My Account | Join Us

News Old

What Is a Good Credit Score?

Credit can be essential for many people, but why do some people find it easier to obtain credit than others? The answer lies typically within their credit score. However, many believe there is only a good or bad credit score, but this isn’t the case.

Although high credit scores are viewed favourably, this does not mean that those with a lower credit score have no options available to them.

The following is an overview of how credit scores are generated and how credit facilities can vary depending on the score.

Credit Scores Vary Between Agencies

Many assume that all credit scores are the same, but they can vary between credit reference agencies. The following is an overview of the ranges used by credit reference agencies when determining a score.

Experian

  • Fair: Between 721 and 880
  • Good: Between 881 and 960
  • Excellent: Between 961 and 999

Equifax

  • Fair: Between 380 and 419
  • Good: Between 420 and 465
  • Excellent: Between 466 and 700

TransUnion

  • Fair: Between 566 and 603
  • Good: Between 602 and 627
  • Excellent: Between 628 and 710

What Credit Facilities Are Available Based On My Credit Score?

Credit facilities are often available for all scores, but the difference can be in the amount loaned and the interest paid. For example, those with a fair credit score could still acquire a credit card, but it would have a lower credit limit and higher interest than if it was for an excellent credit score.

If your credit score falls below the ranges above, then obtaining credit could be difficult, so you must make efforts to improve your credit score and make corrections if needed.

What If I Find Incorrect Information on My Credit File?

Although it is rare for a credit score to be incorrect, there can be instances where incorrect information has been documented. If you do notice entries on your credit file you don’t recognise, then you should contact the credit reference agency as soon as possible.

In instances of fraud, a police report needs to be made, and contacting the lender ensures fraud doesn’t damage your credit score moving forward.

Fortunately, advanced efforts are in place to help minimise fraudulent applications, including liveness checks. As well as using online document verification to ensure paperwork is genuine, a liveness check will require the individual to take a photograph so additional checks can be carried out.

However, remaining vigilant when giving out information is the best way to avoid fraud and a depleted credit score. There are also services available that can send alerts when credit applications are made, allowing you to deal with any nefarious applications as soon as possible.

To see what your credit score currently is, you should obtain a credit report from all three agencies, as this will give you full context of what could be affecting your credit. It also allows you to browse all the entries and appeal to those that are unfamiliar.

The Importance of Checking the Children’s Barred List

Background checks can be an essential part of any hiring process, but they are crucial when hiring a person to work with children. List 99 was started by the Home Office Consultancy Service in 1955. A similar list was also created in 1999, known as the Protection of Children Act.

In 2009, List 99 and other lists like it were replaced by the Children’s Barred List, which was created as part of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and managed by the Independent Safeguarding Authority, which would merge with the Criminal Record Bureau in 2012 and be known as the Disclosure and Barring Service.

What is The Children’s Barred List?

The Children’s Barred List is a check carried out by the DBS that allows employers to make safer hiring decisions regarding children and vulnerable adults. The list contains details of those not permitted to work with vulnerable people, ensuring that a business is safeguarding its clients at all times.

What Crimes Lead to Inclusion on The Children’s Barred List?

There is no one criminal offence that leads to inclusion on The Children’s Barred List, but it often means that a serious crime has been committed, often of a sexual or violent nature. Although some DBS checks will omit some minor offences, offences involving safeguarding and sexual offences will always be shown.

Are Barred Lists Included with a DBS Check?

Although there are several types of DBS checks, only an Enhanced DBS Check will include Barred Lists and other cautions and convictions. If someone is registered on a Barred List, it will be documentation on the DBS certificate.

Employers can only request an Enhanced DBS Check if the role requires the person to work with or near children and can only be carried out by employers.

In addition to aiding those wanting to check the Children’s Barred List, online verification can be used to authenticate over 4000 documents from the United Kingdom and abroad.

How Long Does an Enhanced DBS Check Take?

When carrying out an enhanced DBS check, it normally takes around 14 days, but there can be instances when it takes longer. For example, there can be a delay if several police forces are involved or if incorrect details have been given at the outset.

Further Measures That Can Be Taken to Ensure Vulnerable People Remain Safe

Some companies may carry out their own background checks, whereas others may ask potential candidates to perform an Enhanced DBS Check. When receiving documentation regarding background checks, it must be checked for authenticity.

Fortunately, those checking the Children’s Barred List can verify valid documents using a professional verification service. Simply upload the document, and a series of checks will be carried out to ensure it is genuine.

