI may be a sign of potential alcohol or other addiction problems. Will your potential new employee be able to handle the stress or will they hit the bottle?
Falsification of work or education history may not be the only white lie someone is telling.
It also may reveal potential issues that may be out there, but may not necessarily be widely known or publicly available. More likely than not, this type of information may only be obtained with further vetting, like through interviews or surveillance.
