Beyond the Standard Background Check
Most employers run basic background checks through online services. While these provide a starting point, they often miss critical information that could protect your business from liability, theft, or worse.
What Standard Checks Miss
Online background check services typically only search:
- National criminal databases (which are often incomplete)
- Basic identity verification
- Limited employment history
What a Professional Investigation Reveals
A comprehensive background investigation by Viking Investigations includes:
Criminal History Deep Dive
- County-level court record searches (where most records actually live)
- Federal court records
- Sex offender registry checks across all states
- Warrant searches
Financial Background
- Civil litigation history
- Bankruptcy filings
- Liens and judgments
- Business ownership and associations
Professional Verification
- Detailed employment history verification with supervisor interviews
- Education and credential verification
- Professional license confirmation
- Reference interviews beyond provided contacts
Digital Footprint
- Social media analysis
- Online reputation assessment
- Public records correlation
Industries That Need Enhanced Screening
While every business benefits from thorough vetting, certain industries face heightened risk:
- Healthcare — Patient safety and regulatory compliance
- Financial Services — Fiduciary responsibility and fraud prevention
- Education — Child safety requirements
- Property Management — Tenant and employee screening
- Legal Services — Conflict of interest prevention
The Cost of Not Investigating
The average cost of a bad hire is estimated at 30% of that employee's annual salary. When you factor in potential theft, liability, and reputation damage, the investment in a professional background check is minimal by comparison.
Get Started
Viking Investigations offers scalable background check packages for businesses of all sizes. Contact us for a consultation tailored to your industry and needs.