My Account | Join Us

News Old

Dealing With Adverse Credit Checks When Hiring

Posted on by admin-vo

Credit checks can be essential to the hiring process but carrying them out quickly can be problematic for some businesses. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t options for those using credit checks to vet new employees.

What Details Does a Business Need When Carrying Out a Credit Check

Once a business has obtained permission from the job applicant, it will also need to get the following.

  • Name
  • Date of Birth
  • National Insurance Number
  • Current and Previous Addresses

If any information is missing, it could take longer for a credit check to be carried out, or the credit report may show incorrect details. Employers hiring several employees at once can find instances when similar details arise, so accuracy is critical.

What Is an Adverse Credit Check?

What constitutes an adverse check can be subjective but will often consist of late payments, CCJS, or defaults. Poor credit history does not mean a person is not suitable for a role, but some discussions could be needed before a person is offered a position.

However, some roles can refuse a job offer, including the police, Armed Forces, and financial planners, if poor credit history is shown.

Ensuring Credit Checks are Carried Out Quickly

In most instances, a company can carry out credit checks quickly. However, delays could affect the hiring process if a company has several credit checks to perform. This can lead to many being offered a job role, only for it to be withdrawn due to poor credit history.

Businesses must carry out credit checks quickly to establish whether a candidate is suitable for a role. In the first instance, companies must check that all the details they have gathered are correct. They should also check that any previous addresses have been listed if they have recently moved.

What If an Applicant Contests a Diverse Credit Score?

In most instances, there should be no doubt that credit checks show accurate information. However, if those applying for a role are advising the information is incorrect, they will need to contact the relevant agencies to rectify the issue.

Companies can only act on the information available, but if a mistake has been made, the business can offer to review the application once corrections have been made.

Why Document Verification is Important Regarding Credit Checks

A credit check is an essential tool for background screening, but there can be instances when false documentation is used, which can cause a series of problems for a business. Fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid such cases, including online document verification.

Online document verification employs biometrics that carries out millions of checks within seconds and alerts businesses to any imperfections with the document. Despite the thorough checks carried out with online document verification, companies can obtain same-day results, which can all be viewed using secure online storage.

If your business is keen on making the most of credit checks, why not consider outsourcing your screening to a professional third party? Not only is it cost-effective, but it can yield faster results than a company that carries out its own background screening.

Why Do People Use Fraudulent Documentation?

Posted on by admin-vo

Identity fraud can be frustrating and time-consuming when dealing with customers and hiring new employees. Fortunately, many advancements have made it difficult for criminals to participate in identity fraud, but this doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.

As such, a business must be mindful when hiring new people or accepting investments from third parties that there are potential threats, so verifying documents is a must.

Fraudulent documentation is used for many reasons, including but not limited to the following.

Applying for Credit Using Someone Else’s Identity

One of the more common forms of fraud is applying for credit using false documentation. If a person is successful, the outcome of identity fraud can be costly to businesses regarding profit and reputation.

Fortunately, online identity verification can provide businesses and organisations with an instant service that establishes the authenticity of documents straight away. Although a cost is involved, it is much less than if the worst-case scenario arises.

Applying for Employment with No Right to Work

A Right to Work Check ensures that job applicants are permitted to work in the United Kingdom. In instances where this has not been approved, some may attempt to search for employment using false documentation.

A business has a responsibility to check that the documentation provided by job applicants is authentic and could be fined if the correct measures have not been taken. Although this can be time-consuming, online document verification allows for a proactive screening process.

Money Laundering via Investments

Businesses that provide investment opportunities must carry out stringent checks to ensure that the money is legitimate. Criminals may attempt to use false documentation to give the impression that funds come from reputable sources, but this won’t be the case.

As with other aspects of the business, a company must take several measures to protect itself and other investors from fraud, which is why the masses have embraced online document verification.

Attempting to Relocate Abroad Undetected

Although there is nothing wrong with moving abroad via legitimate means, those trying to avoid detection may use fraudulent documents to travel overseas. If they are successful, then trying to locate them can become an issue.

Fortunately, the technology regarding travel documentation is advanced enough to spot most fraudulent documents, while online verification can take care of the rest.

Why Choose an Independent Agency for Online Document Verification?

Given the consequence of fraudulent documents, businesses will be keen to ensure that they are up to date regarding document checks and background screening.