Although employers need to request an Enhanced DBS Check, those applying for positions will need to supply documentation like a passport, driving licence in addition to documentation proving their address,

All these documents and more can be verified online within one minute using complex algorithms that can highlight any irregularities straight away.

Who Can See My Credit Report?

Given its name, it is understandable why people assume that checks are only made when applying for credit, but this isn’t the case. Credit checks have become integral for confirming identities, addresses and employment status, but who can see your credit report?

The following is an overview of companies and organisations that can view your credit file and the circumstances a credit check will be carried out.

Banks

Banks access credit reports as a part of their identification vetting and will also use them when applying for credit facilities like an overdraft. A poor credit score does not mean a bank account will be denied, but it could mean credit facilities are limited.

Creditors and Lenders

In addition to banks, people may also apply for loans from other providers. As with banks, a credit search will carry you to your details and ascertain how you have previously managed credit. Those with low credit scores can still obtain a loan in some instances, but the interest rate will likely be higher.

Mortgage Providers

Although mortgage applications can be made via the bank, some third-party providers may provide better rates or offers. However, applicants will still need a reasonable credit score to ensure they can make the repayments.

Employers

Employers often run two types of credit searches. A soft credit search allows them to verify personal details and will not be recorded on a credit file. In contrast, a hard credit search assesses financial responsibility and will be recorded.

Employers carrying out a hard credit search must notify job applicants beforehand.

Utility Companies

Gas, water and electricity companies will carry out a credit check to verify your identity and ascertain you are not in arrears with other suppliers. If there is still a debt owed regarding utilities, then a prepay meter may be used instead.

Mobile Providers

Those wanting a phone contract will be subjected to a credit check, as mobile operators will provide the handset and service via credit. Although a lower credit score doesn’t mean refusal, fewer physical devices and tariff options could be available.

Government

Although Government checks are fewer than financial institutions, they occur. A credit check is carried out in specific cases, such as calculating child maintenance or assessing an application for a license.

When a credit check is used for identification purposes, this will not be recorded, so permission is not required. However, hard credit checks can adversely affect a credit file misused, and companies and lenders must always seek authorisation.

Companies must also ensure that documentation is authentic, which is commonly done using online document verification, ensuring only those permitted can view a credit score.

Checking Your Own Credit Report

The best way to ensure the details on your credit file are correct is by checking them yourself. There are three agencies to check, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You should obtain copies from all three agencies to see all details about you.

Should there be any discrepancies with your credit score, then you should contact the credit reference agency as soon as possible and the lender if possible. If there have been instances of fraud, then you must report this to the police.

Show the Validity of Your Documents Easily with Online Verification

Although there are some instances when proving documents are genuine is straightforward, there can be times when further checks are needed to ensure your documents are authentic.

Valuing documents can be frustrating for some, but it is essential to remember the reason for these checks and the benefits they can offer businesses and customers. Furthermore, proving your documents are genuine does not have to be an expensive or laborious process, thanks to online document verification.

Why Has Online Document Verification Become So Popular?

Although the Internet has streamlined many laborious processes, it has introduced its own issues. Fraudulent documents have always been in production, but only recently do fake records look identical to their counterparts.

In addition to fake documents, there can also be instances when people try to obtain credit or apply for job roles using someone else details.

Although this sounds nefarious and makes people fearful of the online world, advancements are continuously being made to ensure that those using the Internet remain safe, and online document verification has gained a lot of momentum in this regard.

Businesses can use the service to verify documents and those wanting to show that their documents are genuine. The following is an overview of how online documentation verification can benefit users.

Online Verification Can Improve Your Credit Score

Most people can be confident that their credit score reflects their financial status, but this isn’t always the case. There can be instances when information is incorrect or outdated. Although credit reference agencies will strive to correct this information, having genuine documents to hand ensure the process is more manageable.

Of course, everyone will have their own circumstances when dealing with incorrect credit scores, so online document verification won’t always be the answer. However, those wanting to show their documents are valid will often find corrections and errors that are easier to amend, allowing you to obtain your actual credit score.

Be Prepared for Any Job Role

The way a business interviews candidates for a role has changed in recent years, and the process will be carried out online in most instances. Using online verification to show your genuine documents ensures that you are prepared for any job role and could even make the hiring process easier for employers.

Using documentation verification online also allows those with work visas their right to work in the United Kingdom. Online document verification ensures that you are ready for any job regardless of your circumstances or the position you’re applying for.

Speed Up Rental Applications

Looking for somewhere new to live can be time-consuming, especially when several documents need to be authenticated beforehand. Those wanting to speed up the rental application process can use a reputable provider of document verification and obtain a certificate that details the legitimacy of their records.

