EmployeeScreenIQ

Could a background check lead to identity theft?

ProtectMyId.com, an identity theft solution, recently released a report stating the ways a background check could lead to identity theft. While background checks are more popular now that ever before and are even required in some states for some professions, there are still potential risks.

While corporations are usually the ones completing background checks, they can also be completed by anyone from family members concerned about the quality of child care to singles checking in on who they're dating.

While a lot of public information is available online and at various organizations, a thorough background check requires written consent from the subject. That grants individual or company access to information such as: resume and employment verification, social security number verification, criminal record checks, Department of Motor Vehicles records, civil court records, Worker's Compensation, credit reports and sexual offender databases.

Without written consent, companies can only gather information from public records and other open sources, meaning the most critical information should remain private. However, some scam artists and thieves are often able to access personal data.

"They have many means of committing identity fraud, including the use of online recruitment scams," ProjectMyId.com said in a press release. "Rising unemployment has made these scams very popular and most job seekers scouring the Internet for employment opportunities don't realize they can make a bad situation even worse, by simply responding to a want ad."

These scams often begin when a consumer receives an e-mail from a company who claims to have found your resume online. The company will state they have an immediate opening for someone with your talents and will ask you to log onto their site and apply for the position.

Next, the scamming company will ask you, via company policy, to do a background check, which may require information such as your date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license number and bank account numbers. This is all information that also can be used to steal someone's identity.

"It's disturbing that people can prey on the desperation of others in such ways, but the fact remains we all need to be more vigilant about protecting ourselves from identity fraud," the company added. "Be cautious. Never give information out to anybody without diligently researching them first."

Labels: Background checks