What is an Alias Name on a Background Check?
An alias name on a background check refers to any name other than a person's legal name that they have used at some point in their life. This includes nicknames, maiden names (for women), and names used for professional or personal reasons. Essentially, it's any name a person has been known by that isn't their official, legally registered name. Understanding alias names is crucial because their presence or absence can significantly impact the accuracy and completeness of a background check.
Why Do People Use Alias Names?
Several reasons explain why individuals might use alias names:
- Marriage: Women often adopt their husband's surname upon marriage, creating a temporary or permanent alias.
- Divorce: After divorce, a woman might revert to her maiden name or choose a different name entirely.
- Professional reasons: Actors, musicians, and other public figures often use stage names as aliases to differentiate their professional and personal identities.
- Personal reasons: Some individuals may use aliases to protect their privacy or to distance themselves from past experiences.
- Criminal activity: Individuals involved in illegal activities might use aliases to avoid detection and prosecution.
How Do Alias Names Affect Background Checks?
The presence of aliases significantly complicates background checks. If the alias isn't included in the search parameters, the background check might miss crucial information about the individual's past. This can lead to incomplete or inaccurate results, potentially presenting a risk to employers or other parties conducting the check. A comprehensive background check should explicitly search for aliases to ensure a thorough and reliable report.
What Information is Typically Included in a Background Check Regarding Aliases?
A thorough background check should ideally not only identify the existence of aliases but also include information about:
- The alias itself: The full name(s) used as aliases.
- Dates of use: When the alias was used. This helps contextualize the usage.
- Reason for use: Although not always readily available, understanding the reason for the alias (marriage, professional identity, etc.) can provide crucial context.
How Are Alias Names Found During a Background Check?
Background check companies use various methods to identify aliases, including:
- Public records: Court records, driver's licenses, and other public documents often list aliases.
- Data aggregation: Companies compile data from various sources to identify patterns and potential aliases.
- Information provided by the individual: Providing a comprehensive list of aliases can significantly expedite and improve the accuracy of the background check.
What Happens if an Alias is Not Included in a Background Check?
The omission of aliases can lead to incomplete and potentially misleading results. This can have significant implications:
- For employers: Hiring decisions could be based on incomplete information, potentially leading to legal issues or security risks.
- For landlords: A tenant's history of bad debts or evictions could be missed.
- For other background check users: Important information relevant to the situation might be excluded.
Can I Voluntarily Provide My Alias Names?
Yes, providing a complete list of all aliases you have used is highly recommended. This proactively assists background check providers in conducting a comprehensive and accurate search. Failure to do so may result in an incomplete report.
This information highlights the importance of understanding how aliases impact background checks. Remember, complete and accurate information is essential for obtaining reliable results.