How Often Should a DBS Check Be Done?

Carrying out a DBS Check is integral when hiring people and ensuring they are the right fit for a job. However, some considerations must be made to ensure DBS Checks remain valid.

The following is an overview of DBS checks and how often businesses and organisations should renew them.

How Long is a DBS Check Valid For?

There is no expiry date associated with DBS Checks, meaning they are only accurate when they are carried out. Whether a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check is carried out, there will be an issue date on the certificate. A renewal is advisable if it has been some time since the company carried out the last DBS check.

How Often Should a DBS Check Be Renewed?

Many recommend that a DBS check is carried out every three years, but employers can carry them out as often as needed. Those who are regulated may need to carry out DBS Checks at more frequent intervals, so the frequency can depend on the role and the company policy regarding background checks.

How to Renew a DBS Check?

Although the term renewal is used, each DBS check is a new search, regardless of whether it is a basic, Standard or Enhanced Check. Each certificate received from the Disclosure and Barring Service will have an issue date, allowing the employer to instil its own schedule regarding checks.

How Long Does a DBS Check Take?

In general, all forms of DBS Checks are completed within five days, but there can be instances when the process takes longer. This could be the case if a previous address needs to be listed or the person needs to give correct information.

As such, companies should verify all information to ensure there are no delays when processing DBS Checks. For example, companies and organisations can use online document verification when asking for identification, like birth certificates and driving licenses.

Verifying documents for a DBS Check is as simple as uploading the document and waiting 30 seconds for the advanced biometrics to confirm the documentation is genuine. Users can also obtain a certificate to establish a check was carried out, which is perfect for regulated businesses and organisations.

In addition to streamlining the DBS Check application, it can also give businesses peace of mind that all documentation has been validated, safeguarding customers, clients and other employees.

Using a professional platform for online document verification ensures that there are no limitations regarding checks, as companies and groups can use it to identify over 4000 documents from the UK and worldwide.

The guidelines for DBS checks can vary between different job roles and industries. However, they will be carried out for all job roles in most instances. However, only specific positions will require an Enhanced DBS Check.

Although checks should be made every three years, those who are concerned can implement their own schedule to give customers and employees confidence they are in a safe environment, and the business is protected against fraud, theft and other serious crimes.

Ensure References are Genuine and Streamline Your Hiring Process

Although the hiring process has evolved recently, some manual aspects of interviewing, such as gathering references, remain popular. Online checks and interviews can tell a lot about a person but obtaining references can help employers find the right fit for a role.

Despite the good intent of many job applicants, there will be those applying for a position using nefarious methods, including the falsification of documentation, including references.

Fortunately, some steps can be taken to ensure references are genuine, allowing for a streamlined hiring process in every instance.

Carry Out the Reference Check Yourself

Although there are ways of obtaining references that don’t require a lot of work, it could mean that you are not receiving the full context when instructing someone else to obtain the documentation.

Checking the references yourself ensures that all the details given are correct, and you can speak to someone who has worked with the candidate directly, allowing for a realistic overview of their skills.

Check More Than One Reference

Although only using one reference may seem more efficient, it can mean a company needs to be given a complete overview of candidates that could bring several benefits to the business.

As such, it is advisable to reach out to two or three past employers when asking for references. This allows you to build a better profile of potential candidates and confirm whether they are the right fit for the business.

Keep It All Confidential

When carrying out reference checks, there will be times when discussion needs to be had with others in the business. However, everything discussed should be limited to those involved in the hiring process.

Discussing with other employees or outside the business could mean Data Protection is breached, which could lead to a series of legal ramifications. Keeping information restricted to those involved in the hiring process ensures that those applying for job positions have peace of mind their personal information is safeguarded.

Although there is no obligation to do so, it can be worthwhile notifying the candidate when seeking references, as it allows them to ensure all contact details given are correct.

Use Online Document Verification

Although carrying out the reference check yourself can help ensure the authenticity, there will be times when references are posted or sent via email. Although this can speed up the hiring process, some businesses can be concerned about the authenticity of references.

At best, it could mean a company hires someone unsuitable to fulfil a job role. At worst, it could mean customers and other employees are at risk. Fortunately, there is an easy way of checking documents are authentic.

Verifying background checks is as easy as uploading a document and allowing an advanced algorithm to carry out a series of checks that human eyes alone may miss. Whether a signature looks incorrect, or a logo doesn’t seem genuine, online document verification can establish the authenticity of references within 30 seconds in most instances.

