A background check confirms that a person or business is who they say they are, and that the history they have given you matches the facts. A comprehensive check goes further than a single record search, bringing several lawful sources together into one clear report. This guide explains what a comprehensive background check can include, when individuals and employers use one, what the law allows, and what to expect.
What a comprehensive background check can include
The scope depends on the purpose, but a comprehensive check typically covers:
- Identity: confirming the person’s name, any previous names or aliases, and date of birth.
- Address history: where they have lived, and whether it matches what they have told you.
- Court and legal records: searches of publicly available court lists and judgments, including civil disputes.
- Bankruptcy and insolvency: searches of the national personal insolvency index.
- Company and business interests: directorships, shareholdings, business names and any failed companies.
- Property: property ownership where it is relevant to the purpose.
- Employment and qualifications: confirming past roles and qualifications directly with employers and institutions, with the person’s consent where required.
- Online presence: a review of open-source information such as public social media and news reports.
A national police check (criminal history) is a separate process. It needs the person’s consent and is obtained through an accredited body or the police. An investigator can help you arrange one as part of a wider check.
When people use a background check
Individuals
- before a serious relationship with someone you met online or have known only a short time
- before lending money, going into business with someone or signing a major agreement
- checking a new partner of an ex who will be around your children
- before employing a carer, nanny or tradesperson in your home
Employers
- Confirming identity and right to work.
- Verifying qualifications and employment history. Documents can be forged, so verification should always come from the source, not from copies supplied by the applicant.
- Protecting people and property. Particularly for roles with access to money, confidential information, vulnerable people or other staff.
- Meeting industry requirements. Some roles legally require specific checks.
Businesses
Before a deal, partnership, major contract or investment, due diligence on the people and companies involved can reveal past insolvencies, disputes or undisclosed interests. See corporate investigations.
What the law allows
Background checks must be done lawfully. Personal information has to be collected and handled in line with privacy law, and investigators can’t obtain information by deception, such as pretending to be someone to get their bank or phone records. Employers also need to follow anti-discrimination and spent convictions laws when they use the results, and should get the applicant’s consent for employment and police checks. This is general information, not legal advice; for employment decisions, check your obligations with an HR or legal adviser.
What to expect
- A confidential conversation about who needs checking and why, so the scope fits the purpose.
- A written quote agreed before work begins.
- The searches and enquiries, carried out discreetly.
- A clear report setting out what was found, where it came from, and anything that doesn’t match what you were told.
Often a check simply confirms that everything is as it seems, and that is valuable too. For more on choosing an investigator, see how to hire a private investigator.
Talk to Truth Investigations
Truth Investigations has been carrying out background checks for individuals and businesses since 2013. We hold investigator licences in New South Wales (Master Security Licence 410944186), Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, and work across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Canberra. See background checks.
The first conversation is free and confidential. Call 1800 878 847 or use our confidential enquiry form.
