Request A Callback From An Investigator

What Does a Background Check Consist Of?

Someone may tell you that you need to hire a private investigator to perform a background check, but what does this really mean. Private investigator background checks encompass a wide range of activities some of which will be vital to your needs and others that may not be as important.

Private investigators are asked by people in different capacities to perform background checks, and it's usually the capacity of the person who needs the background check that will determine what specific checks will be performed.


What Information Can A Private Investigator Find Out When Performing Different Checks?

The type of information uncovered by a private investigator depends on the type of background check that you request.

For instance, here are a few things that can be uncovered in different types of private investigator background checks:

  • Criminal records check: An extensive criminal record, an unspent record that creates a conflict of interest etc.
  • Health record check: Physiological issues that can prevent you from safely performing some tasks
  • Credit check: A history of defaulted payments
  • Employment check: The duration of employment listed may not be entirely accurate
  • References check: The references listed may not be real etc.

However, it's not automatic that a background check will uncover something negative. More often than not, the private investigator will find that all the information provided by the subject is accurate.


How Is This Information Found And What Resources Are Used?

There are many different ways that private investigators use to acquire information when carrying out background checks.

Among the most reliable ways of gathering information is by checking official records. For example:

  • Information on criminal records can be found by checking with the Disclosure and Barring Service
  • Public records can confirm whether a person was born in the UK, their marital records etc.
  • The home office can confirm if someone has a right to work in the UK
  • A person's GP can provide medical records if they're required

There are private companies which can also provide some of the information that will be required in private investigator background checks. For example, consumer credit reporting agencies like Experian can provide information needed for credit checks.

In some cases, the private investigator will have to get the information directly e.g. by calling someone and asking them questions about the subject of the investigation. The resources used in background checks are relatively straightforward. A computer with an internet connection is a necessity. This is because many applications for information can be done online. The private investigator may also have to use a phone or do some legwork.


How Is A Background Check Conducted?

The person who wishes to have the background check will usually get in touch with a private investigator and provide them with the basic details of the subject of the investigation. The private investigator will then call the subject of the investigation to get their consent to proceed with the background check.

Armed with these basic details and the written consent of the subject of the background check, the private investigator can start requesting various agencies, companies and individuals for relevant information on the subject. Once they have gathered the necessary information, the private investigator will report back to the person who requested the background check.



Related Articles