Most adults have experienced a Background check and Credit check. Government agencies or private companies conduct personal information checks. Employers and landlords want to make sure applicants are who they say they are. Lenders want to make sure borrowers are reliable. Though we all have succumbed to these most of us do not know there are different types.

All Background Checks include collecting information based on public records, financial records and commercial records. All background checks basically evaluate risk. All background checks require written consent. For example: When an applicant is on a job interview, though it is standard for employers to perform a criminal background check, the applicant must be told about it and agree to it.

The following explains the types of background checks. Most of these are similar and sometimes just a different way of saying the same thing. All background checks are regulated by the rules and laws set forth by the FCRA. Almost everyone will be faced with the following at some point in their lives.

A Credit Check: Employers, Landlords and Lenders will get a copy of your credit report, and review your credit history and credit score. While employers are not allowed to discriminate based on what they find in a credit report, they do not have to hire you if what they discover makes you look unreliable. A credit check will show your credit score. Lenders and landlords do not have to approve you for a line of credit or occupancy if you score is low. Employers are not supposed to judge you based on your credit score, they are supposed to verify your identity and make sure you are not a criminal. However, take for instance; someone is applying for a bank telling position and their credit report shows multiple credit inquiries, delinquencies, debt and money owed to a bank- well, the employer will not be impressed.

Personal Background Checks: Check out yourself, to see what landlords, creditors and employers will find.

Pre-Employment Background Check: When an employer runs a background check that includes a criminal record check and credit history.

Reference Checks: The act of making contact with an applicant’s past employers, relatives, friends and colleagues to assess what kind of person they are.

Criminal Background Checks: A national record held by the F.B.I showing felonies, misdemeanors, sex crimes, DUI’s, national arrests and court warrants, federal and state tax liens, federal and civil judgments, federal and state bankruptcies.

Education Verification: Accessing school grades, years of attendance, proof of degree, honors and awards.

Identity and Address Verification: the verification of a candidate’s present and previous addresses.

There are many ways to say the same thing. Whatever the reason, whatever the jargon, you must approve the background check. There are ways to prepare for a background check. Innovative Credit Consultants can review your credit report for free to make sure your first impression is a good one! Discover what your credit report says to employers, lenders and creditors and learn how to make your credit count with ICC!