Ongoing screening protects employers from fraud - First Advantage
www.shortlist.net.au, November 27, 2007

Recent high-profile cases of gambling-motivated fraud highlight the importance of carefully scrutinising candidates' CVs for signs of dishonesty, says a background checking expert.

Peter Stackpole, South Asia managing director of screening company First Advantage, said as well as screening prospective staff employers in sensitive areas should run ongoing background checks on staff.

“Periodic screening, in addition to pre-employment screening, helps to monitor whether [staff] have developed any criminal affiliations, or are involved in any activity that could put the organisation at risk.”

For prospective employees, simply checking for a criminal record was not sufficient, said Stackpole. Recruiters should also thoroughly investigate employment histories, Stackpole added.

“If someone has had four jobs in twelve months, it is worth investigating why. Missing petty cash or falsifying invoices may have played a role in why the individual left each job, but may not have been reported to police.”