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Whether you’re a business wanting to hire new employees or a financial institution offering credit, document verification can be essential for background checks. Despite the stringent checks in place when vetting individuals, there can still be instances when some attempt to use false documentation.

Although instances can be rare, a business or organisation must be prepared for all eventualities. Fortunately, document verification can be carried out quickly without needing paperwork to be posted.

What Is Document Verification?

Document verification is a process that ensures paperwork is genuine. As well as being used to carry out background checks, document verification is also used to ensure no unknown criminality occurs, including money laundering.

Although most of those forwarding documents for verification are genuine, having a verification service ensures complete peace of mind in every instance.

Online document verification serves the same purpose but takes advantage of artificial intelligence, allowing businesses and organisations access to fast and affordable document verification.

How Long Does Online Document Verification Take to Complete?

One of many concerns regarding online document verification is that the process can take several weeks. Although this may be the case when using some providers, a trusted third-party agency ensures that validation can be done as soon as possible.

In most instances, online document verification can be completed on the same day. Due to the advancements in artificial intelligence, an online platform can determine inconsistencies and irregularities within seconds.

Furthermore, human interaction is also used to give clients complete peace of mind that every possible check has been made when carrying out verification checks.

Are There Any Limitations Regarding Document Verification?

Some may be deterred from using document verification, believing businesses and organisations can verify only a few documents, but this isn’t the case. Using the right agency ensures that there are plenty of options available when verifying your documents online.

Professional agencies can help businesses and professionals can help verify EEA and non-EEA documents, as well as over 4,000 global identity documents, ensuring people can carry out fast and efficient checks in every instance.

All that is needed for online document verification to take place is a scan or photograph of the document, and the agency will carry out the rest.

Why Is Online Verification Better Than Human Document Analysis Alone?

Although there are professionals who can verify a document, it can take some time, especially with the sophisticated methods used when creating false documentation. Those who have several background checks to carry out will be searching for a fast and reliable solution that is also cost-effective.

Outsourcing document verification to a professional third party ensures that a business can focus on demanding aspects of the business and be confident that no false documentation is being used.

Using a third-party agency also ensures the business can use its time in other areas of the company, often making online document verification a cost-effective solution for businesses.

Given how realistic fraudulent documents can be in the modern age, it is understandable that people are searching for fast and easy ways to verify paperwork that is also affordable. Document verification has been carried out for many years, but it is only recently that businesses can obtain results via the Internet.

However, it isn’t only the process that has been updated but also how verification is reported. Many companies take advantage of cloud storage, and external agencies carrying out verification checks are no exception.

Rather than post results back to businesses and organisations, secure cloud storage ensures that people can view instant results with a few simple clicks. However, some may not have considered several other benefits associated with cloud storage.

If you are still considering online document verification for your business and want to know what benefits it can yield, then take note of the following.

Proactive Record Keeping

Companies are responsible for ensuring that all paperwork given by employees is genuine. Failure to do so could mean ramifications for the business and customers. Fortunately, cloud storage allows those using an agency for verification checks to find documents easily and provide instant proof that paperwork is genuine.

Using an external document verification company ensures that each time a check is made, the paperwork is automatically uploaded to secure cloud storage only the business can access.

Safe and Secure

Many have read the horror story of leaked information online, but this doesn’t mean that the Internet is full of risk. Dealing with the right provider of online verification checks also ensures that cloud storage is safe and secure, ensuring company details are never compromised.

A company carrying out manual verification that keeps hard copies of documentation on-site runs the risk of sensitive information being accessed or stolen. Furthermore, archiving the paperwork can involve more costs for the business.

Cloud storage for document verification ensures a business can safely store its paperwork without worrying about excess archiving fees.

Faster Results Regarding Verification

Having to wait several days for feedback for document verification can be frustrating, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Using a professional agency ensures that companies can use cloud storage to view instant results, ensuring there is no hindrance regarding business operations.

Even when additional checks are needed, the process will be much faster than manual document verification alone.

View Verified Documents from Any Device

As verified documents are held in the cloud, businesses can view them on any device. This ensures business owners and professionals do not have to wait by their computer for results, as they can also use their tablet or smartphone to view documentation.

Those contending with several tasks at any time can view verification checks on several devices using different operating systems. So, accessing completed document verification checks is never an issue whether you’re using Windows on a desktop or iOS or an iPhone.

A business has several responsibilities to ensure clients and customers are protected, as well as other employees. As well as ensuring it is screening other companies it deals with, a company must also ensure the relevant background checks are carried out regarding new employees.

Regardless of whether you’re hiring new employees or want to create a new investment opportunity for customers, then you should ensure that document verification is part of the process in either case.

Document Verification Helps Businesses with Anti-Money Laundering Checks

Anti-money laundering checks, often abbreviated to AML Checks, are necessary for businesses dealing with investments or other financial activity. Criminals can subject a company to money laundering without ever being away, risking its own capital and that of genuine investors.

A business must show that all efforts have been made regarding omitting money laundering, including unusual financial activity and document verification. Fortunately, a proactive company can contend with both and ensure the necessary safeguards are in place.

Ensure a Person Has the Right to Work in the United Kingdom

In addition to AML Checks, a business must also ensure that a person can work in the United Kingdom. Those moving from another country to work in the United Kingdom will often have a visa,

Although many visas look official, using a professional agency to process document verification checks ensures that there is never any fraudulent paperwork being dealt with when checking if a person can work in the UK.

Ensure DBS Checks are Genuine

In most instances, a company will carry out a DBS Check on behalf of a person. However, those who only require a Basic DBS Check can request this themselves and then give the completed disclosure to the company.

