Partner/Investment: Investing with untrustworthy individuals or businesses can have dire consequences. One case study involves an individual who invested in a real estate group with false promises of expertise and returns. The individual running the scheme vanished with the invested funds, leaving the victims in financial ruin. Thorough due diligence, including background checks, could have exposed the individual's fraudulent history and protected the investors.
Personal/Doctor: In this case, an adoption agency turned out to be a scam, operating without a license and with a history of criminal activity. Families who fell victim to this scam suffered emotional and financial turmoil. Background checks, coupled with verifying licenses and references, would have revealed the agency's dubious history, and prevented unsuspecting families from being exploited.
IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE SCREENING MEASURES There are additional steps you can take to ensure you engage with trustworthy individuals and businesses. Run a thorough background check Using a service like InfomatchPlus, you can quickly verify:
✓ Professional license status ✓ Criminal history
✓ Lawsuits ✓ Bankruptcies
✓ Tax license ✓ SSN fraud
✓ Driving record history ✓ Business credit history
Most reports are instant and only require the person’s date of birth and name or business name. Reviews and References
Consumer Protection Agencies Check consumer protection agencies such as the Better Business Bureau for any complaints or reports against the person or business you are considering. Additionally, verify their business license with the Secretary of State and ensure they have the necessary credentials.
Utilize online platforms like Yelp, Google, and Facebook to read reviews and evaluate a person or business's reputation. Pay attention to recent reviews and negative feedback. Ask for references and speak to previous clients to gauge their experience, professionalism, and timeliness.
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