In the modern age where safety and security have become paramount, background checks are a critical tool to have at our disposal. Whether you’re an employer hiring new staff, a landlord leasing property, or an individual looking to learn more about someone, this tool offers a way to get a comprehensive view of an individual’s character.

So, what exactly is a background check? A background check is essentially an investigation into the past of an individual, which can cover criminal records, financial records, education history, work history, and more. These checks serve as an essential layer of assurance and security. So, how do you get one done? This article shows you how to order one and even discusses digital checks, a modern form of background checks.

Traditional Background Checks

Traditionally, background checks have been conducted using paper documents and physical forms. You can request a traditional background check from a local police department or a private company specializing in background screenings. The process typically involves filling out a request form with pertinent information such as name, address, and date of birth and paying an associated fee. The exact price can vary, but on average you can expect to pay between $25 to $45.

One of the downsides to this method is it could take a few days or even up to a week to get the results back. For some individuals or organizations, this could be too long. Fortunately, digital technology has made background checks much faster and more accessible.

Digital Checks

Digital checks offer a significant advancement over traditional background checks. These are conducted online through computer databases and can retrieve information more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, they are accessible from anywhere and often cheaper than traditional methods. With this modern approach, there’s no need for paperwork or mail-in forms. Everything is done electronically.

You can order digital checks from various online services, including CheckPeople.com, Instant Checkmate, and Intelius, among others. To get started, you’ll need to enter the individual’s name and other identifying information (such as the city or state where they live) into a search field. Then, you select the type of report you want: criminal records, credit report, employment history, etc.

The greatest advantage of digital checks is the immediate access to the results. In most cases, you can view the report instantly or within a few hours. Plus, with these companies, you can typically choose to receive the results via email, making them easily shareable with relevant parties.

Consent and Legal Issues

Before conducting any background check, make sure you’re aware of the legal considerations involved. If you’re an employer or landlord, for instance, you might need the individual’s written consent to run a background check. Always comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and other relevant laws to ensure you’re conducting these screenings ethically and legally.

Background checks, whether traditional or digital, are an effective way to get much-needed information about an individual. Remember, however, that their main goal is to promote safety and trust, so they should be used responsibly. Paranoid or prejudiced use of background checks may lead to unnecessary conflicts and even legal troubles.

To sum up, background checks can be a value-adding tool in a variety of situations. With the increasing popularity of digital checks, the process of conducting one has also become more convenient and efficient. As long as they’re used ethically and with consent, they can be a useful tool in risk management.