Red Flags in Background Checks You Shouldn’t Ignore

Published April 11, 2025

In today’s hyper-connected world, where a single click can make or break a deal, background checks have become more than a formality — they’re an essential layer of protection. Whether you’re hiring a new employee, vetting a business partner, or preparing for litigation, understanding what lies beneath the surface can be the difference between a smart decision and a costly mistake.

Still, not all red flags are easy to spot — and some are easier to ignore than confront.

At Core Investigations, a Florida-based firm specializing in private investigations and background checks, we’ve found that the most overlooked warning signs often turn out to be the most damaging. Below are some of the most critical red flags that should prompt a second look.

Patterns in Criminal Records — Not Just One-Off Offenses

A single minor offense from years ago may not be disqualifying. But patterns of criminal behavior — particularly recent or violent offenses — paint a very different picture.

Data from the U.S. Department of Justice suggests that 83% of individuals released from prison are rearrested within nine years, and over 44% are arrested within the first year. While not every charge indicates a future risk, the presence of multiple or escalating charges is one of the clearest indicators that further scrutiny is warranted.

“In many cases, it’s not the crime itself — it’s the consistency of poor judgment,” says one of our lead investigators.

Unverifiable Employment History and Resume Discrepancies

Falsifying past experience remains a surprisingly common trend. A 2022 ResumeLab study found that over one-third of job applicants admit to lying on their resumes, often inflating job titles, fabricating experience, or omitting inconvenient employment gaps.

In a state like Florida, where businesses must often act quickly to fill roles in competitive industries, the temptation to overlook inconsistencies can be strong. But doing so can lead to mismatched expectations, poor performance, or worse — negligence lawsuits if something goes wrong.

Degree Inflation and Diploma Mills

Education fraud is a growing issue. A 2021 CareerBuilder survey revealed that 21% of hiring managers have caught applicants lying about their academic credentials. And with the proliferation of online “diploma mills,” verifying a candidate’s education has never been more necessary.

What may look like a legitimate degree on paper could, upon investigation, come from an unaccredited or nonexistent institution. The result? You may end up placing trust — and responsibility — in the wrong hands.

Troubling Financial Histories in Sensitive Roles

When evaluating candidates for positions that involve financial management or fiduciary responsibility, credit checks (when permitted) can offer insight into a person’s judgment and risk profile. Repeated delinquencies, unpaid debts, or bankruptcies don’t just suggest financial instability — they may signal a pattern of irresponsibility.

While the Fair Credit Reporting Act limits how credit information can be used, employers are still allowed to request reports with applicant consent — and often should.

Online Behavior That Raises Eyebrows

Social media has become an unofficial résumé — and a surprisingly honest one. A 2023 Harris Poll found that 67% of employers now screen candidates’ social media profiles, with over half admitting they’ve rejected candidates based on what they found.

Inappropriate content, evidence of illegal activity, or extreme rhetoric are more than just bad optics. They can pose reputational and operational risks, particularly in customer-facing roles.

Inconsistent Personal Information or Identity Flags

Sometimes the biggest red flag is one that seems small: a birth date that doesn’t match, an SSN linked to multiple names, or a gap in address history. These issues may point to identity fraud or attempts to conceal criminal pasts.

While automated background checks may flag inconsistencies, only a trained investigator can connect the dots, cross-reference records, and determine what’s worth pursuing.

The Cost of Overlooking Warning Signs

The consequences of ignoring red flags can be significant. From embezzlement and internal theft to damaged reputations and even legal liability, the risks of skipping due diligence far outweigh the effort it takes to investigate properly.

For attorneys, employers, and individuals alike, a comprehensive background check is more than a checkbox — it’s a safeguard.

The Value of a Human Investigator

Automated background checks can be fast and cheap — but they’re also prone to errors, outdated records, and superficial reviews. At Core Investigations, our licensed investigators conduct deep-dive background checks, combining database research with real-world verification to deliver reports you can trust.

We believe in looking past the surface. Because when the stakes are high, knowing the truth isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Need help identifying red flags?
Core Investigations provides confidential, in-depth background checks across Florida for attorneys, employers, and individuals.