Today when I opened Yahoo, I saw a list of people and things "trended."  One on the list was "background checks." Since this is what I do, I clicked on it.  Not surprisingly a long list of sites that propose to conduct background checks, most for "free".  I randomly went to 12 different sites and, believe me, this is not how a responsible recruiter gets accurate background information on a candidate, nor is it the safest route to take.  Why?

• All of the sites I visited wanted my credit card information, expiration date, and other personal information to either get the "free trial period" or to see the results of the "search".   Clearly you do not want to submit this valuable information to just anyone on the internet...this is how identity theft occurs.  Once you hit the send key, it is to late.
• These sites probably are not Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) or Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) compliant, forget HIPPA laws. 
• After submitting your payment information, you have to ask yourself if all state records are represented.  Not all states have sunshine laws of the equivalent. 
• How old in the information? 

What is the solution to protecting your personal and banking information AND getting current and compliant facts on the applicant?  Hire a licensed private investigator who specializes in pre-employment screening.  Licensed private investigators are held, by the laws of their states, to a much higher standard than those who do background checks without a license.  Our agencies are consumer reporting agencies thus we are fully compliant with all federal and state laws.  We only use private databases that are compliant as well.  The major reason is, ALL of your information is strictly protected, as is that of the applicant.  You and your investigator should have a payment plan in place that suits your needs.  You deal with the investigator, no putting your credit card and other valuable information on the Internet for anyone to copy.

Recruiting the right person for the job can be a daunting task.  If there is any way that Gold Shield can help, please visit http://www.goldshieldli.com