Although there will be a cost incurred when using a third-party agency, it will be more cost-effective than carrying it out alone and ensures the business is safeguarded in every instance.

Not every business will be subjected to the same risks but having online document verification in place ensures that the risks are minimised regarding fraud.

Ensure Business to Business Relationships are Streamlined with Document Verification

Posted on by admin-vo

When working with or alongside other businesses, many opportunities are often created. However, a company must ensure it is safeguarded when forming relationships with other professionals, which can be quickly done via document verification.

Although some businesses may pay for products or services upfront, there can be other instances when an agreement is put in place. However, should an agreement be made using false documentation, then it will often be the innocent party who is financially impacted.

If your business is keen to embrace new opportunities but wants to ensure that all risk is minimised, then making sure document verification is part of the company screening process is a must.

How Long Does Document Verification Take to Complete?

When many hear about document verification, they assume a lengthy waiting time is involved. Although this can be the case in some instances, ensuring you use a professional agency means that businesses and organisations can receive results the same day.

The fast processing of document verification ensures there is no waiting time when making a decision, allowing the business to operate fluently. Those using verification services can also be confident that the quality of the service isn’t compromised, despite how quick the service is.

Is Online Document Verification Expensive?

When carrying out background checks, a business must have a budget. As such, very few will want to pay excessive fees regarding online document verification. Fortunately, this isn’t the case when using a professional and recognised agency.

Not only is verifying documents online affordable, but it can also help professionals avoid the costly ramifications that false documentation can introduce.

How Document Verification Helps Streamline Relationships with Other Business

When carrying out work on behalf of another business, there can be some checks that professionals must carry out to ensure there are no issues regarding payment in the future.

Although most companies hiring freelancers and businesses are reputable, some will try to take advantage of other businesses using fake documentation. Although this is detrimental to a business, this risk can be easily sidestepped when taking advantage of document verification.

Because document verification is fast when using the right agency, there is no need for additional checks to delay a working agreement, and it ensures professionals and businesses are not left endlessly chasing invoices when the work has been completed.

Why Use an External Agency for Document Verification?

Although some fraudulent paperwork is easy to spot, others can present more of a challenge. Despite a document looking official, this isn’t always the case. Even the most stringent checks can mean some false documents make it through the process which can create a series of problems for businesses.

Using an external agency ensures that document verification can be carried out using the latest technology and real human interaction, meaning there is never any doubt regarding the legitimacy of paperwork.

When starting a business there can be a lot of risk involved but taking measures to safeguard the company using online document verification ensures the threat of fraud is minimised.

Keeping a Credit Score in Good Standing: Why Is It Essential?

Posted on by admin-vo

Although initially created to help businesses decide where to issue finance, credit checks have become integral to background screening when applying for jobs. They are also used for many other aspects of life, including buying a house or vehicle. As such, it is of the utmost importance that credit scores are maintained.

The following is an overview of why it’s essential to keep a credit score in good standing, as well as some measures that people can take to improve a credit score.

A Poor Credit Score Can Mean a Job Offer is Refused

Although a poor credit score doesn’t necessarily mean a person will be refused a role, there can be instances when this is the case. Some credit checks are carried out to verify a person’s identity, whereas others are used to assess the financial background of a job applicant.

Those applying for jobs where they are responsible for finances may be expected to have a good credit record. Defaults, missed payments, and CCJs present on a credit file could mean that people find it harder to secure a job role.

Low Credit Scores Could Mean Finding Accommodation is Problematic

A good credit score can make all the difference when applying for a mortgage, but this isn’t the only situation where finding accommodation is connected to background screening. Landlords also use credit checks when assessing the suitability of the tenant.

Landlords will not always refuse a lease when met with a poor credit score, but there could be a requirement to pay rent in advance.

Adverse Credit Can Make It Difficult to Open a Bank Account

Although a credit application isn’t part of all bank accounts, there can still be instances when a low score can mean a person cannot open a personal or business account. There will often be options available, but these can be more expensive. As such, those struggling to open a bank account should try to improve their credit score as soon as possible.

What Can Be Done to Increase a Credit Score?

Dealing with unpaid debt won’t instantly remove CCJS and defaults, but it is a good start when improving your credit score.

For some, it can seem that a credit score will never improve, and it can take as long as six years for a credit record to fully recover. However, the sooner steps are taken, the sooner a credit score will improve.

The following is an overview of some of the steps people can take to improve their credit scores.

