Latest News about Background Checks (page 0)

10 Tips for Improved Candidate Experiences

Make a good impression on job applicants and build a stronger business reputation. Try these tips to improve candidate experiences.

Renter's Bill of Rights' Impact on Real Estate Background Checks

Landlords must obey the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when ordering background and credit checks on prospective tenants.

New York City Limits Tenant Background Check Options

New York City landlords need to change their tenant background check processes. See the main changes created by the City Council for 2025.

background checks for tenants, tenant background checks

Nationwide Housing Crisis Drives Controversy Over Tenant Screening

Striking a balance between supporting property owners and affordable access to housing remains controversial. Learn the latest on tenant screening.

Industry News, tenant background checks

NY Landlords' Calls to Repeal the State’s Tenant Protection Act Fail

In 2019, New York landlords demanded the repeal of new rules for housing access. Rental screening regulations in the area continue to expand.

Compliance and Legislation, background checks for tenants

Revived Bill to Ban Tenant Background Checks in New York City Passes

A movement to ban some tenant background checks in New York City finally succeeded. Landlords carved out core exceptions in the final law.

background checks for tenants, tenant screening

Fair Chance Housing Ordinances and Tenant Background Checks Update

Current landlords must navigate significant regulatory upheaval in tenant background checks and federal housing vouchers.

5 Key Things to Understand About the New Mexico Child Care Background Check Law

The New Mexico Senate recently enacted legislation mandating stringent background checks for contractors of the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD).

Connecticut's Clean Slate Law and Background Check Compliance

Explore how Connecticut's Clean Slate Law affects employers, from adapting hiring processes to ensuring fair practices.

Background Check Delays in Kansas Persist After Court Cyber Attack

Kansas courts suffered a paralyzing cyberattack in October 2023. Issues persist into 2024, and employers should plan for further delays.

Massachusetts State Court Ruling on FCRA Compliance Issues

Stay compliant with FCRA regulations for pre-employment background checks. Learn from the recent Massachusetts Appeals Court ruling.

How Background Checks Can Improve Nursing Home Elder Care

Enhance elder care safety with comprehensive background checks. Learn the risks of neglecting screenings and best practices for implementation.

Sarasota May Toughen Background Checks for Transport

Background checks for transport companies are mandatory, but local regulations differ. One Florida county wants more oversight of towing companies.

Start Streamlining Background Checks for Transport Workers

Changes are coming to essential background checks for transport staff. Uncover the proposed new reforms in Congress and what it means for you.

Criminal Background Check Shortcomings in Gig Apps Persist

There are surprising risks to using gig workers for pet sitting. See how Rover’s criminal background check may come up short.

Background Check Compliance and Regulation in Finance

Unravel the many complexities and discover how to manage all primary laws about background check compliance and regulation in finance.

New York Clean Slate Law Signed, Bringing Big Changes

Now signed into law, New York Clean Slate rules will go into effect in 2024. Find out how they may soon begin to impact the hiring process.

Idaho Rolls Out Update to Criminal Background Check System

Idaho recently completed a years-long effort to overhaul a significant criminal background check system from 2004. Find out how this affects you.

VT Sports Betting Background Check Compliance and Regulation

Changes in Vermont gambling laws have meen background check compliance and regulation adjustments. See what sports book operators need to do.

Thorough Multi-state Criminal Background Checks Matter

In Indiana, a man accused of murder had pending charges on his record—but seemingly passed a background check regardless. Learn more about this troubling case.

Which Direct Court Searches Should I Add to My Multi-jurisdictional Criminal Database Search?

It takes time for courts to feed information into state repositories. Consequently, a multi-jurisdictional search may not always include the most recent records, such as newly filed felony charges.

How to

How Do We Invite Employees to Run a Self-Ordered Background Check?

The applicant self-entry program is a simple way to streamline your process for ordering background checks by sharing the responsibility to enter the search criteria for the background check with job ...

How Does a County Courthouse Database Search Differ From a Multi-Jurisdictional Database?

Should you order a multi-jurisdictional criminal database search or focus on the counties where a candidate has lived? Explore your options here.

How To Choose the Best Employee Background Check for Your Industry

When you need an employee background check, what type should you order? Explore what options different industries have when you choose our help.

Lawsuit Alleges DoorDash Was Negligent With Its Criminal Background Check

Are gig economy companies doing enough with their criminal background check procedures to protect users? A new lawsuit against DoorDash raises concerns.

New Construction Background Check Regulations Could Arrive Soon in Some States

Should there be an expansion in how many people are subject to a construction background check? Contractors could soon face new requirements in one state.

Uber Background Check Requirements Change for New Teen Rider Service

There are new Uber background check requirements for some riders. Why? Uber has plans to introduce special accounts made for teenage users. Find out more here.

More Municipalities Consider Ban the Box Expansion

More municipalities are considering expanding the reach of “ban the box” laws. A major Florida city is the latest to consider changes.

Federal Government Faces Lawsuit Over Social Media Monitoring

How much does the federal government monitor social media, especially for background checks? A new lawsuit aims to reveal the extent of the program.

