Frequently Asked Questions
Why should Background Investigations be done?
Background Investigations, commonly called Background Checks, should be done any time there is a need to gain an extra level of security to help you protect your business, your assets, your family and of course yourself. They are typically accomplished for a variety of reasons to include: Pre-employment Screening, Tenant Screening, and Pre-Nuptial or to verify information prior to any business decision.
How much can a background check cost?
The cost is very much dependent on the amount of checks you require. They can be as low as £125.00 for just some database confirmations and correspondingly various in-depth and lengthy investigations can raise the price to several hundred pounds, especially when we are completing professional checks and where the requirement denotes us to make a covert visit to the property or properties to gain further knowledge and produce video or photographic proof, or where our enquires take us abroad and into other overseas countries.
How much does a standard in-depth background check cost for an individual in the UK?
An average price for a standard background check in the UK is approximately £300 plus and is normally a very good indicator for most requirements.
What does a typical in-depth background check report on?
Our checks can provide a vast amount of information if required and have been listed elsewhere but we are happy to reproduce some of the sources here:
- Companies owned and connected to
- Business records analysed
- Relationships investigated
- Address records confirmed
- Marriage,death and birth records
- Identity and alias checks
- Press and media records
- Social media information
- Wanted files for UK and Europe
- Fraud and sanction lists
- Terrorist and sanction searching
- Database information gleaned
- Criminal history (country permitting)
- Covert visits with photographic evidence
- Identity issues investigated
- Civil court cases and credit history
- Property ownership at addresses
- Property held under somebody’s name ( country permitting )
- Driving records (country permitting)
- Family and association checks
- Date of birth, age and alias verification
- Assets can also be verified
- Photographic verification on subject
- Internet footprints
- OSINT checks
- Credit checks and credit history searches
- Address checking and door knocking
Who does our background checks?
Our background checks are compiled by our in-house investigators and research staff and are supplemented overseas by our vetted agents and associates.
Who will have access to the checks?
Access to the files and reports are limited to the case handler and the agent designated to the report. No other member of staff shall be privy to the information and in no way shall the information be given to anyone other than our client.
How long will you retain the information?
We retain the information for a period of 60 days as per Data Protection policies and guidelines.
How long can a check take?
We normally require 15 -20 working days to complete a check in our standard time frame. If, however, you require it expedited this can be achieved but the cost is increased and a surcharge of normally 40% is added to the total fee.
Are the checks you undertake legal?
Yes very much so. We will not undertake any illegal requests and we have a very strong ethical attitude. We want the empowerment to be handed to our client and for them to do what they require with the information.
Do you inform the subject in any way that the checks are taking place?
No, not at all and never without it being agreed beforehand. In some enquires, especially business due diligence, we may have to involve the subject but this is a choice for you the client.
Can you search on minors or celebrities or even public figures?
Categorically No. We will not undertake any enquires which fall into these sort of areas.
Do your reports say where someone works?
Yes. Most of our reports will indicate the business affiliations which invariably include their place of work and connected businesses.
Do you undertake enquires on foreign nationals living in the UK?
Yes we can, but it is worth considering that if we have to do background research abroad the cost will be more as the information will be gleaned from our agents overseas and for that they will need to be paid accordingly.
Do your reports include academic details?
No not normally available. We do not look for academic results unless they are publically available or unless this is through our pre-employment enquires.
Do your reports include credit history on individuals?
No not unless they are a debtor to you in the UK or in places such as the USA, but we can offer other solutions on checking credit.
What can I do if the information on my background check is inaccurate?
If your employment background check includes inaccurate information you should inform us in writing and we have 30 days to investigate your dispute. You should receive a written notice of the results not later than five business days after the investigation is completed. To correct the error we may need to go to the source of the inaccuracy. This may be a court, database or an independent issuer, but we will always respond to any rechecked information and make sue the client is aware and ultimately happy.
Can I check be undertaken on myself?
Yes, we can compile a check list on you personally and you can see what is out there on you. We would ask you to fill out a disclaimer and then we will be in a position to find out even more than we normally would be able to do so.
Are there ever mistakes in background checks?
Yes occasionally! The information in a background check is created, compiled, maintained and searched by fallible individuals. Consequently, it is important to give the applicant the opportunity to review negative information. If the applicant identifies information in a report that is incomplete or inaccurate we will re-investigate and furnish the required reports, notifications etc. at no further charge.
Can a check be undertaken on myself?
Yes. We can compile a check list on you personally and you can see what is out there on you. We would ask you to fill out a Disclaimer and then we will be in a position to find out even more than we would normally be able to do so.
Are you able to run Criminal Checks on people?
Not in the UK without the individuals permission. However, we can, if you are asking us to check on you and have signed a Disclosure to that effect (see above). Overseas the law may be different to the UK and this may permit us to run the checks on other individuals.
Can we undertake tenant vetting?
Yes. We regularly work alongside landlords and letting agents to verify and identify the subject to ensure peace of mind when handing over something as precious as the keys to your home.
How effective are the checks you make?
We believe our background checks are the most effective and comprehensive in the market. However, we can only reveal what we can see publically or even privately and this cannot be a guarantee that an individual or company can perform or behave to the previous standards they have displayed in the past. Our reports are only an indication of how they have performed previously.
If I don't have the subjects’ permission would you be still able to do the checks here in the UK?
Yes. We will be able to run the checks but certain information such as credit files and criminality records will not be available due to Data Protection requisites.
What experience do you have with international checks?
We have completed many dozens of overseas checks on individuals and companies and on most occasions have started the enquiry here in the UK and then latterly involved our overseas partners and agents to finalise and run cross checks and covert visits. We have worked in over 100 countries in the last 16 years.
What happens next if I want to go ahead?
Please send us an email with an indication of the matter and the situation. We will delegate a confidential handler to deal with you promptly and they will go over any concerns and reveal any costs before undertaking anything which won't obligate you in any way. We will then ask you to fill out a short form asking for your contact details and your payment methods.
Can I cancel a check with you once it has been submitted?
Yes. If the check has not been processed or started it can be cancelled and refunded to you.
Can I make several checks with you?
Yes of course and if you have good reason too. Please bear in mind that the pre-employment checks are run from our sister site at www.advancedvetting.com
How can I pay?
You can pay either by cheque, debit card or by PayPal where we require you to make full payment.
If you require more details regarding this service or would like to speak to one of our team please contact us here or call us directly on 03450 343945 where someone with experience in the matter can assist you more.
