What’s the Difference Between Verification and a Background Check?

There are two ways that employers check to see if those they’re looking to hire have any past criminal convictions. They do so through background checks. Verification services, on the other hand, are used to ensure the identity and information of an individual are legitimate.

Background Checks

A background check is when an employer or seller compiles information about an individual’s criminal records, financial records, and commercial records. Usually they are used for employment or the purchasing of a weapon, filing taxes, buying a car, etc. Employers use sites such as JDP.com for a quick screening. But don’t worry, employers must ask for permission before running a background check on an individual when thinking of hiring them, as required by a long list of both national and state laws.

These screenings can show nearly everything; education, credit history, motor and license checks, criminal history, and so on. For the most part, employers only ask for a background check when an individual is seeking a job that requires higher security or a position of trust.

Verification Services

More commonly known as identity verification, these services are provided to authenticate the identity of physical documents, such as driver’s licenses or passports, as well as online documents like credit history, Social Security Numbers, or even W I-9 forms (Employment Eligibility Verification).

Not only are verification services used when an individual is seeking employment, but they’re also used for certain purchases. For example, an authentic ID must be presented to store clerks when purchasing tobacco, alcohol, and even lottery tickets. The most common form of an identification service are scanners at gas stations and liquor stores that are used to make sure that an ID is real. Almost never are Identity Verification Services used to check whether a person has committed a crime or has gone bankrupt.

Wiping the Slate Clean

Now that the differences in background checks and verification services have been established, there’s still the question of how to prevent criminal records from appearing on a background check (remember, IVS don’t show criminal records). Unless you have had your criminal conviction expunged and sealed, there’s almost nothing you can do to prevent a future employer from seeing your conviction.

Conclusion

Simply put, a background check is used to learn a person’s past while IVS are used to confirm a person’s identity.