Haunted House Employed Convicted Sex Offenders

Don't let the demand for seasonal workers change how you view due diligence. A scary story from an Ohio haunted house reveals the dangers of being lax.

New Polygraph Technology Claims Eye Movements Reveal Lies

Polygraph or "lie detector" tests have been around for decades. A new firm claims its eye-tracking technology is the next generation in lie detection.

Post-Pandemic Hiring Reminders: Due Diligence is Still Important

With businesses still hiring aggressively to replenish staff and meet demand, due diligence could fall by the wayside. Strengthening your safety measures should be the answer instead.

Evolving Legislation Creates Hiring Challenges for Manufacturers

With supply chains strained and labor shortages continuing, manufacturers need more workers now without compromising safety standards. However, employers must remain aware of changing regulations in m...

Uber Releases New Safety Report with Troubling Data

Ridesharing service Uber released a safety report covering the period of 2019-2020. While the company touts its safety record, the numbers reveal that troubling trends continue.

Military Contractor Spy Scandal Has Lessons for All Employers

A former US servicemember entered a guilty plea after the government discovered he sold classified secrets to China while working as a contractor. What can all employers learn from this?

Should You Erase Your Online Presence When Applying to Jobs?

Social media posts can say more about you to potential employers than you might like. Some now argue for wiping your social presence when you're a job applicant—should you?

The Latest Changes in Clean Slate Legislation

More states have taken up the cause of fair chance or second chance legislation. We take a quick look at the latest updates around the nation.

social security number, fingerprint background checks, SSN background check

Some States Enact New Fingerprint Background Check Laws

In an effort to improve the safety of schools and childcare, some states have recently enacted new fingerprint background check requirements. Are these solutions a superior option to traditional check...

expungement, ban the box, expunged criminal record

How Should Businesses Approach Hiring the Formerly Incarcerated?

A vast number of Americans have been incarcerated, and the challenges they face upon release often include getting a job. How should businesses approach these candidates?

criminal background checks, ongoing monitoring

Why Pre-Employment Screening & Ongoing Criminal Monitoring Really Matter

Are tools to screen for past crimes or recent criminal acts really worth the effort to obtain and use? Yes—very much so. Recent news stories highlight the red flags they could raise.

teacher background checks

Teachers Accused of Abuse: Highlighting the Importance of Protecting Students

In this quick roundup of recent news, we look at how failures and lapses at the institutional level can leave students vulnerable and how employers must do more to protect those in their care.

daycare background checks

Screening Summer Camps for a Safe, Fun Season

Camps are a major part of the summer season, and for parents who work, camps and summer daycares are a vital asset. What can you do to be sure you choose a safe place for your child?

criminal background checks, county criminal history checks, pending charges

Can Accusations of a Crime Do as Much Damage as a Conviction?

Following a 2008 murder, police charged a man and held him in jail for more than eight years before he was acquitted. The case highlights some difficult challenges and questions.

employee background checks, employee screening

With Job Openings Hitting New Highs, What Does the Future Hold?

As the labor market continues to recover from its pandemic-driven lows, job openings have hit record highs—creating opportunities and concerns for employers and applicants alike.

criminal background checks, best background check

AI Support in Background Checks: The Future?

With applications for machine intelligence on the rise, some have turned to applying these techniques to due diligence. What impact could AI have on background checks?

criminal background checks, social media background checks, best background check

Some Schools Look at Social Media During Hiring. Should They?

At a time when many details of our lives are online, some employers think that social media information should factor into their decision. Some schools are now doing the same thing, but does it help?

criminal background checks, best background check

What You Need to Know about the Push for Marijuana Decriminalization on the Federal Level

Congress is considering bills that would decriminalize marijuana on the federal level. Find out what this news means for employers, their criminal background check protocols, and their hiring decision...

criminal background check, state background check, county background checks

What Is the Value of Using a State-Level Criminal History Search on a Background Check?

What value can a state background check bring to your pre-employment screening process? Here's what you need to know about state-level criminal history searches and how they work.

criminal background check, best background check

How Can Hiring Practices Impact Cybersecurity Risks for Business?

When hiring new employees, businesses often think about the tangible risks of crime or violence—but what about cybersecurity? With digital threats on the rise, there are new risks in hiring, too.

ongoing criminal monitoring, ongoing monitoring

Changes to Background Check Policies Triggered by Critical Hiring Need

Amid low employment rates and historic resignation numbers, should employers lower their standards for pre-employment background checks? We look at the changing trends in hiring, background screenings...

background check, sexual misconduct, dating app background checks

Wider Availability of Dating App Background Checks Reveals Concerns

In an effort to make online and app-based dating safer, some companies have rolled out in-app background checks. Now, a wider audience has begun to evaluate the potential concerns created by such sear...

background check, sexual misconduct

A Roundup of Recent Sex Offender and Sexual Misconduct News Stores; How Can Employers Avoid These Types of Disasters?

Sexual misconduct is a far-too-common fixture in the news, even involving individuals with clear red flags like criminal history and sex offender registration. We look at how employers can navigate th...

expungement, criminal background check

Oklahoma Lawmakers Consider Improvements to Criminal Expungement Process

Oklahoma is the latest state to seek significant reform in the process of criminal record expungement. The state is considering legislation automatically identifying cases eligible for expungement and...

