In order to conduct a pre-employment background investigation on a potential applicant, personal identifying information, full name, social security no. and drivers license no. (for DL inquires) are required to complete the investigation. Families and agencies not only require this information to verify the applicant's credentials but also for tax and legal reporting purposes. Once we confirm the provided information, the personally identifying information is then truncated i.e.(339-XX-XXXX)on the investigative report to the customer unless there is a discrepancy with the information. It has been recently reported that identity thieves frequently obtain information by rummaging through garbage looking for credit and other information. The best prevention anyone can employ is to adopt a pro-active approach to the situation. Being pro-active simply means taking precautions to reduce the the incident from occurring in the first place. For families and agencies we recommend storing the documents in a secure, locked file accessible only to management or human resource personnel while blacking out any personal information on the employment documents (application, tax papers, etc.). For applicants, the credit bureaus offer a fraud screening program. This program will immediately notify the customer before any type of credit is granted. The proper handling of confidential information is essential to combatting ID theft. For more information on identity theft please read below:

Definition:

Identity theft occurs when someone appropriates your personal information without your prior knowledge to commit fraud or theft. Identity thieves use a various methods to gain access to your personal information: Stealing your wallet or purse. Stealing your mail, which includes your banking and other personal information. Obtaining your personal information from unique sources. For example an identity thief may steal your garbage hoping to find some valuable information in the discarded documents. While it is very difficult to stop an identity thief completely there are precautions you can employ to minimize your risk of being a victim: Be cautious with revealing your personal information in transactions you didn't initiate. Contact your creditors immediately if your bill doesn’t show up on time. Carry only one credit card. Guard your mail from theft. Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection not in your home's mailbox. Check your mail daily. Guard your SSN and card. Leave it in a secure place. Give out you SSN only for employment, or credit applications.

Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies- Equifax, Experian and Trans Union - every year. Make sure it is accurate and includes only those activities you’ve authorized. If you become a victim, act immediately! Report the crime to the police. Call your banks and credit card issuers. Place a “fraud alert” on your accounts with the three credit bureaus.
Trans Union P.O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022 (800) 888-4213 To Report Fraud: (800) 680-7289
Experian P.O. Box 2104 Allen, TX 75013-2104 (888) 397-3742 To Report Fraud: (888) 397-3742
Equifax P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374 (800) 685-1111 To Report Fraud: (800) 525-6285