Make the Most of Rental Income with Online Document Verification

Investing in property can be lucrative for some, but landlords must carry out several checks to ensure the right tenants are moving into the property. Whether you rent out a residential property or commercial premises, landlords can use several online tools to speed up the process, including online document verification.

What Is Online Document Verification?

Online verification is a broad term that can be used for several roles online. Still, online document verification is a straightforward service that uses a complex algorithm to authenticate documents online.

Many people will know how close fraudulent documents can look to the real thing, so the use of online document verification is a must for landlords searching for peace of mind when leasing out their property.

What Are the Benefits of Online Document Verification

One of the most apparent benefits of online document verification is the ease of access. However, there are several other benefits to using online verification for documents, including but not limited to the following.

Fast Verification

Although ease of access is essential when carrying out online document verification, so is the time it takes to verify paperwork. Using the right provider ensures that validation can be ascertained in as little as 30 seconds.

Official Documentation to Support Authenticity

In addition to fast online document verification, landlords can also download a PDF report proving each document’s authenticity. When used in conjunction with a credit check, landlords can be confident that all the relevant checks have been carried out regarding an application.

Peace of Mind

Peace of mind can be in short supply when renting out a property, but it can be achieved using online document verification. Whether you have one document to authorise or several, you can have complete peace of mind that all documentation presented is genuine.

Secure an Income As Soon As Possible

Although renting can be lucrative, checking documents via conventional methods can be time-consuming, meaning that securing an income can take longer than it should. Fortunately, this is never the case when using online verification for documents.

The fact that landlords can ensure a document is legitimate in as little as 30 seconds ensures they can generate revenue as soon as possible.

Is Online Document Verification Expensive?

One of the biggest concerns regarding online document verification is how much it will cost. Landlords already have a series of costs when maintaining a building, so understandably will want to keep costs low whenever possible.

Fortunately, online verification is not expensive and could even save landlords money in the long term. Fraudulent applications can cost landlords hundreds if not thousands in lost rental income, so online document verification is a worthwhile investment for those searching for peace of mind.

Furthermore, those who use a seasoned professional for verifying documents will find that authenticity can often be ascertained in as little as 30 seconds, along with documentation that certifies all paperwork is legitimate.

Should there be instances of attempted fraud, landlords can stop the application process, and relevant authorities can be notified, thus eliminating them from any risk regarding rental income.

Carrying Out a Right to Work Check: Factors to Consider

When interviewing candidates for a job role, several checks must be undertaken as part of the onboarding process, including a Right to Work Check.

In addition to ensuring that those applying for roles are eligible to work in the United Kingdom, Right to Work checks will also reveal what type of job roles are permitted and how long a person is permitted to work in the United Kingdom.

Of course, dealing with the right-to-work aspects when interviewing a candidate can be sensitive, so it needs to be carried out correctly.

The following is an overview of some of the steps that must be followed regarding a Right to Work Checking, including document authentication.

What Is a Right to Work Check?

To ensure a right-to-work check is carried out correctly, it is essential to know what they are. The Right to Work Check is a measure the prevent illegal working in the United Kingdom. British citizens will need to show their passport or full birth certificate. Documents requirements for potential employees from other countries can vary.

Given how many documents there can be to check, ascertaining authenticity can be difficult. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be impossible.

What Documents Are Needed for a Right to Work Check?

The documents needed for a Right to Work Check will depend on the circumstances, but the following are commonly used.

  • National Identity Card
  • Birth or Adoption Certificate
  • Immigration Status Document
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Biometric Immigration Status

Whereas some documents may only require one or two documents, some may require several. In addition to collecting documentation, the employer must also make efforts to ensure

What Happens if a Right to Work Check is Not Carried Out?

If a Right to Work Check is not carried out, then the company could face sanctions and a fine of up to £20,000. This information can make many businesses fearful of Right to Work Checks, but they must be carried out regardless.

Although the consequences of not carrying out a Right to Work Check can be detrimental, having some procedures in place ensures that information is available, showing that every effort has been made to ensure employees are allowed to work in the United Kingdom.

For example, those employing people from overseas with work visas should record these details to ensure records can be updated when the visa expires.

Another essential part of a Right to Work Check is ensuring that the documentation forwarded is authentic.

Why Document Verification Is Essential

Although there is no expectation that companies can identify falsified documents at first glance, efforts still need to be made to ensure checks are made. Manually inspecting documents can be time-consuming, making some false documents difficult to spot.

