There are some reasons why fingerprint background checks can help prevent identity theft. These include preventing fraud, identifying employee misconduct and workplace violence, and protecting your name.
Fingerprint background checks use a candidate’s fingerprints to search the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) and other state criminal databases. They are more thorough than name-based background checks, but they can offer peace of mind.
They Help Prevent Fraud
While most employers still require applicants to submit their fingerprints for background screening, some things need to be clarified about this type of check. These falsehoods can hurt both the employer and the candidate, causing them to avoid taking necessary steps to prevent fraud, identity theft, and employee misconduct.
Unlike name checks, which only search a limited number of predetermined commercially available records, fingerprint background checks run a comprehensive criminal profile against both the FBI and state databases to produce identification error rates as low as one percent. This ensures that a thorough screening is done to minimize hiring risks and reduce turnover.
However, it’s important to note that fingerprint databases were originally created for law enforcement and criminal investigations, not for employment screening. This can make them less reliable than name-based criminal screenings, revealing more information about a job applicant and providing a complete picture of their history.
A person with a criminal record for financial crimes could be considered unsuitable for a position in the accounting department because of their past behavior. That’s why it’s important to verify that all information is correct.
Also, it’s important to note that most fingerprint-based criminal background checks include a failsafe mechanism for cases without evidence in the database. This way, a hiring manager or human resources personnel can confidently hire the individual without fear of committing unlawful discrimination.
Regardless of their limitations, fingerprint-based criminal background checks are important to a successful employment screening process. However, they are not the gold standard and should only be used as part of an overall strategy that includes other types of a background screening, such as name-based criminal checks from PBSA-accredited companies.
They Help Prevent Identity Theft
Fingerprint background checks help prevent identity theft in many ways. For one, they can confirm a job applicant’s true identity and that they are not a fraud. They can also help employers identify potential risks, leading to a safer work environment.
Identity thieves can use your information to open new credit cards, loans, bank accounts, and utility accounts, resulting in financial suffering. They can also steal your social security numbers, medical insurance numbers, or passport information.
In addition, a fingerprint background check can provide evidence of your criminal history that can help protect you in the future. It can also allow employers to determine whether or not you’re a risk for workplace violence and other dangerous behaviors.
As a result, a thorough fingerprint background check can prevent identity theft and protect your company’s reputation. A Professional Background Screening Association study found that most employers use background checks as part of the hiring process.
They Help Prevent Employee Misconduct
In many industries, fingerprinting is a standard procedure and policy. For example, police officers and government agents are required to be fingerprinted before they can begin work. This standard procedure helps ensure job role safety and helps law enforcement solve actual crimes.
Another reason fingerprint background checks can prevent employee misconduct is identity theft. This serious issue has been gaining attention in the media recently, and it’s easy to see why. There are a lot of people out there who have had their identities stolen or their financial records compromised, and it can happen to anyone.
Choosing the right background screening company can help you do this. You must choose a PBSA-accredited company to ensure you receive accurate, compliant, and timely data. Understanding what kinds of criminal records will appear on your report is also crucial.
They Help Prevent Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is a growing concern in the United States, with statistics showing that 2 million assaults and threats of violence against American workers occur annually. It is not only a significant public health problem but can also be economical and legal.
The most important thing employers can do to prevent workplace violence is to create a safe and secure environment for their employees. That means providing them with excellent working space, implementing effective safety programs, and having clear policies that prohibit workplace violence.
Employees should be aware of what constitutes workplace violence and how to protect themselves, their co-workers, and their customers. This can include a variety of actions, such as reporting any signs of violence to management and contacting the police promptly.
Employers should also ensure that all employees are educated on their current policies and procure warning signs of possible workplace violence. If an employee begins displaying any of these behaviors, referring them to counseling services as soon as possible is important.
This can help them understand the consequences of their behavior and how to avoid it in the future. It can also help them take measures to improve their overall well-being and performance.
Another way fingerprint background checks can help prevent workplace violence is by revealing any criminal convictions that an applicant may have. These convictions can be a major red flag for employers, as they can reveal potential problems in the candidate’s life.
The best way to keep your business safe is to hire people with a history of violence-free interaction with others. That is why it’s so important to conduct a thorough background check when hiring new employees or checking the qualifications of existing employees.
