Why Conduct a Background Check

• Employers should investigate whether information is false or inflated. For example, a job candidate might claim to have a college degree, but may have never attended college. Criminal backgrounds are also necessary to investigate.
  
  

Terrorism

• Since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack, background checks have become routine for most employers. Security measures have increased and evaluating employees has become important to employers, communities and the nation.
  
  

Companies Performing Checks

• Employers consult with companies that specialize in background checks. The organization selected to conduct background checks will depend on the size of the company, the nature of the employment and the cost the employer is willing to pay.
  
  

Informed Consent

• Employers typically inform employees and get written permission before performing a background check.
  
  

Credit Reports

• Credit reports are often used to determine the level of responsibility of a potential employee.