Background Checks, sexual misconduct

News Roundup: Arrests Across the Nation for Child Pornography

Among the most heinous types of crimes to investigate and prosecute, child pornography cases and incidents involving the exploitation of minors are stomach-turning examples of the need to be vigilant ...

criminal background check, advanced background check

Unemployment Agency’s Poor Policies Led to Potentially Risky Hires

Effective use of background checks requires good governance and oversight. In Michigan, auditors found one agency falling far short of the mark.

criminal background check, fair chance act

Is Gainesville the Next City to Embrace Ban the Box for Private Employers?

Gainesville could soon become the first jurisdiction in Florida to ban the box for private employers. More than a dozen localities in the state have already embraced the fair chance act movement but h...

military, FBI background checks

US Military Service Members Have New Pathways to Transition

Re-entering civilian society after military service has always been a challenge. Some programs aim to provide inroads for interested service members.

ridesharing background checks, Uber Background Check

Uber Vetting Issues - Documentation Screenings Flag Transgender, Nonbinary Applicants

Uber is facing accusations that its ridesharing background screening protocols negatively and disproportionately impact transgender and nonbinary drivers. The concerns stem specifically from the compa...

criminal background checks, what shows up on a background check

Can Background Checks Foster Safer Environments in Churches?

With widespread concerns about safety for the vulnerable in religious organizations, more guardrails may contribute to peace of mind. Do background checks have a role to play here?

child care background checks, foster care criminal screening, what shows up on a background check

Does the Need for Caregivers Clash With the Need for Background Checks?

In a competitive labor market, how can employers in childcare, foster care, or senior care balance the obligation of running background checks with how background checks can narrow the applicant pool?...

criminal background checks

Delaware Audit Reveals Room for Improvement in Educational Background Checks

The State of Delaware recently audited its Department of Education and all school districts for compliance with criminal background check laws, finding several shortcomings.

MyClearStart, expunged criminal record, Clean Slate

As Businesses Struggle to Find Talent in 2022, Are Ex-Offenders Being Overlooked?

Amidst low unemployment rates, widespread labor shortages, and a historic "Great Resignation," should employers be thinking more seriously about hiring ex-criminals?

criminal background check, contractor background checks

HomeAdvisor Faces Scrutiny Over Allegedly Insufficient Background Checks

HomeAdvisor, a site for connecting homeowners with contractors, says they carefully vet all those listed on their site. Some customers have discovered that may not always be the case.

criminal background check, tenant background checks

Housing Ban the Box Applicable in New Jersey

Landlords in New Jersey are banned from inquiring about a prospective tenant’s criminal history early in the application process.

how far back do background checks go, background check on myself, background check for employment

What Aren’t Your Applicants Telling You About Their Resumés?

Lying on job applications and especially in resumés is shockingly common. How can hiring managers verify the trustworthiness of an applicant’s claims in today’s culture?

criminal check, AI in hiring process, AI bias

A Look at the Growing Push to Regulate AI in the Hiring Process

AI in the hiring process could be headed toward more regulation in the coming years. A new law in New York City requires employers that use AI technologies and algorithms in hiring to have their proce...

dating app background checks, background checks on tinder

Tinder Adds New Resources for Survivors, Still Plans Background Checks

Attempting to fight back against perceptions that dating platforms are ripe for abuse, Tinder recently announced a new slate of resources and affirmed it was still exploring background checks.

criminal records, criminal background checks, Criminal History

Worrying Gaps in Georgia Criminal Records Databases: What Employers Should Know

A recent report indicated that Georgia’s state-level criminal records databases were missing huge amounts of criminal history information. The issue shines a light on the shortcomings of state databas...

background check, advanced background check

Are Financial Service Firms Making Risky Hiring Choices?

Safe hiring is vital in industries such as finance, where employees may have access to assets and funds. Are these firms missing potential risks in their hiring processes?

driving record report, commercial driver's licenses, accurate background check, driving record searches

Fatal 2019 Truck Crash Linked to Improper Driver Vetting, Training

The fiery 2019 Lakewood crash killed four people and made fresh headlines when the driver received a 110-year sentence. New evidence suggests poor vetting was partially to blame.

pre-employment screening, pre-employment background screening

Recruiting Substitute Teachers Poses Challenges for Schools, Amidst Severe Staffing Shortages

A nationwide teacher shortage makes it difficult for schools to staff their classrooms. As schools scramble to find substitutes, questions about pre-employment background screening protocols are ubiqu...

expungement, fair chance act, clean slate law

Arrests, Dismissed Charges, ‘Not Guilty’ Verdicts, and Expungement

Sometimes, background checks can show criminal information not linked to a conviction or guilty verdict. Here’s what you should know about the grey area in some criminal records and background checks.

ongoing monitoring, background screening, employee retention

4 Tips for Talent Retention in 2022

Dubbed the “Great Resignation” by media outlets, the significant trend of employees leaving their positions and seeking new roles elsewhere shows no signs of abating. Record numbers of people continue...

background checks for home care, professional background checks, caregiver background screening

Tips for Finding a Home Caregiver

The population is aging, and with that trend comes a growing need for in-home senior care. If you are hiring a caregiver for a parent, grandparent, or loved one, consider these tips – from taking time...

education, misconduct

Teachers in Arizona and New Hampshire Accused of Misconduct

Reports of sexual assault and misconduct by teachers against their students continue. We consider the latest updates and what they mean for parents and schools.

ongoing criminal monitoring

Baltimore County Failed to Do Background Checks for 1,200 Employees

A government audit in Maryland’s Baltimore County has found that some 1,200 staffers have never gone through background checks. The case reminds the importance of background checks for all employees a...

