Neglecting to conduct comprehensive screenings, including all county and alias (AKA) criminal searches, can lead to hiring individuals with undisclosed criminal histories. In today's competitive job market, ensuring the integrity and safety of your workforce is paramount. However, many HR professionals may overlook the hidden risks associated with incomplete background checks. A 2021 survey revealed that 93% of organizations conduct some form of background screening. This oversight poses significant risks, both in terms of safety and financial impact.
Alias names, often referred to as AKAs, can include nicknames, abbreviations, or names adopted due to marriage, divorce, or personal preference. These variations can obscure a candidate's true background, making it essential to conduct thorough searches that encompass all possible aliases.
The real-world consequences of missing alias searches can be severe, as illustrated by numerous case studies. For instance, consider the case of Hank Stevenson, a candidate who passed a background check without any criminal records found under his primary name. However, after an incident at work, it was discovered that Hank had a violent criminal history under his alias names, Henry Charles Stevenson and Charles H. Stevenson. This oversight led to a significant financial loss and negative publicity for the hiring company.
Similarly, another case involved Linda Morgan, who was hired without her alias names being checked. It was later discovered that Linda had a history of theft and embezzlement under her maiden name, Linda Ann Roberts. This failure to conduct comprehensive background checks allowed her to continue her criminal activities within the company, leading to financial losses and internal investigations.
These examples underscore the importance of including all potential alias names in background checks to prevent similar incidents and protect the organization.
To mitigate the risks associated with incomplete background checks, HR professionals should adopt best practices that ensure thorough and accurate screenings. Here are some key strategies:
Utilize Social Security Traces: Social Security Traces can help identify any alias names associated with a candidate's Social Security Number. This step is crucial in uncovering hidden criminal records tied to different names.
Expand Search Scope: Ensure that background checks cover all counties of previous residency and employment, as well as federal district criminal record searches. This comprehensive approach helps identify any criminal activities that may have occurred in different jurisdictions.
Include Alias Names: Always include all disclosed and developed alias names in the scope of work for background screening. This practice ensures that no potential criminal records are missed.
Regularly Update Screening Packages: Periodically review and update background screening packages to include the latest best practices and regulatory requirements. This proactive approach helps maintain the effectiveness and accuracy of background checks.
Utilizing Social Security traces is a highly effective method for uncovering alias names that individuals might use to hide their criminal backgrounds. By analyzing the information linked to Social Security Numbers, organizations can reveal any names previously associated with a candidate. This thorough process is crucial for ensuring that all potential aliases are included in the background check.
For instance, in the case of Hank Stevenson, a Social Security trace exposed his alias names, which ultimately revealed his violent criminal history. Without conducting a comprehensive search across all names and counties, his true background would have remained concealed, posing a significant risk to the organization.
Integrating all county and AKA criminal searches into your background screening process requires a systematic approach. Here are some steps to follow:
Partner with a Reliable CRA: Choose a reputable consumer reporting agency (CRA) that specializes in comprehensive background checks.
Define the Scope of Work: Clearly outline the scope of work for background screening, including all counties of previous residency and employment, federal district searches, and all alias names identified through Social Security Traces.
Obtain Candidate Consent: Ensure that you obtain proper consent from candidates for conducting comprehensive background checks. This step is necessary for legal compliance and transparency.
Regular Audits: Implement periodic audits of your background screening process to ensure that all best practices are followed consistently. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity and effectiveness of your screenings.
Training and Education: Provide training and education to your HR team on the importance of comprehensive background checks and the potential risks of missing alias searches. Keeping your team informed and vigilant is key to safeguarding your organization.
Maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is essential for protecting your organization from potential liabilities. Comprehensive background checks, including all county and AKA criminal searches, play an important role in this process. By following best practices and leveraging tools like Social Security Traces, HR professionals can ensure that they are conducting thorough and accurate screenings.
Additionally, staying updated on the latest regulations and industry standards is vital for maintaining compliance. Regularly review your background screening policies and procedures to ensure they align with current legal requirements. Partnering with a trusted CRA can also provide valuable support in navigating the complexities of background screening compliance.
In conclusion, the importance of conducting comprehensive background checks, including all county and AKA criminal searches, cannot be overstated. By adopting best practices and leveraging the right tools, HR professionals can mitigate risks, protect their organization, and ensure a safe and trustworthy workforce.
Contact us for a customized consultation and learn how AccuSourceHR can help you safeguard your organization today!