  • Make payments on time.
  • Update electoral roll information.
  • Check credit reports for any errors.
  • Don’t make numerous credit applications.
  • Avoid payday loans.

In addition to making payments on time and maintaining debt in a positive way, it is advisable for people to review their credit file regularly.

ID Verification: What Checks Need to be Made?

Posted on by admin-vo

Although fake documentation is something companies must contend with, there can also be instances when genuine documentation has been tampered with. Many companies and organisations assume that having a human inspect documentation is enough, but unfortunately, this isn’t the case,

In addition to fraudulent documents looking closer to the real thing, there can also be instances when ID from another country needs to be verified. If people are not fully aware of how ID and paperwork should look, then it is difficult to ascertain their authenticity,

Fortunately, there are avenues available that are not faster at identifying documents but also more accurate. The following is an overview of how ID verification works and why it can be a better choice than manual checking alone.

How Does Online ID Verification Work?

In the past, some companies would ask for photographs of documentation, but this approach was easy to manipulate, and carrying out additional checks can mean applications take longer, dissuading some people.

Fortunately, the advancement of technology means that the verification method used to day is more complex than taking a simple photograph,

Although images are still used, the way they are checked ensures that any misalignment or unrecognisable features of the documents will be highlighted in as little as 30 seconds, making it more effective than manual checking alone.

After a document has been verified, users can download a certificate to show that the check has been carried out. This can be essential for businesses that must run several individuals’ background checks.

What Are Other Measures Taken When Confirming Someone’s Identity?

Online document verification is one part of the process when confirming someone’s identity, as liveness checks are also used. Liveness checks use the same process as document verification but will focus on the person instead.

There are two forms of liveness checks available, passive and active. Passive liveness checks ask users to take a selfie and will use this to match the profile against other documentation. An active liveness check will ask the user to carry out poses or motions to ensure the photographs or videos are genuine.

Whether an active or passive liveness check can depend on the circumstances. Passive liveness checks are often faster, allowing for a better user experience, but active liveness checks are considered more secure.

What Are The Benefits of ID Verification?

The benefits of ID verification will depend on the situation. For business, they can provide customers with peace of mind while offering a fast solution of confirming documents are genuine.

Using ID verification also ensures businesses, charities and other organisations meet industry standards and confirm a person’s Right to Work status.

However, there can also be instances when online document verification can benefit personal users. For example, those looking for a new job may use document verification to show prospective employers that all their documentation is genuine.

ID verification can also be carried out from multiple devices, meaning there are never any restrictions or delays when carrying out document verification and liveness checks.

Can a Poor Credit Score Affect a Job Offer?

Posted on by admin-vo

Searching for a job is easier than ever, thanks to the Internet and its wide selection of job boards and recruitment agencies. However, those searching for suitable candidates must ensure they find the right fit for a job role, meaning a series of background checks will often be needed.

One of the most common checks when applying for a job can be a credit check, but the type of credit search carried out can depend on the role. However, there will be instances when a poor credit score could mean an offer of employment is withdrawn.

Why Do Poor Credit Scores Affect Job Roles?

Many will have had some form of financial distress, which can be stressful and worrying. As such, not being able to work because of past problems can seem unfair, but there is a reason why poor credit scores deter an employer from offering candidates a job role.

Those applying for positions at banks or other financial institutions will often have to pass a credit check, showing the employer that you can manage money and that financial behaviour won’t impact your job role.

In the instances of a poor credit score, this could be seen as a risk to the business. This can be upsetting, but it’s important to remember that employers only see limited information, so it is rarely based on who you are as a character.

What Can Be Done to Improve a Credit Score?

Many will already know that their credit commitments play a big part in calculating their credit score. But other factors contribute, such as paying bills on time and being registered on the electoral roll.

To truly understand why you have a low credit score, you must obtain a copy of your credit record. Three primary agencies are used in the United Kingdom: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax.

All will use a different form of credit score, but each will contain information about missed payments, defaults and CCJs.

Once you know what information is affecting your credit score, you can then take measures to make improvements. For example, if there are defaulted payments, ensure all bills are paid by their due date. If there are CCJs on your credit file, make sure to pay them as soon as possible.

There will also be instances when credit reference agencies may hold incorrect information about your credit file. In these instances, it is advisable to verify your documents online when trying to improve your credit score, as this tells the credit reference agencies, they receive are genuine.

