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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 There can be instances when information is incorrect or outdated.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.

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.

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.

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.