Do Background Checks Include Aliases?

Background checks use applicant names as the primary means of matching records with an individual. However, some candidates have gone by a different name in the past. Without including aliases in a background check, you could be missing essential information on a candidate.

Omitted aliases yield incomplete background checks, and incomplete background searches could affect risk and compliance needs for your company. Discover how to uncover aliases and how they affect background checks.

What Is an Alias?

The term “alias” is often associated with espionage and concealing one’s true identity. However, most aliases are not all that mysterious, and many potential candidates use them. An alias is an alternative name associated with a candidate, such as a maiden name or nickname.

People change their names for several reasons. Erasing a criminal record by changing one’s name is not as simple as it sounds. Many states don’t allow felons to change their name without good cause, and other states don’t allow it at all.

Nonetheless, a name change does not expunge criminal records, and records associated with the name would still exist. Employers search for alias information to be thorough and accurate.

Common reasons for name changes include marriage, divorce, personal expression, gender identity changes, and stage name adoption. Some people use their middle name or nickname on applications, and some records may contain clerical errors such as typos. An alias check ensures all of this information is uncovered.

Before conducting an alias check or criminal history screening, deal with candidates respectfully and obtain consent before executing any search. Show consistency in your policies. Use the same checks for all applicants rather than choosing who to use more extensive screening on. Doing so could raise concerns regarding discrimination.

Does a Background Check Show Name Changes?

An applicant’s name is essential to looking into their history and finding their associated records. Combined with their date of birth, employers and background screening companies can find more success and reliably find the desired information. However, some people change their names throughout their lives.

While many name changes are made without ill intent, they could complicate the screening process. Basic criminal background checks do not check for name changes and don’t include any information under aliases. These screenings look for exact matches with the given name, so even closely related aliases won’t appear.

Background checks search for criminal history, verify education and employment, credit history, and more information. This information is found using a given name. If an applicant has used different names in the past, information under those names will not appear. Without aliases, an incomplete picture of an applicant is provided.

Employers can use an alias search to find other names an applicant used. Using the applicant’s Social Security number, background screening companies can conduct a thorough address and name search to find potential aliases. These searches also consult the Social Security Administration records to flag any signs of identity theft.

After compiling a list of aliases, a criminal background search can be conducted to find records associated with each name. This new search will produce a more complete image of potential candidates.

While aliases can be discovered using an alias search, you may ask a candidate for any name changes during the application. Extend your inquiry past married names and ask if other names or nicknames were used in an official capacity. Provided names can streamline the background check process.

How Do Aliases Affect Background Check Results?

Aliases can prevent information from appearing on background check results. Because these searches are name-based, only the information under the given name will be shown.

When an individual is convicted of a crime, the name under which they’re processed appears in public records. Court records do not include aliases used by the individual, nor do they update records when the individual changes their name. No Social Security numbers are on criminal records, so having the correct name is imperative.

Names are the primary way of matching records to individuals. Using birthdays and other information in tandem with names ensures you aren’t taking risks and making ill-informed decisions. Many people share names and nicknames, so confirming an individual’s records is crucial.

Incorporating aliases in background checks creates a more thorough examination of an applicant’s history. However, background screening companies do not search for aliases by default. Instead, they use the provided name, and if that name is relatively new, very few records will appear.

What Are the Benefits of Including Aliases in Background Checks?

Including aliases in background checks returns a much more thorough review of a candidate. The more information on a candidate, the more informed decisions can be made when hiring. Extensive background checks reduce risk and enhance your employees and customers’ trust and safety.

Using aliases can yield results from different searches such as federal, state, and county criminal records, civil court records, or sex offender registries. This increased coverage ensures you gain all the information possible when considering applicants.

Alias inclusion is essential in highly specialized industries, such as healthcare or finance. When employers must verify qualifications, having a complete background check reduces the risk of regulatory sanctions, fines, penalties, or legal liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Name Change Come Up on a Background Check?

No, name changes do not appear on background checks. Background checks only search information for the given name. However, an alias search can be conducted to discover any potential aliases an applicant used. These aliases can be used to conduct a more thorough investigation of an applicant.

Why Is Another Name Showing Up on My Background Check?

Another alias appearing on your background check is likely a mistake. It’s common for records services to mistype Social Security numbers and wrongly associate records with your info. File a dispute if you find any discrepancies. In special cases, this error could be a sign of identity theft and should not be taken lightly.

Final Thoughts

Aliases can complicate the background screening process. Creating a comprehensive view of an applicant’s history is difficult without all their possible names. Finding the aliases of an applicant can be arduous, but a background check company can streamline the process.

ScoutLogic provides solutions to your background check needs. With extensive searches and quick turnaround times, we can ensure you receive the necessary information to make informed decisions. Contact ScoutLogic today to learn more about our background check services.

David Garcia

David Garcia, co-founder and CEO of Scout Logic, is an industry leader in the bulk background check world. With his strategic acumen and expertise in the HR sphere, specifically in hiring, recruiting, legal compliance, background checks, and resume screening, he’s an invaluable asset and consultant.

David's counsel extends across the boards of ScoutLogic, YipitData, and Supplier.io, drawing from his impactful stints on the boards of Infutor and Avetta. With an extensive 25-year journey, he champions unparalleled B2B commercial leadership within data & analytics, significantly shaping the HR landscape.