COVID-19

COVID-Induced Shortages Create Headaches and Risks for Schools

With another powerful wave of Covid-19 causing many teachers to miss work due to illness, many districts face critical staff shortages. Could that lead to some cutting corners?

fair chance housing

Councilors Ban Some Tenant Background Checks in New York City

A movement to ban some tenant background checks in New York City finally succeeded. Landlords carved out core exceptions in the final law.

dating apps

Why Background Check Your Date? Recent Viral TikTok Video Gives an Answer

Is it safe to go on a date with the person you matched with on Tinder or Hinge? A thorough background screening of your date through backgroundchecks.com can make all the difference.

state background check

Should Background Checks Have a Place in State Politics?

Do political candidates need background checks? Many have questions after a local news team revealed that one mayoral candidate in Atlanta was a convicted felon.

volunteer background checks

Volunteer Firefighter Facing Felony Rape Charge Hired Due to Oversight

A South Carolina volunteer fire department hired an individual facing felony charges in another state, highlighting the importance of nationwide background checks

tenant screening

Florida Tragedy Shows Background Checks Are a Crucial Tool for Landlords

In the wake of a tragedy in Florida, the state could pass a law requiring building employee background checks for apartment complexes. Even without a legal requirement, landlords should have protocols...

background check

Slow Chicago-Area Background Checks Lead to Hiring Delays

Designed to create safer opportunities for hiring, background checks can sometimes introduce delays into the process. Are they still worthwhile?

Healthcare Background Checks

What the Healthcare Employee Shortage Means for Hiring in the Medical Field

Covid-19 exacerbates an already severe employee shortage in the healthcare field. We explore some of the ways this shortage could affect hiring in medicine as we advance.

Compliance and Legislation

Can AI-Based Hiring Tools Be Fixed?

AI-based hiring tools were touted to save employers time, streamline hiring, and even remove bias from the hiring process. Now, though, critics of these tools – including the New York City Council – s...

Compliance and Legislation

Florida May Mandate Background Checks for Apartment Workers

Following a murder at a student rental apartment near the University of Florida, some lawmakers have proposed changes to the law that would create new background check requirements.

FCRA

CFPB Warns Against Name-Only Matches, Says They May Violate FCRA

The FCRA establishes a broad range of consumer protections. A recent government advisory from the CFPB clarified that certain background reports may not meet FCRA standards.

employee background check vetting

Employers Experiment with Removing Barriers to Hiring, From Resumes to Background Checks

Some employers are experimenting with “open hiring”, a strategy of hiring new employees without interviews, background checks, or other typical pre-employment steps. While this hiring strategy can att...

Drug Testing

Policy Changes and Labor Challenges Mean Fewer Drug Tests

With more states legalizing marijuana for all adults and pressing labor shortages in many industries, some employers have changed course on pre-employment drug screening.

COVID-19, EEOC

EEOC Updates Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements After Sweeping Biden Order

The EEOC has updated its guidance for employers requiring vaccinations for workers. The document covers how employers can implement vaccine mandates without violating the ADA, the Civil Rights Act, an...

The Importance of Dates of Birth in Background Checks

In Michigan, lawmakers and courts continue to debate whether to include dates of birth on court records. Learn why the debate has major implications for employer background checks.

employee background check vetting

Labor Shortages, Background Check Delays, and the Risk of Reduced Vigilance

Labor shortages and background check bottlenecks have some employers wondering if they should lower their standards to find workers. Learn why strong background checks and high employment standards co...

fair chance act

Bifurcated Background Checks: Changes in the NYC Fair Chance Act

Recent changes to the NYC Fair Chance Act changed the way that employers conduct non-criminal screening procedures. Learn about the changes and what they mean.

Sanction Screening: What You Need to Know

As important as they are, these checks are only one piece of the puzzle, particularly for organizations dealing with high-level transactions, large amounts of money, or the care of others, such as in ...

deferred adjudication

What Disposition Means on a Background Check

A "disposition" is the outcome of a criminal case, such as a conviction. See how dispositions let you make informed decisions about background checks.

self-check

Ensuring the Information in Your Background Check Is Accurate

What appears on your own background check? Learn how to find out for yourself. Avoid surprises and see what your background check says about you.

FCRA violations

Avoiding Legal Exposure From Faulty FCRA Disclosures

The FCRA requires employers to provide standalone disclosures about background checks to applicants. Learn how simple mistakes can lead to significant legal trouble.

ban the box

Staying on Top of Changes in "Ban the Box" Laws

Local employment laws change frequently, introducing new potential hurdles for hiring managers. There's never a bad time to review your company's compliance status.

youth-sport

Questions to Ask Youth Sports Organizations When Enrolling Your Kids

Youth sports can be an enriching, rewarding activity for kids, but it can also be a dangerous one. Here are four questions to ask your youth sports organization about employee background screening, co...