Understandably, some businesses can be concerned that some may try to use fake DBS Checks, which is why document and identity verification has become popular when hiring people for roles.

How Often is a Credit Search Required

There is no set schedule for when a business should carry out credit checks. Hard credit searches are kept on a person’s file for 12 months, so companies must be mindful of this when using a credit check for employment.

Those running a credit check for loans and credit cards will often do so when an application is made. Future checks cannot be made without the person’s permission and should only be done when an application is made.

Although the complete onus of background checking isn’t the responsibility of businesses and organisations, they do have a responsibility to ensure that in-depth assessments are carried out to ensure there is no risk to employees and companies. Should a business fail to carry out background checks, there can be a series of ramifications.

Those wanting to avoid the risks of fake documentation should employ the services of a document verification service, even if only handing a few documents. It only takes one fraudulent document to cause problems, which is why so many professionals rely on document verification to avoid legal claims and other consequences.

When applying for a job, businesses and organisations will often carry out several checks depending on the type of role being used for. Pre-employment checks allow firms to screen candidates’ backgrounds and ensure they are a good fit for a position.

Pre-employment checks can come in various guises, so the screening process won’t always be the same. However, the following answers some commonly asked questions regarding pre-employment checks.

1. Employers Cannot View Your Credit Score

Although pre-employment checks include credit screening, employers cannot view a credit score. However, they can view other information, including insolvencies, bankruptcies and CCJs.

Credit checks conducted for pre-employment checks are referred to as ‘soft searches’ and contain less information than conventional credit searches but will still allow companies and organisations to ascertain a sense of your financial background.

2. Pre-Employment Checks Can Vary Depending on The Role

Although it is understandable why many assume all pre-employment checks are the same, the information can vary depending on the position being applied for. Those applying to work with children may also need an Enhanced DBS Check, whereas those using a vehicle will need to require a driving licence check.

3. Permission is Needed for Pre-Employment Checks

Some people fear a business or organisation can carry out a credit check anytime, but this isn’t the case. Before any credit check or DBS Check is requested, companies must seek permission. However, if permission is refused, the business or organisation does have the right to withdraw any employment offers.

Companies and organisations will make applicants aware of the checks required regarding the job application and will carry these out on their behalf.

4. Only a Business is Permitted to Run Some Pre-Employment Checks

Although an individual can carry out some checks, in most instances, only a business or organisation can carry out some pre-employment checks. Individuals can carry out their own credit checks and Basic DBS Check.

However, pre-employment checks that require an Enhanced DBS Check or Barred List can only be carried out by businesses using a corporate account.

Those who are self-employed but require an Enhanced DBS Check or Barred List Check will need to ask an agency or client to carry out a background check on their behalf if one is required.

In instances where only a Basic DBS Disclosure is needed, a self-employed person can request this themselves if they wish.

5. Document Verification Plays a Large Part in Pre-Employment Checks

As there is a lot of online risk for companies, online pre-employment checks will often involve some form of document verification. Online document verification ensures that those applying for a position are genuine and uses biometric checks to ensure authentic documentation.

It would be easy to assume that this takes a long time to complete, but the automated nature of the checks means that document verification can often be carried out in minutes instead of days.

Know Your Customer Checks, often called KYC Checks, are identity checks that ensure the person a business is dealing with is genuine. Companies must take a series of measures to protect themselves, their customers and their employees, and KYC Checks are an essential part of the process.

Businesses can find traits of fraud or money laundering by continuously reviewing accounts but given the ramifications of false identification and fraudulent activity, many are searching for proactive ways of avoiding both, which is what KYC Checks offer.

What Is the Purpose of a KYC Check?

In addition to verifying a person’s identity, KYC checks ensure that companies can be aware of any risks that may arise when maintaining a relationship with other businesses. KYC Checks are standard among financial institutions and companies searching for investments, as they help businesses adhere to anti-money laundering policies.

Those in the crypto sector also use liveness checks, as exchanges must conform to Anti-Money Laundering regulations. The sophisticated means of verifying a person’s identity ensures that those trading in cryptocurrency can easily meet the global KYC and AML requirements.

What Does a KYC Check Include?

A KYC check is a broad term for a series of checks carried out before a business relationship commences. Although each company often has its one iteration of a KYC Check, they often include the following.

• Photograph Identification
• Name
• Address
• Document Verification
• DBS Checks
• Credit Checks

It can also be commonplace for some form of biometrics to be in place that employs the use of liveness checks so companies can be confident that documentation matches the details of the person making the application.

How Long Does a KYC Check Take?

The time it takes to complete a KYC Check can depend on the avenues used. Sometimes, completing a KYC Check can take as long as three weeks. However, using a professional third-party agency means that KYC Checks can be completed in as little as 24 hours.

To ensure that KYC Checks are completed quickly, the correct information needs to be submitted. It can be easy to overlook some details when forming a relationship with customers, but any mistake means the process often takes longer than it should.

Why Use a Professional KYC Check Company?

Some companies can be convinced that carrying out their own screening is more affordable. However, the time it takes to carry out the task could mean it costs more in the long run. Outsourcing the job to a professional KYC Check company ensures that all KYC Checks are completed quickly while allowing the business to focus on other aspects of the company.

KYC Checks also benefits genuine customers wishing to do business with the company, as there is little waiting time regarding the outcome, meaning products and services can be made available to consumers sooner rather than later.

If your business wants to safeguard itself while also protecting other customers, then it must consider using KYC checks as part of its onboarding process.

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.

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.