There are certain key identifiers that distinguish between Tom Jones and Tom Jones the criminal. While having the full name of an applicant is important, their Social Security number (SSN) and date of birth (DOB) increase the accuracy of background screening results and can help protect your business from potential risks. Whether your employees work at a brick-and-mortar location or remotely, you need the tools to not only make an informed decision but also to ensure the people you employ are trustworthy and reliable. VerifyProtect can help.
Here are four more reasons why you should verify the social security numbers and DOB of new hires.
Identity Theft
70% of workers lie on their resumes to secure a job, according to Forbes, but the false claims don’t always stop there. Con artists know that a wrong Social Security number and/or date of birth will help them hide their past, and identity theft has become a real problem in recent years. In fact, the Social Security Administration calls identity theft “one of the fastest growing crimes in America.”
Aliases
Utilizing aliases can be another way for applicants to hide their true identity and troubled history. Our social security screening services will provide you with a thorough validation report of the name, DOB, and SSN provided (along with any other names, aliases, or addresses that may be associated with the applicant). To read a cautionary tale on Jane Smith (née Rogers), click here.
Undocumented Immigrants
As noted by CNBC, “Undocumented immigrants, who don’t have a Social Security number, may choose to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or an ITIN, or may even use a fake Social Security number to pay payroll taxes.” Per The Center for Immigration Studies, “Federal authorities estimate that more than one million people in the United States, many of them illegal aliens, are using Social Security numbers belonging to someone else.
Mistaken Identity
Information on social media and search engines is often misleading and inaccurate. Far too often, employers turn to these channels to vet applicants—with disastrous results. Currently, there are over five-billion social media users worldwide. HR Future reports, “It is not uncommon to come across people living in the same area, who have the same name. This could pose significant problems unless care is taken to verify information obtained from social media and the web about prospective employees.”
Hiring a new employee without conducting proper background checks can leave your business vulnerable. You are risking lost productivity, damage to your company’s reputation, and potential legal consequences. Background screening can help mitigate these risks. Since 1988, VerifyProtect has been a leading provider of employment screening services that help companies, both small and large, hire great talent. Contact us today to get started, and learn more about the wide variety of employment screening services we offer!
VerifyProtect delivers first-class Employee Background Screening services nationwide. We save you time with fast, personal service and unquestionable results, utilizing advanced technology, and reviewed by a trained professional, not an AI bot. Our experts will ensure that your background check program integrates seamlessly and affordably into your hiring process. Visit WWW.VERIFYPROTECT.COM today to learn more!