Harvard Business School Report Calls into Question the Viability of Automated Hiring Technologies

Automated hiring software was supposed to streamline the hiring process. According to a recent report from Harvard, it’s creating new and unfair barriers for some job seekers.

dating apps

The Latest News with Background Checks and Dating Apps

Match Group will soon begin beta testing for the background check feature of its popular Tinder app. That development could change dating apps and dating sites forever as other platforms embrace backg...

fast track hiring

Video Resumes: The Way of the Future?

Are video resumes the key to future recruitment and hiring? In the wake of a TikTok resume project, questions remain about discrimination, employee background screening, and inclusive hiring processes...

FCRA

Recent Supreme Court FCRA Ruling Could Have Implications for Employee Background Screening

A recent Supreme Court ruling on an FCRA class action lawsuit could have implications for employers. While the lawsuit concerned credit reports, the ruling was broad enough that it could impact employ...

ban the box

New York City Unveils New Ban the Box Concept: Two-Step Background Checks

Due to amendments to the New York City Fair Chance Act, employers in the city must now divide their employee background checks into two stages: noncriminal background checks before making a conditiona...

teacher background checks

Forensic Audit Brings New Clarity to Case Regarding Falsified Background Checks for Teachers

A forensic audit of a charter school in New Orleans has seemingly identified the person behind the school’s falsified background checks. The checks made it possible for several individuals with crimin...

state background check

Michigan Could Redact Date-of-Birth from Some Records; What It Means for Background Checks

Michigan is considering a rule that would redact date-of-birth information from court records. If the amendment goes through, it could have a significant impact on the speed and accuracy of employee b...

Healthcare Background Checks

Vermont Mental Health Agency Must Repay Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare Payments Due to Background Check Lapse

A mental health services agency in Vermont recently agreed to repay $170,000 in improperly billed Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare payments. For nearly a decade, the agency employed—and billed federal ...

drug tests

Can I Dispute a False Positive Drug Test?

You can dispute a false positive drug test. Show evidence of a valid prescription, provide context, or test again.

child care

Summer Camps Prepare to Return in 2021; What Parents Should Know

Many summer camps are likely to return in 2021 following a year off due to COVID-19. Here’s what parents should know about COVID-19 restrictions and child care background checks.

EEOC guidelines

CDC and EEOC Guidance about Covid-19 Vaccinations

The CDC recently issued guidance that individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear masks or socially distance from others. What does this change mean for employer...

fingerprint background checks

North Carolina Moves to Require Fingerprint Background Checks for Teachers

Legislators in North Carolina are seeking to make fingerprint background checks the standard vetting process for teacher licensing—and they aren’t the only ones. We examine the trend.

teacher background checks

Does Your School Need to Review Its Teacher Background Checks?

Two recent news stories highlight the importance of regular reviews for teacher background check policies at educational institutions: a teacher was killed in a drug-related shootout that tied him to ...

Failed Background Check After Receiving a Job Offer - What's Next?

Matching a person to a job is hard work, which is why it is a victory to find the perfect candidate and extend him or her an offer of employment—but what if that candidate failed a background check af...

EEOC, salary history

EEOC Files Lawsuit Against New York School District for Alleged Equal Pay Violation

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed an equal pay lawsuit against a New York school district, alleging that the district paid a female superintendent notably less than her male...

ban the box, FCRA

Illinois Adds New Restrictions for Employers Using Criminal Background Checks

Illinois recently updated its Human Rights Act to include restrictions for the use of criminal background checks in hiring. Employers that fail to comply with state background check restrictions will ...

FBI background checks

Background Screening Waived for Staff at Migrant Facilities

The Biden administration has come under fire for waiving FBI background checks at emergency migrant facilities near the Mexican border. While staff and volunteers are still subject to background check...

child care background checks, home care

Background Checks to Protect Minors

In services providing child care, the background check is among critical resources for safety. See everything you need to know about this important tool.

dating apps

Background Screening for Dating Goes Mainstream: Tinder Adds Background Checks

Match Group, the company that owns Tinder and several other dating apps, recently announced that it would be rolling out a new background check feature. The news could push broader adoption of backgro...

Child Care, Foster Care, and Background Checks to Protect Minors

A daycare background check is essential for protecting vulnerable children while their parents work. Explore what goes into the process and other facts to know.

credit check, FCRA

A Legal Update on Background Screening Laws in Philadelphia and Illinois

Legislative changes in Philadelphia and Illinois will affect how employers in these jurisdictions use background checks and credit checks for employment decisions. Read our report to learn the key det...

fair chance act, background screening

New York City Expands Fair Chance Employment Ordinance

A new amendment to New York City’s Fair Chance Act significantly expands ban the box legislation. The changes will affect how employers utilize background checks for existing employees, handle pending...

