nanny background checksAs any parent knows, the job of a nanny is extremely important. No matter how much effort you make in interviewing a potential nanny and checking on references there is still a large unknown factor involved. Although there are no guarantees that a bad apple will slip through the cracks, by using the services of a professional private investigator, you will be paying for the most thorough peace of mind possible. The following is an overview of why you might want to get a background check on your nanny and what you can uncover if you do.

Identity Verification

In a time when identify theft has become common, you need to make sure that the nanny you are hiring is who she says she is. We can verify both an individual’s name and their social security number. In a more extensive background check, we can find any aliases that have been used in the past as well as the use of one or more false social security numbers. Your prospective nanny may be telling the truth about her identity now, but she may have lied about it in the past.

Checking for Red Flags

One of the most important red flags to look for is not telling the truth on a resume or in an interview. Even something as simple as lying about their age can be a serious warning. Our basic background checks look into the age of the applicant, as well as common fibs such as employment and education information. Our Level 2 background search expands this to include address and marriage information. A Level 2 search increases the likelihood of finding a red flag if one exists.

Driving Record Verification

If a prospective nanny has had problems with her driving in the past, you need to know about this before she gets behind the wheel of a car with your child. Our basic background search includes a check of the applicant’s Department of Motor Vehicles driving record. Any record of driving infractions including issues like driving under the influence will be found, so you can have peace of mind.

Checking Criminal Records

Our basic background check includes a search in the local court for any misdemeanors listed for your applicant and felonies throughout the county. It also includes civil cases in the superior court; this type of case you may find relevant to hiring a nanny. A Level 2 background check expands the criminal search to include a countywide search for misdemeanors and a statewide felony search. Local municipal civil cases and statewide superior court cases involving issues of bankruptcies, foreclosures, tax liens and divorces will also be discovered. If your potential nanny is not being honest about any legal issues they have had in the past, this is something you’ll want to know before your home and children are in their care.

If You Have Already Hired a Nanny

It may be the case that you already have a nanny, but there may be a few things that have happened that make you wonder exactly who you have hired to take care of your child. If you are having any second thoughts about your nanny, we can help you uncover many of the red flags listed above. It may be the case that there is nothing in your nanny’s background to be alarmed about, but at least you will be better informed and have peace of mind in your choice of a nanny and the safety of your child.

Our services are completely confidential, and we are available to answer any questions you may have about our background investigation services for nannies and potential nannies being interviewed for the job. Remember, you want to have the most accurate information on the person who will be looking after your children.

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Bruce Robertson

Bruce Robertson is a private investigator and founder of Tristar Investigation, California’s premiere detective agency. Bruce is also a media commentator for the investigation industry, featured in the New York Times, CNN, History Channel, MSNBC, Los Angeles Times and many more. You can find him on Google+ LinkedIn and YouTube.