THE IMPORTANCE OF SEARCHING ALIASES IN BACKGROUND SCREENING PROCESS

A key element in a background screening process is searching alias names. Alias names can include maiden names, previous names or names your applicant may otherwise be known as. It is important to bear in mind that nearly every US court files records by the name the person was using at the time of conviction. Therefore, failing to search maiden or alias names creates a major gap in surfacing criminal record information. Although the additional search may cost you a little more up front, it will help ensure that you are not placing criminals in your home, property or business and can potentially save you a lot of money and grief in the end.

A name change isn’t necessary grounds to believe that criminal behavior is lurking, but someone who frequently uses more than one name, or has changed their name legally may be someone with a past they are trying to hide. Aliases are commonly used by criminals to enable them to continue their scams, or to hide information about themselves.

We, at MacData Background Screening, pride ourselves on providing our clients with the most complete reports possible. Therefore, we will now notify you if an additional alias name appears on the Person Search and ask for approval to search that name in our InstaCriminal National/Sexual Offender database. We have also reduced the cost for each additional name search to $6.00 to make this more affordable for our clients. 

If you have any questions or would like more detailed information about these changes, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.

Three Common Mistakes Made When Conducting Background Checks

The importance of pre-employment screening cannot be overstated. To ensure the candidates you hire for your organization don’t bring baggage you can’t deal with, be sure to complete a thorough background check and avoid these three costly mistakes.

Having No Regular Background Screening Policy in Place

The implementation of a comprehensive background check process is an important step in reducing the potential risk of a poor hiring decision. The only way to ensure uniform background checks is by having a standard written policy and procedures. Doing so helps to create a safe and secure work environment and ensures that your employees are qualified to perform the jobs for which they are hired. 

Neglecting to Verify Education and Work References 

Experts estimate that 20% to over 50% of job applicants lie to embellish their credentials. Employers need to screen employment applications to discern lying, exaggeration, and enlargement of experience, education, and credentials. Fake degrees are on the rise; even bogus job references are prevalent in today’s job market.

Overlooking Temporary and Volunteer Workers 

For the past 5 years, the staffing industry added an average of 1,000 to 2,000 jobs per day. Approximately 53% of those who remained in the workforce move on to permanent positions. Temporary and contracted workers make up 10-30 percent of the average work force in U.S. companies. Background screening is less costly in comparison to the amount that it will cost you if a contractor or temporary employee harms a fellow employee, client, or defrauds your company.  The cost to replace an unsuitable hire averages more than $7,000.

Don’t make the same mistakes when you conduct background checks. Let us help you get it right. If you need assistance with fast, accurate, comprehensive background checks, investigative screening and verification services, contact us.