A lot has changed since the start of the new decade, including the workplace and hiring process. In a 2023 article looking at remote work statistics and trends, Forbes reports that, “The paradigm of traditional workspaces has undergone a seismic shift thanks to the Covid pandemic. As a result, remote work has emerged as a dominant trend, requiring human resources departments to pivot faster than ever before.”
Business.com recently discussed the positive aspects of going remote, citing financial benefits, reduced turnover rates, increased efficiency, and the ability to hire the most qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. It’s true that remote work and remote hiring have their perks. But as these options become increasingly popular, employers must take the good with the bad. Unfortunately, big changes sometimes bring up big problems, especially when it comes to remote hiring.
What hazards are associated with remote hiring?
More than anything, remote hiring has led to issues with people falsely using someone else’s personal information, such as their name, birthday, address, social security number, etc., to apply for a job. This is what the IRS labels as employment-related identity theft. According to the National Council on Identity Theft Protection (IdentityTheft.org), this particular type of identity theft is “often difficult to detect because there isn’t an immediate impact on the victim.” That is, until it’s too late.
Why does employment-related identity theft happen?
There are a number of reasons why an applicant would scam a potential employer. A stolen social security number could mean the person is not legally allowed to work in the United States. False/inaccurate identifiers may also be used to skew the results of a background check when an applicant has something to hide that could prevent them from being considered for a position. A correct and accurate name, address, DOB, and SSN must be used for a background check to be valid.
Is there a way to combat employment-related identity theft?
ID Validation through VerifyProtect can catch dishonesty before it becomes a problem and is great for remote hiring or multi-location hiring with a central HR department. Best of all, we are currently offering a special promotion: ID Validation is a FREE add-on through 10/31/2023! ID Validation is the same system banks use as a first step to validate an applicant’s ID, and data is run through nine validity checkpoints (red flags require further investigation):
- OFAC Watch List Results
- Physical Address Validation
- Social Security Number Format
- Social Security Number Has Been Issued
- Social Security Number Issuance Year(s)
- Social Security Number Expired
- SSN Minimum Age Check
- SSN Probable Age Range
- Driver’s License Verification Format
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Click here to learn more about the different employment screening services offered by VerifyProtect or to request a free quote.
VerifyProtect delivers first class Employee Background Screening services nationwide. We save you time with fast, personal service and unquestionable results, utilizing advanced technology, and reviewed by a trained professional, not an AI bot. Our experts will ensure that your background check program integrates seamlessly and affordably into your hiring process. Visit WWW.VERIFYPROTECT.COM today to learn more!
