Some people may use the terms background check and background investigation interchangeably, but the truth is, there are significant differences between them. While the information available in a background check will often be replicated in a background investigation but in more detail, one or the other may be a better option for you depending on your purposes.
Background Checks
Background checks are typically done with the intention of verifying a person’s integrity. Common instances where a background check can be required include scanning an applicant for a job, especially when it comes to jobs where employees are responsible for the wellbeing of others such as nursing and teaching. When you go to a PI to get a background check run, the name of the subject is put through a database only available to law enforcement and PIs.
Below is a list of data that can be acquired from background checks:
- Date of birth
- Address and address history
- Criminal records and judgments (if any)
- Licenses
- Properties owned
- Financial and bankruptcy history
- Employment history
- … and more
The problem with background checks is that databases can provide inconsistent information. To this end, an experienced PI will always run a background check through multiple databases before comparing and deciphering the information obtained.
Background Investigations
Background investigations are much more in-depth than background checks and are often conducted to look into a person’s past to determine who they really are. Besides the information that can be glimpsed from a background check, publicly available records can also be utilized to gather insights into a person’s life and character.
In addition, interviews are often conducted as part of a background investigation and can provide valuable insights into an individual’s life. For instance, they may have gone by a different name or lived a completely different life before. This information can be used to sieve out any inconsistencies, misrepresentations, omissions and more.
Background Check or Investigation?
To summarize things, a background check is used to scratch the surface of a person’s character through objective data and information. However, such information alone often does not tell the full story. To truly validate the character of a person, a background investigation is your best bet at leaving no stone unturned.
Hire Your Private Investigator at Probity Investigations
Do you suspect that your spouse is having an affair? Or are you in the midst of a divorce and suspect that your spouse is hiding certain financial information? If so, you may have considered hiring a private investigator to investigate your case. Our professional PIs at Probity Investigations understand the distress that can come with such cases and will handle your information with the highest level of discretion and confidentiality.
At Probity Investigations, we have a team of specialists who are experts at obtaining evidence for spousal affairs and alimony cases. We have helped many obtain closure and will be able to help you too. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
FAQs
Background investigations are much more in-depth than background checks and are often conducted to look into a person's past to determine who they really are.
What is the minimum background investigation? ›
This investigation includes a National Agency Check Plus Written Inquiries (NACI), a credit record search, a face-to-face personal interview between the investigator and the subject, and telephone inquiries to selected employers.
How do I prepare for a background investigation? ›
Be forthcoming about your past experiences, including any past legal issues or employment terminations. Review Civil/Criminal Record: Check your own civil/criminal record to ensure accuracy. If you have any past legal issues, be prepared to discuss them honestly and provide any necessary documentation.
What is a full field background investigation? ›
High Risk positions require a full Background Investigation (BI), which is a MBI plus a review of the candidate's employment, residential, and educational history for the preceding five years with the possibility that some of the information sources will be interviewed in person.
What is usually checked in a background check? ›
Background checks vary widely and can show an employer a wealth of information about a candidate. Common types of checks include criminal records, civil court records, driving records, drug screening, employment verification, education verification, healthcare sanctions, and international background checks.
What matters most in a background check? ›
Criminal History Matters Most
Unlike other background check components, criminal history is often considered a more direct indicator of a candidate's character and judgment.
How far do most criminal background checks go? ›
Background checks generally cover varying timeframes, such as seven to 10 years for criminal and federal checks, three to seven years for employment verifications, the highest degree earned for education verifications, three to 7 years for MVR checks, and seven years or longer for credit checks based on the position.
What is the highest level background check? ›
Level 4 background checks provide advanced screening measures to meet employers' hiring needs, bringing higher security and trust.
What takes the longest on a background check? ›
The criminal records search typically takes the longest in a background check, especially involving multiple jurisdictions or international records. Another area that can lag behind is verifying past employment and references, which can be time-consuming depending on the responsiveness of the contracted parties.
What questions are asked in a background investigation? ›
An employer may ask you for all sorts of background information, especially during the hiring process. For example, some employers may ask about your employment history, your education, your criminal record, your financial history, your medical history, or your use of online social media.
The background investigation includes but is not limited to the following reviews: criminal record, credit history, military record, current and previous employment history and references.
What does it mean to pass a background investigation? ›
Passing a background check simply means the hiring manager was satisfied with its results. Employers who use these checks consider various factors before making any hiring decision based on your background check data.
What is the difference between a background check and an investigation? ›
With knowledge, training methods, and expertise a private investigator can provide a more accurate, comprehensive and complete picture of a person. In conclusion, a background check is often a method that only scratches the surface of the information truly needed to validate the character of a person.
What is a Top Secret background investigation? ›
For a Top Secret security clearance, the background investigation includes additional record checks which can verify citizenship for the applicant and family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history.
What disqualifies you from a government clearance? ›
Full disclosure is paramount when applying for security clearances. Be honest about your background, including any potential disqualifiers such as criminal history, drug use, financial issues, or foreign associations. Attempting to conceal information or providing false details can lead to automatic disqualification.
What kind of questions do background investigators ask? ›
Background investigators may ask about the relationships of a prospective candidate, or their performance in previous positions. You may also seek information about other qualities, such as integrity, honesty, attention to detail, or punctuality.
Does background investigation include credit check? ›
Although the vast majority of background checks don't include a credit check, it's possible you may run into an exception — for example, if you're applying for a job in the financial industry or any job where you might handle a lot of money.
Is a federal background check the same as an FBI background check? ›
A federal criminal background check is not the same as a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check. A federal background check is a search of federal criminal history in the federal district courts.
What is the difference between security check and background check? ›
Background check is verifying the information in your application. Security check is done by CSIS to make sure you're not a threat to national security. When they ask for ADR such as CV, Schedule A or your previous work experience... is that usually the officer wants to perform a security screening?
