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How to Run a Background Check on Someone UK?

In the UK, a lot of people have started to understand the need to ask a private investigator to perform background checks on various people they interact with. However, many still don't know where to start as far as these checks are concerned. Because many people still have certain misconceptions about private investigators, many people don't use investigators for background checks. The result is usually inadequate or unreliable information.

Luckily, for those interested, it's not that hard to know how to reach out to a private investigator and have them carry out a background check for you.


Why Would A Private Investigator Background Check Interest You?

Private investigators have performed background checks for all kinds of people. People's interest in background checks is usually limited to finding out information about a person or entity that could be potentially damaging to them.

For example, here are a few groups of people and the reasons why they may need a private investigator to perform a background check for them:

  • Landlord: Safety and welfare of other tenants, limiting financial issues caused by late payments
  • Romantic partner: Personal and financial security, confirmation of identity
  • Employer: Analyzing competence, limiting legal liability, protecting other employees and customers
  • Business partners: Investigating financial impropriety, uncovering hidden information that could result in future legal liability etc.

As you can see, when it comes to private investigator background checks, issues such as security and legal liability are only a few of the reasons why many people ask for these checks. There are many other valid reasons.


What Information Will The Private Investigator Ask For Before Performing Background Checks?

For a private investigator to start a background check, there are certain facts that they'll need first. Quite often, it's only the most basic information i.e. the name of the subject of the investigation and a way of contacting them to get their consent. In many background checks, consent is necessary to avoid breaching the laws that protect the privacy of individuals. The name of employers and previous addresses may also be required by a private investigator.

If the purpose of the investigation is to check if a potential employee's resume is accurate, the investigator will need the important information from this resume. Therefore, the information provided to the private investigator may vary depending on whether the background check is looking to uncover new information or counter-check already available information.


How Long Will A Private Investigator Background Check Take?

The length of time needed to complete background checks varies a lot depending on the specific details of the check and other factors that are beyond the control of the private investigator. For example, a landlord looking to confirm that a potential tenant can pay rent and utility bills may be able to get the information almost immediately.

However, if they need to check whether the tenant has a criminal record, it could take as long as 8 weeks. This is because this information is provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service and sometimes there is a backlog of requests they need to go through.

Another common cause of delays are employers and past landlords. If they delay in providing the private investigator with the information needed, the check may take longer.


What Information Do Private Investigators Find Through Background Checks?

A background information is not supposed to be a 'tell-all' about the subject of the investigation. Private investigators perform these checks to verify information or uncover information that is of valid importance to the interests of their clients. For example, an employer has a valid reason to know if a person has a criminal record. If someone has been convicted for financial crimes in the past, it won't be wise to put them in positions with access to money.

The kind of information uncovered by an investigator is also determined by the case. For example, someone's fianc may be more interested in their previous relationships than their treatment of neighbours. However, for a landlord, it would be the other way around.

Private investigators, therefore, only look to uncover information that is of genuine interest to the person who asked for the background check to be carried out. Additionally, the type of information that is accessible may be limited by various laws.



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