If you have ever applied for a job outside of a family-run operation, chances are that you have had a background check run on you. Even though most Americans have had some type of experience with background checks, not many know exactly what kind of details background checks reveal about them, which is unsettling considering the rise of identity theft. For many Americans, the first time they realize their identity has been stolen/compromised is when they’re applying for a new job and the interviewer runs an employment background screening.
Approximately 33% of the adult population in the United States has fallen victim to identity theft at some point in time. This rate of theft is more than twice the global average. Too many identity theft victims only realize that they are victims after being turned down for a job position due to their background check results. There’s nothing more alarming and disappointing than looking to further your career only to learn that your identity has been stolen and now you need to clear your name. Even worse, you may be sued over debts in your name, but it only exists because criminals stole your identity.
Criminals looking to commit identity theft have taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic and have sent an influx of scams, some of which include:
- Fraudulent investment sites
- Phishing and vishing through update emails, texts, and voicemails
- Spoofed government and health organization communications
- Scam employment posts
- Phony charity donation offers
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?
The first step is to be aware of the scams listed above. Just knowing that criminals want to steal your information should help give you a healthy dose of skepticism. Make sure your internet network is secure, and be careful of any links you choose to click.
If you haven’t already done so, perhaps you should consider running a full background check on yourself. Because most background checking companies are covered by the same law as the Credit Reporting Agencies, you’re entitled to see what they have on file for you. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau maintains a list of agencies, including employment background checkers here. You can request your data from any or all of those agencies and see what’s on file.
Running a full background check on your own behalf will be extremely beneficial in discovering any potential errors in your records and even determine whether or not you have become a victim of identity theft. This will provide you with the opportunity to fix any mistakes or address the possibility of identity theft before a potential employer or landlord comes across false information in your background check.
Some key things to look out for that may indicate identity theft include:
- New accounts you didn’t open.
- Alternative names, addresses or phone numbers that aren’t yours.
- “Hard” inquiries that you didn’t authorize.
- Public records, such as court cases or criminal convictions, that you didn’t know about.
Dealing with Identity Theft
If you are the victim of identity theft, an identity theft lawyer can help you. An attorney specializing in identity theft will work to help you recover. Identity theft lawyers and credit report lawyers strive to clear their client’s names so they can live a better quality of life without surprises.
If your data was leaked from a company because of negligence and later you find out from an employment background screening that you’ve become the victim of identity theft, damages need to be paid.
Don’t feel helpless if you’re struggling from the fallout of identity theft – take action.