Although there is no requirement to have documents verified, it can mean mistakes on a credit file are rectified as soon as possible, which will improve your credit score.

Paying bills on time and paying CCJS won’t mean an instant improvement to your credit score. Knowing what to deal with means your credit score will improve over time, along with your job opportunities.

What Background Checks Are Needed for Teachers?

Posted on by admin-vo

Background checks are carried out in different ways depending on the job role. However, those working with children will be subjected to stringent background checks. The following is an overview of the assessments made when becoming a teacher and why they’re carried out.

Identity Check

The identity of the person applying for a position must be confirmed before accessing other services. When checking the identity of an individual, documentation like passports will need to be verified.

The fastest way to do this can be via a document verification service. In addition to checking identity documentation like passports, schools, colleges and universities can also use it to confirm correspondence is genuine.

Teacher Services

Teacher Services is free and can be accessed via the Department of Education. Teachers Services will record whether a teacher induction has been completed and check the qualified teacher status. Teacher Services will also record details regarding any sanctions or restrictions.

Schools and colleges can access the service using a Department of Education login. Those without an account can ask an approver to create one on their behalf.

Enhanced DBS Check

Although commonly referred to as a List 99 Check, the service is now known as the Children’s Barred List. The Disclosure and Barring Service maintains the list and details those who are not permitted to work with children.

Schools and colleges can access the information via an Enhanced DBS check, which will also provide details of other convictions.

Are All Background Checks Carried Out?

Unlike other industries where detailed background checks aren’t always required, those applying for a teacher role must be aware that all checks are carried out. If you’re unsure whether the information is correct, it can be worthwhile to carry out the relevant checks before applying for a position.

The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (OFSTED) do not see the Enhanced DBS Checks for teachers when making an inspection, but it will need to see evidence that a check was carried out.

What If I’m a Private Tutor?

Parents and carers will always want to safeguard children, so private tutors will also be keen to show their credentials. Although this can be done, for the most part, carrying out an Enhanced DBS Check can be problematic.

When operating as a private tutor, many will operate via a private tutoring company that can complete Enhanced DBS Checks on their behalf, ensuring there are no limitations when applying for freelance positions.

What Barred Lists are Used in the United Kingdom?

Posted on by admin-vo

Barred lists are operated by the Disclosure and Barring Service and allow employers working with vulnerable people or children to check on applicants for a job position involving either. However, alternate names can be used for these checks, leading to confusion.

The following is an overview of the barred lists currently used in the United Kingdom, as well as some further steps that can be taken to protect the business in every instance.

What Is a List 99 Check?

The List 99 Check was operated by the Department of Education and Skills and detailed those banned from working with children. However, this was renamed the Children’s Barred List as part of the Education Act and is now operated by the DBS.

Although the term List 99 Check is still used, the check will be an Enhanced DBS that details whether the person is listed on either list.

How Many Barred Lists Are There?

There are two barred lists. The aforementioned Children’s Barred List and the Adult Barred List. The Adult Barred List contains names of those who cannot work with vulnerable adults.

How Are the Barred Lists Checked?

The Barred Lists can only be checked by carrying out an Enhanced DBS Certificate. This will include details of any recorded crimes, cautions, and whether the person is present on either barred list.

Are People Informed When Being Placed on the Barred List?

When a person is convicted of an offence that makes them a risk to children or adults, the DBS will write to the person notifying them. As such, many people should be aware if they are present on either barred list. However, they will not be able to carry out personal checks themselves.

Other Methods of Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults?

Carrying out an Enhanced DBS Check is the best way of checking if someone is a potential threat in a job role, but some other steps companies should take to ensure the business is safeguarded at all times,

When receiving documents from job applications, it is advisable to take advantage of online document verification. Although rare, there can be instances when fake documentation is used as a means of hiding past crimes.

Fortunately, using online document verification allows businesses to ensure all paperwork is legitimate and enjoy some additional peace of mind when hiring new people.

In addition to verifying passports, bank accounts and driving licenses, online document verification can also help streamline the hiring process.

Each check made regarding online verification can be completed in seconds, allowing businesses to filter out names that have made fraudulent applications or failed to mention their presence on a barred list.

What Checks Does a Landlord or Letting Agent Make?

Posted on by admin-vo

Although renting a property may seem straightforward, several checks are carried out before making a decision. These checks will depend on the landlord or letting agency but often involve the following.

