The verification process plays a crucial role in conducting thorough criminal background checks. Criminals often employ cunning tactics to conceal their past by using maiden names, nicknames, or alternate identities, known as "also known as" (AKA). Understanding an applicant's complete history is vital for effective risk management within your organization.
At The Orsus Group, we use various methods to carry out comprehensive and reliable background checks so that there are no unpleasant surprises down the road after you hire an applicant.
Offenders will use a variety of tricks to try to prevent an employer from learning about their history. This emphasizes the importance of obtaining a copy of the applicant's legal identification as a crucial step in the application process. For instance, a driver's license often contains accurate information such as the individual's legal name and date of birth.
It is commonly thought that a person's criminal record is linked to their Social Security Number. However, this is not true. In reality, criminal records are associated with a person's birth name and date of birth. Therefore, cross-referencing applications with the applicant's legal ID is vital when conducting background checks.
When verifying identities, paying attention to maiden names and previous married names is crucial. Let's consider a scenario where an individual has served time in prison but subsequently changed their name. This change might occur due to marriage, resulting in a new last name, or through a divorce, reverting back to their maiden name.
It's important to understand that a person's criminal history is associated with their legal name at the time of arrest, trial, and conviction. Conducting a thorough background check involves searching for records under their previous names to uncover any criminal history. If a background check only examines the applicant's current name, it may falsely suggest a lack of criminal records.
Criminal histories are rarely recorded under a person's assumed name, nickname, or AKA. Many people go through life using a nickname, so this is another critical issue to identify during the name verification process.
A person may use nicknames instead of their given name in personal or professional interactions. For example, "Bill" instead of William, "Bob" instead of Robert, or "Suzie" instead of Susannah. In some cases, individuals may even complete applications using their nickname instead of their legal birth name. Likewise, it is not uncommon for individuals to possess supporting documents that align with their nickname or AKA.
The Orsus Group runs background checks by using variations of names and potential legal names that correspond to nicknames. This approach helps detect fraud and can reveal individuals who might try to hide their criminal history by using an alias or nickname.
Typos are a widespread trick that criminals will try to use to avoid having their history uncovered. They might change one letter in their name or one numeral in their date of birth. Johnson might be spelled as "Johnsen," for example.
This tactic avoids having their real identity uncovered during a criminal background check. This is why comparing their application against their legal ID is so important. This crucial step significantly reduces the risk of individuals slipping through the cracks during background checks, ensuring a more robust screening process.
At Orsus Group, we pride ourselves on conducting meticulous background checks that surpass industry standards. Our extensive screening process enables us to assist you in identifying crucial information, including:
Maiden names and AKAs can be tricky to navigate during the background check process. There may also be limitations or restrictions on researching certain records, and the laws vary from state to state. We strive to work within all legal and regulatory requirements to conduct the best identity verification checks possible.
Are you looking for a more comprehensive verification process? Contact The Orsus Group for an advanced solution that considers all aspects of an individual's identity.