Avoiding Data Bias When Hiring

Using AI in hiring can help bring new efficiencies to the process. It can also bring “data bias,” in which an AI framework introduces biases from gender to racial discrimination. Here’s what employers...

background screening in the gig economy

Trends in Background Checks to Watch in 2021

How will employee background checks change and evolve in 2021? Few people could have predicted the ways that hiring and work would shift in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic pushing remote work and hir...

Industry News, employee background checks

How Should Companies Handle Employee Vetting in a Work-From-Home World?

When the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic spurred lockdowns that swept across the nation, many employers found themselves forced to accommodate work-from-ho

Industry News, Uber, lyft, ridesharing background checks

What Proposition 22 Means for Uber, Lyft, and Ridesharing Background Checks

On November 3, voters in California approved “Proposition 22,” a proposal that effectively creates a brand-new employment designation for drivers of ridesh

Industry News, COVID-19, EEOC

Navigating EEOC Compliance During COVID-19

To say that the COVID-19 pandemic turned the business world upside-down is an understatement. From a massive shift to remote work to hard choices surroundi

Industry News

New Law Change in Pennsylvania Makes ‘Clean Slate’ More Accessible to Ex-Offenders

Two years ago, Pennsylvania passed a revolutionary law that vowed to automatically seal tens of millions of criminal records. Now, the state legislature is

Industry News, ban the box

Banning the Box on College Applications

Could ban the box policies be heading toward college campuses? Based on a new law pending in Pennsylvania, the answer is yes. What You Need to Know about B

Industry News, EEOC

EEOC Takes Aim at Discriminatory Business Practices

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s purview isn’t limited to setting guidelines for hiring and publishing explainers on discrimination. The EEOC

Industry News

Lawsuit Alleges Corruption and Background Check Failures in NYC School Transportation Department

Recent developments within New York City’s Department of Education—specifically its Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT)—are shining a light on a trend of

Industry News, education, infographic

The Future of School

For years, technology has been altering the landscape of education, adding eLearning and other online learning approaches to the existing arsenal of face-t

backgroundchecks.com News

Top 25 hourly rates at Fortune 500 companies (updated for 2021)

Hourly rates and minimum wages have received a lot of attention in the media in recent years thanks to a political push to institute higher minimum wages a

Industry News, Uber, lyft, ridesharing background checks

Uber Accused of Negligent Business Practices in Latest Suit

Alleging that Uber misrepresents the safety of its services and does little to provide oversight of its drivers' actions, a New York woman has filed suit a

Industry News, Background Checks, youth sports

Cheerleading Association's Ban List Featured Glaring Omissions

After the Larry Nasser abuse scandal rocked the world of gymnastics, many observers thought that it would be a watershed moment in the fight to protect you

Industry News, employee background checks, salary history, employment history

Salary History Bans Pick up Steam

Can employers still ask about salary history? Not long ago, it was common for employers to request salary information as part of a job application alongsid

Questions and Answers, Coronavirus, tutor background checks, homeschooling

Which Background Checks Are Needed for Tutors?

 Are you thinking about hiring a tutor for your child? Because of coronavirus, interest is on the upswing for tutors, Zutors (Zoom tutors), and “instructor

Industry News, volunteer background checks

Volunteers and Caregivers: Background Check Policies

Which role should background checks play for aged care providers? Michigan recently took a big step in standardizing certain parts of the background check

Industry News, EEOC, contractor background checks

Uber and Lyft Face Backlash for Classifying Workers as Independent Contractors

Should Uber and Lyft consider their drivers employees? This question is at the center of a growing debate concerning the two biggest ridesharing businesses

Industry News, child care

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Pledge to Do More After Poor Report

With more than 4,000 local chapters spread across the country, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America are among the largest after-school programs in the nation.

Industry News, contractor background checks

What You Should Know About the New Executive Order Impacting Federal Contractors and Immigration

Companies that contract with the federal government should be aware of a new federal executive order that could have an impact on the employment of non-imm

Industry News, COVID-19

HR Must Adapt to Support a New Normal in the Office

As workplaces around the world grapple with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, many have begun the hard work of thinking about what comes next. As bus

Industry News, Background Checks, care.com, background check accuracy

Care.com Hit with Large Settlement Over False Background Check Claims

Where do you turn when you need help finding a regular babysitter, or someone to watch over your pets while you're away on vacation? For many thousands of

Questions and Answers, COVID-19, fast track hiring

How to Fast Track Hiring During the Pandemic

COVID-19 has posed multiple challenges to employers trying to fill new positions. Many businesses have had to respond to pandemic-related economic challeng

Industry News, ban the box, EEOC, FCRA

A Mid-Year Ban the Box Compliance Report: Ban the Box

2020 has been a hectic year for everyone, but especially for employers. First, businesses had to contend with the stay-at-home orders wrought by COVID-19,

Industry News, expungement, clean slate bill

Georgia Joins States Expanding Options for Record Expungement

A criminal record of any kind is a potential barrier to everything from housing to employment to credit. Though applicants may be able to explain away misd

Industry News

Why Bus Driver Background Checks Are Important

School bus driver background checks provide vital protection for student safety. They are also a key safeguard against costly legal liability for school di

Questions and Answers, background check, COVID-19

How Is Work from Home Affecting Hiring?