Credit Checks

Although landlords will need permission to carry out a credit check, they are often part of housing applications. Although a good credit score is not essential, those with very low credit scores could find they are not suitable for some rental properties.

Guarantor Check

In instances of a low credit score, the landlord or letting agency will ask if a guarantor is available, who must be someone in ownership of their own home. If the person renting the property defaults on payments, then the responsibility will shift to the guarantor, which can be challenging to acquire in some instances.

Reference Checks

Those moving property will be asked to give their former landlords’ details. As with other checks, acquiring a reference ensures that letting agents and landlords can ascertain whether a tenant can maintain regular rent payments.

There can also be instances where candidates will need an employer’s reference to show that a job role listed is genuine and is not likely to end soon.

Identity Check

Identity checks are another standard part of renting a property, but landlords and agencies can carry out a series of checks to ensure documentation is genuine. Despite the advanced methods of fraud, more sophisticated means of identifying fraudulent documents ensure that fraud is minimised.

Online document verification is a fast and easy process that allows landlords and letting agencies to ascertain authenticity in as little as 30 seconds. As well as working with Government-issued documents, it can also be used to identify genuine letterheads and over 4000 documents globally.

Right to Rent Check

Letting agencies and landlords ask for a copy of a passport allows them to check whether the person is eligible to work in the United Kingdom. If there is no passport but you have a biometric residence card, then this can be used instead.

Those waiting for an immigration decision without documentation can also request the Home Office to carry out a Right to Rent Check. Responses are typically received in two working days but can take longer in some instances.

Will All Checks Be Carried Out by Letting Agents and Landlords?

How many checks are carried out will depend on the letting agent or landlord, but those wanting to rent a property should ensure that all information is up to date. If you still need some information, you should speak to the landlord or letting agency to discuss the issue to see if any alternative documentation can be accepted.

Those wishing to rent can also take advantage of document verification to speed up rental applications. After the documents have been verified online, users will be given a certificate which shows landlords and letting agencies the paperwork is genuine.

Why Liveness Checks Are Essential

Posted on by admin-vo

There have always been active checks to ensure that documentation is authentic, but the complex methods used in creating false documents can mean they’re difficult to tell apart from the real thing.

What Are Liveness Checks?

Liveness checks ensure that a person attempting to register or purchase a product or service is genuine and the process does not have fraudulent intent. Liveness checks are often part of online identity and background checks and can be essential in several ways.

How a liveness check is carried out can depend on the business and the product or service it offers, but it will aim to verify the identity of a person as well as any documentation.

Focus on Genuine Customers

Although there are several benefits to conducting business online, many risks must be considered. Despite online fraud becoming more complex, so too have the defences in place, and liveness checks are the perfect example of this.

Validating an individual’s identity was possible in the past, but it was often time-consuming, meaning that attention would usually be taken away from genuine customers.

Liveness checks use complex algorithms and human interaction to ensure online identities are not compromised while meeting the expectations of genuine customers.

Speed Up Credit Applications

How a customer pays for a purchase can depend on several factors, and there will be instances when credit is an option. Similarly, several fintech companies provide credit as part of their business model, so an efficient, secure signup method is essential.

Liveness checks have become a standard part of credit applications and can allow businesses and financial institutions to clarify a person’s identity without having to forward several forms of identification.

Of course, there will still be times when documents must be verified but using a professional verification service ensures that any additional background checks do not have to extend the credit application process.

Develop Stronger Relationships with Customers

One of the most frustrating aspects among online customers is the lack of security. However, having a stringent process like liveness checks in place ensures customers are given confidence that the business takes the protection of their security seriously.

Although security checks have hindered customers’ online experience, liveness checks are fast, secure, and one of the best ways to determine who a person is who they say they are.

Customers Can Carry Out Liveness Checks Easily

Those who have applied for a bank account online may have been asked to forward a selfie. Although this can be concerning for some, it is part of a liveness check and only takes a few seconds to complete

Furthermore, anything needed to complete the process will often be contained within the device they own, regardless of whether it uses the iOS or Android operating system.

Whether they are visiting the website or a dedicated app, customers can carry liveness checks out quickly by taking a selfie and then uploading copies of documentation like a driving licence or passport.

Once all the checks have been completed, customers can activate their service within minutes instead of weeks, allowing for more conversions among customers.