Background checks are already industry standard in Human Resources. In Real Estate, they are rapidly becoming essential. Even in the dating world, background checks are more common than ever. In a world where information is so easy to access, why take chances? Background checks minimize risks and help you make better choices. The concept of privacy keeps getting weaker, and we face a world in which people know a lot about each other, even before meeting in person. Are you aware of the information that is being stored and shared about yourself?
Some Helpful Tips
Professional help comes in handy. Leaving the hard work to a service like CheckPeople.com will save you time and money. They offer services that range from reverse phone lookups to a complete report that includes checking public records, social media accounts, and even finding addresses. While they have limits (for example, they are not a Credit Reporting Agency and can’t perform a credit check), the information they might get is, at the very least, a good starting point. If nothing of concern shows in this first check, you may leave it there. But if you find contradictory information, false allegations, or any other conflicting data, you will need to go further.
Remember that reputable sites will offer a clear privacy policy, a straightforward timeline, and a list of expected outcomes. Try to choose sites that already have customer reviews. Verify that they are only using legal sources and data collection techniques.
Credit Check
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes that all citizens can get a free credit report once a year. The information that you can expect to get from it ranges from where you live to how you handle debt. It will also show if you have filed for bankruptcy. Know that there is only one website in which you can request your credit report. All other sites are scams that will either charge you for a service that should be free or use your personal information for fraud and identity theft.
Courts
Most court records are public, and you can have access to them upon request. There are also national and state databases in which public records are stored and displayed. While in most cases, this information will appear when using an online people checking service, you may need to ask for access to check records in detail. Remember that courts are busy places, and do not work on holidays, so plan accordingly.
Why Conduct a Background Check on Yourself?
The most important reason to run a background check on yourself is to verify the accuracy of the information. Some common mistakes that a self background check may correct are:
1) Your information got mixed up with someone else’s with a very similar name.
2) An expunged or sealed record is showing
3) A mistake in your credit score
If you found that your background check shows misleading or false information, you have the right to ask for corrections. While this process is mostly upfront and fast, in some cases, you may need a court order.
A self background check may also give you the chance to be the first one to disclose sensitive information. For most people, honesty is a very important factor, so if you “come clean,” you may have a chance to explain and choose how you present facts.
Getting a yearly background check on yourself may help keep track of how your information is stored and shared, and fix errors whenever they show. This way, whenever someone else asks for a background check, regardless of the reason, you will already know what they will find. Remember that, in most cases, refusing a background check is seen as a red flag, so it’s better to be prepared.
Avoid Headaches by Protecting your Information
Every one of us has a digital footprint. One that we cannot delete and that will stay attached to us forever. Some tips to protect yourself:
- Be mindful of what you share on social media. Controversial political views or angry rants may keep you from getting a job in the future.
- Don’t share personal information online. Never reply to emails asking you for personal information.
- Take care of your finances. Irresponsible debt management will not only compromise your financial wellbeing; it may also close other doors.
A background check on yourself is a powerful tool to take control of your information. And today, it is easy and straightforward.
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