The further we get into the COVID-19 pandemic, the less the work-from-home model appears to be a strictly temporary measure. At first, when businesses star

Questions and Answers, COVID-19, Background Checks

Background Checks to Work at Pitney Bowes

Pitney Bowes is a brand synonymous with technological innovation in the postage industry. In 1902, founder Arthur Pitney patented the world’s first-ever po

Industry News, COVID-19, temporary workers, remote work

How Can Companies Appropriately Screen New Remote Workers?

Even as some regions begin to lift their lockdowns to jump-start the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic has ensured that typical social conventions will return

hourly employees

Top 25 hourly rates at major companies

Hourly rates and minimum wages have received a lot of attention in the media in recent years thanks to a political push to institute higher minimum wages at the state or federal level. So far, the fed...

Industry News, COVID-19

The Return to Daycare and the Importance of Background Checks for Childcare Workers

As the economy reopens and parents go back to work, the return to daycare will be a common topic of conversation. For months, daycares across the nation ha

Industry News, COVID-19, contractor screening

The Value of Background Checks When Hiring Contractors

COVID-19 brought with it an unprecedented need for medical products and personal protection equipment. Some questionable spending decisions at the federal

Industry News, FBI background checks

Pennsylvania Provides Guidelines for FBI Background Checks Delayed by COVID-19

In many sensitive employment or volunteer situations, such as providing child care or being a foster parent, a clean and clear background is one of or the

Industry News, COVID-19, ban the box

What New York Employers Should Know about Article 23-A and COVID-19 Releases

Nationwide, COVID-19 has created an unprecedented push to release inmates from jail or prison, often before their sentences are complete. The fear is that

Industry News, Healthcare Background Checks

Introducing the New App That Could Reshape Hospital Hiring During the Pandemic

A new software solution developed as part of a global hackathon event could hold solutions to some of the challenges that hospitals in COVID-19 epicenters

The Best Recruiting or HR Tools for SMMEs

When it comes to attracting, recruiting, and hiring top talent, Small, Medium & Micro Enterprise businesses (SMMEs) are at a disadvantage compared to huge,

Credit Checks: What You Should Know

From an employer’s perspective, it sometimes makes sense to look at a job applicant’s credit history. The argument is that credit history reflects financia

Industry News, ban the box

Iowa City Wins Court Battle Over Banning the Box—For Now

Across the country, many states and local communities have adopted “fair chance” laws aimed at increasing access to work for the formerly incarcerated. How

Industry News, ban the box

Are "Ban the Box" Regulations Helping or Hurting Minority Workers?

Across America, more than half of the states have adopted a "ban the box" policy. Aimed at removing questions about criminal history from job applications

Questions and Answers, employee background checks

Will My Address Affect Background Check?

When employers run background checks, they often take addresses and affiliated geographical locations into account. While there is a common misconception t

Industry News, Academia background checks

University of Maryland Moves Toward a Broader Background Check Policy

For college administrators nationwide, protecting and enhancing on-campus safety are two of the most pressing tasks. With significant incidents within the

Industry News, temporary workers

Cyber Background Checks: Screening Critical IT Staff

IT security is mission-critical for all companies today. A cyber background check gives important insights for selecting staff for these roles.

Questions and Answers

Do Background Checks Show Warrants?

Usually, when employers are running background checks to look for criminal history, they are looking for past convictions. They want to know if the person

Industry News, criminal background check

Major Security Provider Under Scrutiny Over Vetting Practices

Many businesses face an increasing need to protect themselves from liability through better pre-employment screening in 2020. In few industries is that nee

Questions and Answers

Do Prisons Use Criminal Background Checks on Visitors?

Prisons use criminal background checks to screen visitors, but having a record may not be a barrier to entry everywhere—context matters.

Industry News

Why Social Media Background Checks Are a Slippery Slope

As soon as social media became a pervasive force in the average person’s day-to-day life, employers started using online behavior to learn more about prosp

Questions and Answers

Do Background Checks Depend on the Position Being Filled?

Does the extent of an employee background check vary depending on the job at hand? The answer is “Yes.” Jobs involve different duties and responsibilities

Industry News, employee background checks

Can Artificial Intelligence Take Bias Out of the Hiring Equation?

One of the trendiest technologies today, artificial intelligence seems to be everywhere. Tech giants say that it powers web search, helps recommend media t

Questions and Answers, national criminal background check, pass background checks

What it means to Fail a Background Check

What Happens If You Fail a Background Check? How do you pass background checks? What happens if you fail a background check? These two queries are among th

Industry News, ban the box, fair chance act

The Fair Chance Act: What You Need to Know

The federal Fair Chance Act changes regulations for agencies and contractors. Conviction questions cannot appear on future applications.

Industry News

Bus Driver Background Check Flaws

Record-low unemployment rates have combined with a job that is typically viewed as difficult and thankless to create a shortage of bus drivers in almost ev

Questions and Answers

What Does a National Criminal Background Check Include?

The “national criminal background check” is one of the most misunderstood components of the background screening process. Often, when conducting background

criminal background check, how to get a background check

How to Get a Criminal Background Check: What You Need to Know

Learn how to get a background check, whether you are an employer looking to hire a top-tier candidate or someone doing their due diligence on a romantic prospect.

