Shivangi

Finding the right talent is a herculean task in today’s fast-paced and competitive market. Hours of talent hunting, numerous interviews, and extensive resources invested in the hiring and onboarding process make it imperative to ensure that the individuals you select are a perfect fit for your organisation/business.

Considering the number of identity, criminal, fake degree, and impersonation frauds surfacing daily, conducting a 360-degree background verification becomes more critical to cover every aspect of an individual’s past track record and current personality or assess the person’s attributes.

In this blog, we’ll delve into employee screening background verification, exploring its various facets and why it’s indispensable for businesses of all sizes and industries.

White Collar Verification

Imagine finding that ideal candidate, only to discover their hidden criminal history. This scenario can spell disaster for your organization’s reputation and operations. This is where white-collar verification ensures that your employees have the highest integrity.

White Collar Employee Onboarding & Verification Challenges

• Conducting extensive background checks, including education, professional, criminal, reference checks, etc.
• Handling sensitive personal and professional data to protect employees’ information.
• Meeting strict regulatory compliance in certain industries, such as finance and healthcare, demands careful adherence to compliance standards.
• Ensuring that your background verification partner provides accurate data to identify thefts and other associated frauds.

A robust screening process for white-collar candidates can help you with a detailed evaluation of the candidate’s criminal history, employment history, educational background, and more. You can onboard genuine candidates in bulk without compromising on quality and security.

Learn about our White Collar Screening Solution

Blue Collar Verification

Blue-collar workers are the backbone of many industries, and their reliability and trustworthiness are just as vital as those of white-collar employees. Blue-collar workers typically perform manual labour and tasks that require physical skills, often in industrial, manufacturing, e-commerce, construction, or on-field roles.

Blue Collar Employee Onboarding & Verification Challenges

• Verifying qualifications, certifications, and licenses for blue-collar roles, especially when it comes to bulk onboarding
• Some blue-collar employees are not tech-savvy, making it a must to have a seamless onboarding and verification solution.
• Validating if they are adequately trained to support their job functions and do not have a history of workplace misconduct to prevent major reputational risks.
• Meeting compliance with industry-specific regulations and standards

Blue-collar verification includes checking criminal records, previous employment, and verifying technical qualifications (wherever required). Deploying a robust platform for blue-collar screening can help identify red flags, such as a history of workplace misconduct, reducing the risk of workplace issues or disputes. Businesses can make safe hiring decisions, ensure faster onboarding at scale, and be at peace of mind knowing that their workforce comprises qualified and trustworthy employees.

Learn about our Blue Collar Screening Solution

Leadership Due Diligence

Leadership positions in any organization hold high trust and responsibility. Imagine the consequences of hiring an incompetent or ill-intended manager that can bring an organisation into disrepute and put the brand’s reputation in dire straits. Not only reputational risks but a wrong hire in the leadership position can also pose a significant operational risk and hinder the efficiency and productivity of the organisation.

Leadership Due Diligence Challenges

• Assessing whether a candidate will fit into the organization’s culture or not.
• Lack of robust assessment tools for evaluating leadership potential. Traditional techniques and reference checks may not promise a 360-degree evaluation of leadership abilities.
• The leadership due diligence process can be time-consuming. Organizations may be tempted to expedite the process, leading to oversight or incomplete evaluations.
• Conducting leadership due diligence in a legal and ethical manner. Mishandling sensitive information or discriminatory practices can lead to legal and reputational issues.
• Conducting global database checks to identify any international records or red flags associated with the candidate.

Leadership due diligence should be seen as a long-term investment. Organizations should consider implementing a more comprehensive evaluation framework for leadership assessments, peer feedback, and 360-degree reviews to overcome the challenges. With this, organisations can be assured that the new hires are well-qualified and have the necessary skills, qualifications, and personality attributes to lead a team effectively and drive key business outcomes.

Learn about our Leadership Due Diligence

Moonlighting

Employee moonlighting and its concerns, i.e. data privacy, confidentiality breaches, productivity loss, etc., came to the fore, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic when employees started working remotely. Many adopted a hybrid model, and organisations worldwide also embraced this shift. Moonlighting cases put a question mark on the ethical obligations and commitment of the employees. Moreover, it can lead to burnout and negatively impact an employee’s health and well-being – causing poor performance and absenteeism. This makes moonlighting checks imperative for employers in managing their workforce effectively.

Moonlighting/Duel Employment Verification Challenges

• Conflict of interest as an employee may work for a competitor or engage in freelance work that competes with their primary company’s business.
• Lack of transparency as employees fear disclosing their additional employment. Evaluating financial data, i.e. EPFO check, UAN check, and Form 26AS checks at periodic intervals, can help track moonlighting and enforce restrictions.
• Verifying moonlighting can be time and resource-intensive without a reliable BGV partner as it involves background checks, monitoring employee behaviour, and investigating potential violations.
• Employment laws and privacy regulations can vary by jurisdiction. Being cautious not to infringe on an employee’s rights or invade their privacy when verifying moonlighting is challenging.
• Employers may struggle to effectively communicate their policies on moonlighting and the potential consequences of violations.

Implementing moonlighting checks is a strategic move to monitor whether their candidates are engaged in multiple employments and assert a degree of control. Consistent moonlighting checks can help organizations identify moonlighting instances among their staff and proactively address the associated risks.

