Identifying Identity Theft and Fraud Background checks can protect individuals from being impersonated or help employers detect fraud. In one documented case, an investigator noticed that a job applicant’s provided Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth did not match records, despite the resume appearing valid. Further verification revealed the applicant had stolen the identity of a “good guy” to hide their own extensive criminal record, including forgery and stalking. This discovery prevented the employer from hiring a dangerous individual and protected the victim of the identity theft. 

Exposing Credential Fraud Checks can also reveal discrepancies in professional qualifications that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, A Schools initially hires a  individual superintendent despite records showing he had not completed the doctoral program claimed on his résumé. A third-party background check flagged this discrepancy. Although the board proceeded with the appointment, the check ultimately led to his detention by ICE for working without authorization and subsequent legal action against the search firm, highlighting the role of due diligence in verifying educational claims. 

Preventing Insider Threats High-level due diligence investigations help organizations minimize insider threats by verifying the trustworthiness of employees in sensitive positions.  This level of scrutiny helps ensure that individuals in critical roles do not have undisclosed histories that could compromise organizational security.