Industry News, fair chance, ban the box, education

Higher Education Tries to Move "Beyond the Box"

It's no secret that a steep road lies ahead for individuals seeking to re-enter society after a period of incarceration. While the focus often falls on rem

Industry News, dating apps

Could Dating Apps Do More to Vet Their Users?

Once confined to websites accessed from home computers, online dating has gone mobile. Dating apps dominate the social scene with tens of millions of activ

Industry News

Are Ridesharing Services Becoming Safer?

Ridesharing services Uber and Lyft have come under fire for not doing enough to prevent rapes and sexual assaults at the hands of their drivers. Critics of

Questions and Answers

Pre-Employment Background Check: What Shows Up?

The employment background check is a standard part of most hiring processes. According to an HR.com survey, 95 percent of employers conduct “some type of e

Industry News, EEOC, discrimination

Dollar General Agrees to Pay $6 Million in EEOC Settlement

For large and small employers across a broad spectrum of industries, pre-employment background checks are an integral part of the hiring process. A legal o

Questions and Answers

How Long Is a PA Criminal Background Check Good For?

Pennsylvania employers have two questions to consider about their background checks regarding time. First, how many years back does a criminal background c

Industry News, criminal background checks

Effective Background Check Policies Require Reliable Oversight Procedures

Thorough criminal background checks protect businesses in many ways, not only verifying suitability for a position but also safeguarding employees and patr

Industry News

How Long Is a Background Check Good For?

How long does a background check last? This question is difficult to answer, but critical to address: many employers use it to decide how to structure thei

Industry News

Can Law Enforcement Run Background Checks on Speakers at Public Meetings?

Businesses can benefit from running background checks on virtually anyone who they bring into their inner circle, from full-time employees and part-timers

Industry News, instant background check

Instant Background Checks at Schools: The New Normal?

The idea of conducting instant background checks at schools is not new. For years, school districts all over the country have been looking for a reliable w

Industry News, ongoing background checks

The Insider Threat: What You Should Know

Protecting your business and creating a reliable workforce are priorities. While many companies use pre-employment background checks, the threat does not e

Questions and Answers, employment background check

How Does a Background Check Work?

In running an employment background check—or consenting to one—employers and job seekers often have a similar question: how does a background check work? T

Industry News, school bus drivers

Bus Drivers and Background Checks

One of the biggest debates in modern education has nothing to do with the classroom, but rather with the thing that gets students to the classroom. School

Industry News

How Far Back Does a Criminal Background Check Go in Tennessee?

With background checks, every state has slightly different reporting requirements and regulations that employers and other entities must follow. In some st

Industry News, Uber, lyft, ridesharing

The Latest Updates on Ridesharing and Background Checks

The debate about ridesharing services and background checks is not new. For years, ridesharing businesses—primarily Uber and Lyft—have faced criticism for

backgroundchecks.com News

Case Study | Educational Organizations Count on backgroundchecks.com to Keep Their Students Safe

Background checks are important for screening job candidates in every sector, but there are few areas in which they matter more than education. Schools and

Questions and Answers

How Far Back Does a Criminal Background Check go in North Carolina

A criminal background check in North Carolina shows conviction records from any time in a subject’s life. Learn more about lookback periods.

Questions and Answers, fingerprint background checks, FBI fingerprint checks

How Far Back Does a Fingerprint Background Check Go?

A fingerprint background check is often considered the gold standard for criminal history screenings in employee background checks. Many people assume that

Industry News, FCRA, contractor screening

The Pitfalls of Hiring Contractors: Why Screening is Important

More companies than ever rely on contractors to perform huge volumes of work—and that pattern is not limited to industry disruptors such as Uber. According

Industry News, background checks for temporary workers

Temp Workers, the Gig Economy, and Work Histories: The Challenges of a New Chapter in Employment

Fewer companies are relying exclusively on full-time or part-time staff. Most are adopting “flexible” or “extended” workforce strategies to fill gaps durin

Industry News

Safeguarding Businesses Against Fraud from White Collar Employees

According to a 2016 study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, more than a third of all businesses have suffered adverse effects from instances of white-collar crime

Questions and Answers

How Far Back Can Employers Check Criminal Backgrounds in Nevada?

In addition to federal background check laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, each state has its own laws that limit or control how employers can vet

Industry News, social media checks

Are Social Media Checks Really Useful for Employers?

The “rise” of social media is over—it's here, and it's here to stay. Of the many ramifications that social media's development brought with it, its effects

Questions and Answers

How Do You Know if You Passed a Background Check? The Facts

How do you know if you passed a background check? You could receive a job offer or an adverse action notice from the employer.

backgroundchecks.com News

Why Security Businesses Use backgroundchecks.com to Promote Secure Services | A Case Study

A security business needs to keep its clients safe. More than any other industry, security is defined by companies meeting a client’s expectations for safe

Questions and Answers

How Do I Get a Background Check?

Are you wondering how to get a background check? Whether you are an employer trying to vet a job candidate or an individual hoping to run a self-check, bac