Online document verification for Right to Work Checks is perfect as it can identify false documents within 30 seconds using an advanced algorithm. Furthermore, checks can be carried out on over 4000 British and international documents.

Even though caution is needed when checking documents, online verification can be an essential tool is streamlining applications and keeping records up to date.

Carrying Out a Credit Check Correctly

Regardless of your business, there can be many reasons for carrying out a credit check. For example, those in the financial sector may use credit scoring to ensure an applicant is the right fit for a role.

In other instances, a credit check can be required to ensure the details are correct and official. In either event, credit checks must be carried out correctly.

Although carrying out a credit check is straightforward, some factors need to be considered to ensure that you receive all the information you need and some additional checks to ensure documentation is valid.

Be Aware of All Credit Reference Agencies

One of the most accessible and easy to carry out a credit check is via credit reference agencies. The three main agencies in the UK are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, each with its own reporting infrastructure.

Although all three do a brilliant job of reporting the financial status of an individual, there can be times when the information is different. There can be many reasons for this, including some companies only reporting to one agency.

It is also worth noting that there can be instances when information on a credit check is outdated or incorrect. As such, using one credit reference agency could mean you’re not getting the complete picture regarding job applicants.

Hard Credit Checks and Soft Credit Checks: What’s the Difference?

In addition to being aware of the different credit reference agencies, it is also vital that the correct type of credit check is carried out. A soft credit search will often be enough if you only want to clarify information for a background check.

However, those wanting to ensure there is no financial mismanagement will run a hard credit check, which is often the case for toles in the financial sector. A hard credit check will be recorded on the person’s file, so you must obtain their permission beforehand.

This is because, sometimes, a hard credit check can affect the individual’s credit score, which isn’t ideal if permission hasn’t been sought. Unknown queries will often be contested and be seen as a fraudulent entries.

Validate All Documents You Receive

Even when credit checks are carried out, more documentation can still be required to validate a person’s identity. Fortunately, checking valid documents can now be completed with online verification.

In the past, checking the legitimacy of documents would be time-consuming and, in some instances, expensive. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Online document verification can be done in as little as 30 seconds using a complex algorithm that can verify over 4000 documents from the UK and abroad.

More people carry out their affairs online in the 21st century, and credit checks are no exception. However, taking some time to check all credit reference agencies and verify any paperwork received regarding applications ensures you can find the right fit for a job role and carry out background checks seamlessly.

Can You Check If Someone Has Committed a Sexual Offence?

There can be many reasons why someone wants to verify the background of an individual, especially regarding sexual offences. However, the checks made regarding sexual offences will vary depending on the situation. The following is an overview of the options available and the conditions in which they apply.

Carrying Out a Personal Check

Although there are registers in other parts of the world, the United Kingdom does not have a list of offenders available to the public. However, there are situations when checks can be made to see if someone has committed a sexual offence.

For a check to be carried out, the person must have direct contact with the child. This may be over the telephone, online or in a household. To request a check, a person can call 101 or visit a police station. The person making the request will be asked for identification and the reason for the review.

Some websites claim to hold details of those who have completed sexual offences, but these are not Government regulated. As such, there is no way of knowing whether the list is genuine or up to date.

People wanting to check if someone has been the conviction of a crime sexual in nature should always use official means, as this is the only way of ensuring the information is correct.

Who Can Carry Out a Personal Check?

A personal check can be carried out by parents, carers and those looking after children. Employers and organisations will need a different check for professional positions, like teachers, to check for sexual offences and other convictions.

Checks Employers Need to Carry Regarding Sexual Offences

Employers can carry out several checks depending on the job role. When a person is working with children or vulnerable adults, they will need to complete an Enhanced DBS Check.

Carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service, an Enhanced DBS check will list all convictions and advise whether the person is on the Adult Barred List or Children Barred List.

Only employers can carry out an Enhanced DBS check and trying to acquire one using other means is illegal.

Employers Must Verify Documents

Although there are advanced methods of creating fraudulent documents, technology is not surpassing the fraudsters, and online document verification is becoming an essential tool when confirming the identity and background of prospective employers.

Documents can be verified online, so employers are confident that the person applying for a position is legitimate.

How Long Does Someone Remain on the Barred List?

In some instances, crimes where no prison time has been served will be filtered from DBS Checks over time, but this is not the case for sexual-related crimes. A Barred List Check will not be carried out using a standard DBS check, which is why an Enhanced DBS Check is needed.

The only time the DBS will amend a barred list is following an appeal where the entry is incorrect. However, those convicted of crimes of a sexual nature will always appear on Barred Lists.