The first step takes in a due diligence investigation or background check is to verify the information we have received on the subject. The online searches or a Google search just take the information given and if that information is inaccurate or incomplete, so are the search results. That’s not how we work.
For instance, let’s consider aliases. Aliases are not necessarily covert names used to hide identity in this regard. Aliases are names someone may have legally had at some point in their life:
- Maiden name
- Different names from prior marriages
- Names prior to adoption
- Names prior to legal name changes
- Incorrect reporting or typos from various reporting agencies
Another important piece of information is a social security number. If a number is transposed or mis-reported, the information collected will be incorrect. Sometimes it is an error, but sometimes it is intentional by the subject. It would be easy to just uncover wrong numbers in the due diligence process, but that can delay results and is costly.
Background checks can uncover many layers of information and subjects can be tied to other people. Without complete information like all the aliases and the correct social security number, various threads of inquiry may not come up in the due diligence investigation.
In a work or business situation, there is likely an HR due diligence checklist, but in a personal matter, there is unlikely to be a due diligence checklist of any sort. When is hired for any kind of due diligence services, the first step is always verification of information.
Accurate information at the onset means great results in the end.
-Brenda McGinley, CEO, All in Investigations, All in Investigations
