Background Checks

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What is it?

Background Checks

The Smith Investigation Agency Inc.’s investigative research department conducts thorough, comprehensive criminal records checks for clients across Canada. We operate in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia! We work with corporate clients, legal individuals, employers, not-for-profit organizations, landlords, and private individuals. Criminal record checks enable individuals and organizations to make an informed decision about hiring staff, working with a contractor, renting to a tenant, or knowing who you’re dating etc. If you require a background check, your first call should be to our private investigators. Performing a thorough and accurate criminal record check requires experience that can only come from an established and reputable investigative agency. There are online background check companies that complete background checks but the results are the difference. You need more than a yes or no to a criminal history you, need the facts and the things uncovered to make a proper decision.

A criminal record check is a comprehensive report that reveals the facts about a subject, including but not limited to criminal records, provincial and superior court checks, litigation and legal matters, education verification, marital information, and employment history. For jobs that require a high level of security, or whether you want reassurance about someone you welcome into your home, a background check provides the necessary peace of mind. In today’s day and age you cannot rely on someone’s word alone, you need the facts.

Get your thorough background check done promptly

To engage in a background check in Toronto, we recommend that you speak with one of our expert private investigators to determine your case’s best course of action. Not every background check is the same, and not every client’s requirements are the same. After we determine what you will need in your background search, we will have you complete our general assignment form with all the subject information.

If you have:

A full name
Date of birth

That’s helpful! However, our experts can still work on your case if you have less information.

Need a private investigator?

Workplace Background Checks

Many companies both large and small choose to perform criminal record checks on potential hires in order to protect their business interests, customers, and staff. Trade secrets and confidential data are shared with employees once they have been hired, and it’s important that employers know who they are trusting with their business and brand. Not everyone is honest on job applications, whether simply overstating their credentials and experience or in an attempt to conceal red flags from their past. Pre-employment screening and criminal record checks verify if an applicant is telling the truth about their past, or may reveal a problematic history that could save your organization trouble and a financial loss. Enlisting the services of a licensed PI agency to perform thorough background checks in Toronto, and Calgary, as well as other areas on employees, is the best way to ensure full transparency throughout the hiring process.

Criminal Background Checks

Our Criminal Background Checks are for clients for various reasons. Some individuals may be searching for a criminal record search on themselves to provide to a workplace however that is not the type of background searches that we offer. For those, you can search for online criminal record check companies and use a company that does workplace background checks.

For the type of background checks, our licensed investigators complete they can only be done with the investigative tools that we have access to.

Private Background Checks

Are you looking to hire a nanny or place your child in an in-home daycare? The person who is entrusted to watch your young ones should be thoroughly vetted prior to being left alone with your children. A criminal record check will reveal any red flags in your caregiver’s past, or confirm that the caregiver is a trusted, safe individual to care for your children. A background check can also provide reassurance when hiring an elder care provider for parents. Or give you peace of mind before marrying someone. When you are hiring a contractor, how can you trust that they will see the job through and perform high-quality work? A criminal record check will reveal if the contractor has any issues in their past or confirm that they are a worthy hire for your home improvement project.

Another possible scenario where a comprehensive criminal record check can be beneficial is a romantic relationship where one partner is significantly wealthier than the other. Some more affluent people choose to conduct a criminal record check on their partner before entering into a marriage or serious relationship to ensure their finances and assets are not going to be put in jeopardy, and their partner is in it for the right reasons.

There are many reasons to do a criminal background check that provides the peace of mind about a situation. Our gut instinct is fundamental and one that should not be ignored. If you sense something is off contact our team right away. Our turnaround time for criminal record checks is 5-20 business days.

Our Background Check Services (can include)

Criminal Background Checks
Employment Verification
Reference Verification
Bankruptcy Inquiries
Asset Searches
Civil Litigation Inquiries

Background Checks

Background checks involve dealing with sensitive material and uncovering portions of people’s past they may wish to remain hidden. To obtain this information you need a team with the resources and knowledge to get the results you need. We are that team and operating nationally across Canada assists our cases even better as our resources and reach are more than that of just a single city or province. We are committed to handling your file with professionalism and discretion at all times. Every investigator we employ across Canada is fully licensed and compliant with PIPEDA, the Privacy Law Act, and Evidence Law Act, ensuring every customer a professional and compliant experience every time.

We have earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau which is further accentuated by our 5-star rating on Google from our customers. We also want to give back to our clients and enjoy building stable working relationships. In appreciation of our customers, we offer AIR MILES® Reward Miles on all our services, including background checks in Toronto and other areas. We take pride in our work and value and respect our client’s wishes with every job we do. Call The Smith Investigation Agency to learn more about our services or request a background check in Alberta, Nova Scotia or Ontario. With The Smith Investigation Agency, you get the experience your file deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Background Checks Do You Offer?

Depending on your situation, there are several different types of background checks that we can use. The most common include pre-employment screening, criminal background checks, private background checks (i.e. caregivers, babysitters, gardeners), credit background checks, personal background checks (i.e. romantic partner, family members) and professional background checks (i.e. licensees). A comprehensive background check can help to determine whether the person or corporation is fit for hire and whether or not they will pose a threat to you or your business.

How Is Your Background Check Different Than Those Provided from Other Agencies?

There are various online services that can complete background checks, however, these are often not detailed enough to find sensitive material. You need more than simple yes or no answers. You need the facts and details uncovered to help you make a well-informed decision. The Smith Investigation Agency’s background check is both thorough and extensive. We use the most advanced tools and resources to get you more information than the standard background checks. Our comprehensive reports will provide detailed information on criminal records, court cases, employment history, legal and litigation status, bankruptcy status, education verification, marital status and more.

What Laws Do You Follow?

Each one of our agents are licensed and have passed an approved training course and provincial exam. Our agents follow and are fully compliant with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the Privacy Law Act, as well as the Evidence Law Act.

What Makes You Stand Out Over Your Competitors?

Beyond the thoroughness of our background checks, the Smith Investigation is an award-winning agency that has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and offers one of the most respected private investigator training courses in the industry. Unlike many of our competitors, we have offices across Canada, not just in one city or province. This gives us a national reach when it comes to obtaining information and resources. To ensure we’re the right fit for you, we welcome you to review our 5-star Google ratings and browse the testimonials from our happy customers before making a decision.

How Much Does A Background Check Cost?

The price varies depending on the type of background check that you require. To determine your needs, we first conduct a confidential consultation with you either over the phone or at one of our offices. From there we will provide you with a run-down of what you can expect from us, along with a quote outlining all costs involved. If you’re happy with proceeding, our team will get to work on your file immediately.

Where can I get a background check in Toronto?

The Smith Investigation Agency has a Toronto office located at 120 Eglinton Ave E Suite 800. We recommend you fill out our form on our contact us page, so we can get details of what you’d like us to investigate.