Background Check Myths – Part 1
By Patrick K. Collard – Managing Member & Corporate Investigator
1-888-GOBACK-1 ext. 83 | patrickc@GObackgrounds.com
Is a Social Security Number the key to unlocking a person’s criminal history?
The Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique number that really should be used to track an individual’s criminal history, but it’s not, because that is not its purpose. In the U.S. a person’s Date of Birth (DOB) is the primary identifier used in determining their criminal history.
The first purpose of the SSN was as a way to distribute benefits from the Social Security program that was created in 1937. It wasn’t until 1961 that the Civil Service Commission adopted the SSN as a federal employee identifier and the Internal Revenue Service didn’t make it an official taxpayer ID until 1962. Therefore, you don’t need a SSN to run a criminal background check, but you do need one to run a credit report.
What are the 3 biggest credit report myths when applying for a job?
One: Most applicants’ think that collections will automatically fall off after two years. Most collections and charge-offs will fall off after two years, but don’t expect the 3 main credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) to remember that. Make sure you give them a call to remind them and submit documentation to insure that this information is removed after 24 months has passed.
Two: Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays on your credit file for 7 years and Chapter 7 stays on your credit file for 10 years. However, tax liens and child support will stay on your credit file indefinitely until they are satisfied. Additionally, you cannot discharge tax liens, child support or educational loans in a bankruptcy.
Three: An employer legally should only pull your credit file if it is germane to the position that you are seeking. If you’re apply as an accounts payable clerk who is handling checks, then it is permissible under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to access the credit file. Not so, if you’re a receptionist doing light clerical and administrative work.
Is there such a thing as a “National” criminal check?
I am sorry to say, but a national criminal check does not exist. A lot of background check companies often use misleading words like “National” or “U.S.” to describe their databases. Movies have sensationalized the “uber” database with a click of a key a dossier appears from birth to present day on their subject within a nanosecond. Although the FBI is attempting to create an “uber” database, currently there is no public database that will check every jurisdiction in the U.S. simultaneously. Even the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which is a protected government database, has its flaws.
GObackgrounds.com has offices in Temecula, CA and Brookfield, WI and has been in business nearly 20 years as a licensed corporate investigations company specializing in employment background checks and due diligence for investment purposes. For further details please see www.GObackgrounds.com or contact Patrick K. Collard directly at 1-888-GOBACK-1 ext. 83 patrickc@GObackgrounds.com.
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