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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.

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.

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.

Many people will be familiar with background checks, but some may not know they can vary. Whether you are applying for a job, a voluntary position or wish to rent a property, several types of background checks can be carried out, including the following.

Employment Check

Many jobs will involve some form of background check, albeit in different forms. Some employment checks may only involve a couple of months’ work history, whereas others may want to check longer durations.

Employment checks also involve professional and personal reference checking to ensure that a candidate is the best fit for a role.

National ID Check

Identity fraud is something that everyone is worried about, but there are background checks that employers can carry out to ensure a person is who they say they are. Companies can use online document verification for background checks as this allows companies to ascertain that birth certificates, driving licenses, and other correspondence is genuine.

Companies may also carry out a soft credit search to ensure the name and address correspond to other details.

Criminal Record Check

As with other background checks, the type of criminal record check can depend on the role being applied for. Some jobs may only require a standard DBS Check, whereas those working with children and vulnerable adults will need to complete an Enhanced DBS Check, which will include information regarding barred lists.

Academic Check

Although grades and qualifications won’t be a focal point for every employer, there will be times when the grades given on an application need to be verified, which employers will do via an academic check.

An academic check gives employers a comprehensive overview of their qualifications and grades and helps filter out falsified applications.

Social Media Check

In most instances, a social media check is unofficial when compared to other background checks, but the fact remains they do occur. Although it can seem unfair to be judged, an employer must make decisions based on the information available.

This is why it has become standard practice to maintain a social media account like a curriculum vitae. Even though social media checks alone will not be the foundation of a job offer, they can be used as a deciding factor when choosing between different candidates.

Global Sanctions Check

Global sanctions help countries and organisations protect national security. As more opportunities exist to work globally, some employers will be required to carry out an international sanction check.

Although not as common as other forms of background checks, they are integral for companies and organisations that must ensure no international laws are broken when hiring someone.

There could be instances where only one type of background check is carried out. Similarly, there will be times when various checks are carried out.

Are you in a dilemma between getting a credit card or taking a personal loan? Let us examine and understand the differences and benefits between both.

Credit Card: When you opt for a credit card it is a type of revolving credit. You are allocated a credit limit up to which you can borrow. You with repay the total amount or some and you can borrow again.

Personal Loan: Taking out a personal loan is more structured. A lump sum of cash is received by the borrower and the amount needs to be repaid in instalments with interest within a given period.

Understanding the workings of a credit card

A credit card allows its user to spend money to a preset limit that could vary from a hundred pounds to several thousand. If the balance is cleared every month no interest is charged. If only the minimum due or a part of the balance is paid interest is applied. The APR differs and can be anywhere between 6% – 50%. Most cards charge an annual fee of 18%. Both the credit limit and the APR are dependent on the credit score of the user. To get a credit card with a zero-interest introductory offer it is essential to have a very good credit score. The benefit of using a zero-interest card is the interest will not have to be paid for a specific duration.

The minimum due must be repaid every month. However, just paying the minimum due without reducing the main balance will lead to a large interest in the long term. Ideally, the minimum due along with a small part of the balance should be cleared every month. For this, an auto-debit facility could be set up at your bank every month.

Understanding the workings of a loan

An individual can take a personal loan to clear outstanding debts or make an expensive purchase. This could be as little as a couple of hundred pounds to £50,000 or more. Those taking out smaller loans will have to pay a higher interest while those taking a large loan are charged much less. Both the loan and the APR on it will be subject to the applicant’s credit score. However, there are no special offers available on loans like those on offer with credit cards.

Repaying a loan is done every month for a fixed period known as “the term”. The shorter the term the lower the interest and vice-versa. The lender decides the amount to be rapid every month and it can be done via direct debit. In case of a missed payment, penalty charges are incurred and they may appear on the credit report. Loans can be repaid before the completion period but one or two-months interest is charged as an early redemption penalty.

Which is better a credit card or a loan?

For smaller sums and purchases a credit card is a better choice. It offers repayment flexibility and credit card protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. There also are reward points and other perks.

A personal loan is a better option for a large sum of money or an expensive purchase. The interest rate is generally lower than a credit card and a large amount of money can be borrowed. Care needs to be taken to make the repayments on time so that no additional charges are incurred.

If money is borrowed on a credit card it can be very expensive and for anyone with multiple credit card balances the repayments can be exorbitant. If the credit card user is just paying the monthly interest it can be challenging to clear the outstanding balances.

A few ways by which a credit card owner can improve their credit history are:

Look out for these when selecting a credit card

The first thing is to consider the APR and look for fees for transferring any balances on other cards. If it is offering zero interest what is the time limit for it. Also, check what would be the applicable APR after the zero-interest period ends. Also, look at the credit limit offered. While zero interest is ideal getting a lower rate is also fine as it can help to repay any large balances on the card before a higher rate is applied.

Look for a lower rate card

There are balance transfer cards available with zero interest for a specific period. If you can move all your other cards balances or at least the most expensive cards balances, it will help to save on expenses. Switching to a card with a zero-interest period will make it easier to clear balances and possibly close the costlier cards accounts.

Shop for the best APRs

Instead of applying for a new credit card, you could try to get the best offers on your existing card. Unfortunately, interest-free deals are only available on new credit cards. However, because of the intense competition between credit card companies, they can be willing to offer special deals to existing customers. Call them to enquire if they can offer a better APR and raise your credit limit so that you can transfer balances.

Repay the balance of the most expensive cards

If you own multiple credit cards and have overdrafts clear the latter first as they are the most expensive. Look at the balances, the APR (annual percentage rate). Clear those with the highest APR at the earliest.

Pay the minimum dues on time

Missing minimum due payments do not only impact credit score they can add up to the full balance on the card. While clearing the balance is ideal every month, if you are unable to clear the balance at least repay the minimum dues on time. Missing monthly payments also increase the risk of losing out on introductory offers. Have a direct debit so that credit card repayments are done on time.

You could consider snowballing

If you have several card balances that need to be cleared a method known as snowballing could be applied. In this, the minimum is paid on all every month and the one card that has the highest balance is cleared every month. Choose the one with the highest APR whether an overdraft or credit card. This will help in reducing the amount spent on interest payments. Clearing the card with the largest balance first will help to pay less interest every month. The same process could be applied with any other card with large balances.