Imagine walking through an HR conference. Vendors hand out colorful koozies, branded USB drives, fidget spinners, and if you’re lucky, a trendy tote bag. These freebies are a fair trade: you give a few minutes of your attention, they give you some swag.
Now picture the online version of that experience. Online vendors offer free or low-cost employment screening tools. But this time, the trade-off isn’t quite as transparent.
It’s worth remembering a classic saying about the internet:
“If it’s free, you might be the product.”
And in the case of employment screening, it’s often your applicant’s personal information that becomes the real commodity.
What’s Really at Stake with Free Screening Services?
Free or ultra cheap background checks may seem appealing, especially for small businesses or startups looking to save money. But here’s the reality:
- Inaccurate or outdated data could lead you to reject qualified candidates, or worse, hire someone who poses a risk.
- Lack of FCRA compliance can expose your company to lawsuits and penalties.
- Unsecure handling of applicant data puts you and your candidates at risk for privacy violations or identity theft.
- Limited customer support leaves you with more questions than answers and no one to help if something goes wrong.
In other words, what seems like a shortcut often leads to bigger problems down the road.
Free Isn’t Always Fair or Legal
Reliable employment screening requires:
- Proper applicant authorization
- Secure, compliant data handling
- Transparent communication of results
- Consistent adherence to EEOC and FCRA guidelines
These aren’t features you’ll typically find in “free” or “instant” background check platforms.
Choose Value Over Gimmicks
At Swailes Background Check, we understand the temptation of free tools. But we also know how important it is to make smart, compliant, and ethical hiring decisions. That’s why we believe your time is better spent holding onto the conference tote and steering clear of screening offers that seem too good to be true.
Because when it comes to hiring, peace of mind is worth the investment.
Need Help with Background Checks or Compliance?
Whether you’re hiring new talent or updating your screening processes, the Swailes Background Check team is here to help. From criminal background checks and FCRA compliance to drug testing, employment and education verifications, MVR reports, credit history reviews, and Social Security number validation, we provide fast enrollment and expert support every step of the way.
Contact us today to streamline your screening process with confidence.