By Emptor 
Background verification: How to do it effectively? - Emptor
It is a process through which a person’s history is investigated and evaluated in different aspects, such as work, academic, financial or criminal. The objective is to obtain a more complete and accurate vision of an individual before making important decisions, such as hiring them for a job, renting them a property or admitting them to an educational institution.
The importance of conducting background verification:
Background verification can be of great help in making informed decisions and reducing risks in various situations. The main reasons for carrying it out are:
- Ensure the safety and well-being of employees, customers, tenants and students.
- Avoid possible fraud or malpractice.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws.
- Minimize employee turnover and improve the quality of work life.
- Protect the reputation and integrity of a company or institution.
Types of background verifications
Employment: Employment background verifications
These verifications focus on investigating a job applicant’s employment history and references. This may include verifying previous jobs, responsibilities, achievements, as well as conducting interviews with former bosses and colleagues. It may also include investigating criminal, financial and educational backgrounds, depending on the type of position and the applicable regulations.
Tenants: Tenant background verifications
Landlords can conduct background checks to ensure that a potential tenant is reliable and responsible. This may include reviewing credit histories, references from previous landlords, and verifying income, among other aspects.
Education: Academic background verifications
Educational institutions can carry out background checks to confirm the authenticity and validity of applicants’ academic degrees, certificates and qualifications. They may also investigate criminal or behavioral records to ensure the safety and well-being of the educational community.
How is a background verification carried out?
Databases: Information sources for verification
It is based on consulting various information sources, such as government databases, public records, specialized companies and personal references, among others. The depth and scope of the investigation will depend on the type of verification and the applicable regulations in each case.
Authorization: The importance of obtaining the subject’s authorization
Before conducting a background check, it is essential to obtain the consent and authorization of the person in question. This is key to respecting their privacy and complying with the applicable data protection laws.
Report: The final report of the background verification
Once the investigation is completed, a detailed report is prepared presenting the findings and results. This report must be clear, accurate and based on reliable and verifiable information.
Manual review: An additional process and an advantage of Emptor
After the automated review that takes 2 minutes, at Emptor we have a second layer of security. We create a personalized flow of filters to determine whether a judicial element is considered acceptable or not. It consists of the manual intervention of our team of lawyers, with results in less than 24 hours that avoid false negatives and homonyms.
Limitations and aspects to consider
Privacy: Privacy and data protection considerations
Background verification must be carried out with care and responsibility, respecting the privacy and rights of the individuals involved. It is essential to comply with data protection laws and obtain the appropriate consent before initiating the investigation.
Accuracy: The accuracy of the information and possible errors
It is important to keep in mind that the information obtained may contain inaccuracies. Therefore, it is necessary to corroborate the data and sources of information, in cases of false negatives and homonyms. At Emptor, we have a team of lawyers who provide certainty about the information in less than 24 hours through a manual process.
Legality: Comply with applicable laws and regulations
Each country and jurisdiction has its own laws and regulations related to background verification. It is essential to be aware of these rules and respect them to avoid possible sanctions and legal problems.
The importance of background verification
Background verification is a valuable tool for making informed decisions and minimizing risks in different areas of life. However, it is essential to carry it out in an ethical, responsible manner and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In this way, the privacy and rights of the individuals involved are guaranteed, while promoting safety, integrity and well-being in society.
Frequently asked questions about background verification
Q. Is background verification legal?
A. Yes, background verification is legal as long as it is carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable in each country or jurisdiction. It is essential to obtain the consent of the person involved and respect data protection regulations.
Q. How long does a background verification take?
A. The time it takes depends on the depth and scope of the investigation, as well as the availability of the information. At Emptor, you can automate the process and have background verification in minutes. In the case of manual verifications with review by our team of lawyers, it takes less than 24 hours to avoid false negatives and homonyms.
Q. What information can be obtained in a background verification?
A. The information obtained may vary depending on the type of investigation and the applicable regulations. Some examples of data that can be collected include employment, academic, criminal, financial, credit and behavioral records, among others. It is recommended to consult each country for detailed information.
Q. Can a person refuse to undergo a background verification?
A. Yes, a person has the right to refuse to undergo a background verification. However, this decision may have consequences in the evaluation of their candidacy for a job, rental of a property or admission to an educational institution.
Q. How can I know if a company or institution has conducted a background verification on me?
A. In general, companies and institutions must inform the individuals involved before conducting the verification and obtain their consent. Additionally, it is possible to request access to the reports and data collected as part of the verification, in accordance with the applicable data protection laws.
Invest in optimizing processes in your organization
Investing in background verification in your organization will help reduce costs to streamline processes and attract the best talent. One of the best practices before hiring is to conduct due diligence and investigations on your potential candidates. Validating identity and conducting background checks with Emptor automatically is very simple.
Emptor combines artificial intelligence with legal experts so you can make the best decisions when hiring. We invite you to schedule a demo to learn about all the benefits of automated background checks.