Learn about our Dual employment/Moonlighting checks

Gig Worker Verification

The gig economy is rising, and many organizations rely on gig workers for flexibility and scalability.  Gig workers play increasingly important roles in various industries, contributing to the evolution of the modern workforce.

Gig Worker Verification and Onboarding Challenges:

• Handling personal and sensitive data during the identity verification process
• Managing bulk verification and onboarding of gig workers, especially during peak periods
• Ensuring consistent verification process across different regions/markets due to varying regulations
• Verifying gig workers’ qualifications and backgrounds, working remotely or in various locations
• Preventing fraudulent gig worker applications, identity frauds, or misrepresentations. A robust verification framework encompassing an array of necessary checks, i.e. driving license verification, RC, NID, face match, police verification, etc., should be kept in place.
• Balancing the costs of comprehensive verification and onboarding processes
• Plugging gig worker verification services into the existing onboarding journey (whether through an app, custom portal or any other platform) is the key. A right background verification service provider can do this seamlessly.
• Staying compliant with evolving labour laws and regulations

Verifying the credentials and backgrounds of gig workers is crucial to maintaining a secure and trustworthy workforce. A robust onboarding solution will help you authenticate your gig workers in record time and uncover fake/forgery documents, identity thefts, and criminal history to mitigate reputational risks.

Learn more about Gig Worker Verification

Key Checks for Employee Background Verification

How does AuthBridge’s background verification platform take your employee onboarding a notch higher?

• Industry’s Fastest Turnaround Time: Fast and accurate employee screening process to ensure comprehensive verification outcomes within record time. Our expansive proprietary database and advanced analytics help businesses expedite onboarding and provide accurate and reliable verification results you can trust.

• Limitless Scalability: Effortlessly handle verifications at any scale, no matter how large or complex your hiring and screening needs may be.

• Paperless and Contactless Onboarding: Technologies like optical character recognition (OCR), image recognition, face match, document classification, and digital signatures will save your business time and cost-effectively.

• Customisable and integrable with any HRMS: Plug in or out any component of the background verification process as per your requirement. Our employee onboarding products can be used as stand-alone web platforms or integrated into your existing HRMS/onboarding tool via APIs.

• Built-in regulatory compliance and data privacy : Our verification and onboarding products adhere to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements and global encryption standards so that your organisation stays compliant with ever-changing regulations while scaling up.

Want to know more about our employee onboarding and verification products? Contact us today!

In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, businesses across various sectors are leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. However, amidst these advancements, the need to maintain stringent security measures remains paramount. This is where Digital KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance steps in as a robust solution, safeguarding both businesses and customers alike.

Safeguarding Businesses through Digital KYC Compliance

• Risk Mitigation and Fraud Prevention
  Digital KYC compliance serves as a frontline defence against fraudulent activities. By verifying the identities of customers before onboarding, businesses can identify and deter potential fraudsters, protecting their assets and reputation.
• Regulatory Adherence
  In an increasingly interconnected world, regulatory bodies are imposing stricter guidelines to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and identity theft. Digital KYC compliance ensures that businesses remain in accordance with these regulations, avoiding costly penalties and legal complications.
• Operational Efficiency
  Traditional KYC procedures involve time-consuming manual processes, leading to delays in customer onboarding. Digital KYC streamlines this process through automation, reducing the turnaround time and enabling businesses to focus on core activities.
• Enhanced Customer Insights
  Digital KYC tools provide businesses with a comprehensive view of their customers. This data can be leveraged to personalise offerings, tailor marketing strategies, and improve overall customer experience, leading to increased customer loyalty and retention.

Ensuring Customer Trust through Digital KYC Compliance

• Data Security and Privacy
  Customers are increasingly concerned about the safety of their personal information. Digital KYC compliance assures them that their data is being handled securely, fostering trust in the business and its commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.
• Seamless Onboarding
  Traditional KYC processes involve extensive paperwork and in-person verifications, causing frustration and abandonment among customers. Digital KYC enables hassle-free onboarding, allowing customers to complete the verification process remotely and swiftly.
• Reduced Identity Theft
  With the proliferation of online services, the risk of identity theft has surged. Digital KYC adds an extra layer of protection, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to impersonate individuals and engage in fraudulent activities.
• Effortless Transactions
  Once customers are verified through Digital KYC, subsequent transactions become frictionless. This not only saves time but also enhances the overall user experience, encouraging customers to engage with the business repeatedly.

Conclusion

Digital KYC compliance stands as a pivotal bridge between technological advancements and security imperatives. By adopting digital solutions for customer verification, businesses not only fortify their operations against risks but also nurture customer trust. This symbiotic relationship between businesses and customers, forged through the tenets of Digital KYC compliance, ensures a safer and more prosperous digital landscape for all.

In a world where data breaches and identity fraud are constant threats, businesses that prioritise Digital KYC compliance exhibit a commitment to maintaining the integrity of their operations and fostering trust among their customer base. As technology continues to evolve, embracing robust digital verification measures will be instrumental in achieving sustainable growth while ensuring the security and confidence of all stakeholders involved.

Introduction

The BFSI industry, which includes banking, financial services, and insurance, is undergoing a radical change as a result of the modern world’s more advanced digital infrastructure.As a catalyst, the COVID-19 epidemic hastened the transition to digital technology across sectors, including banking. As a result, a significant shift is taking place in how banks interact with their customers, particularly regarding Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. Digital KYC or Digital Know Your Customer, is revolutionising the BFSI sector by streamlining customer onboarding and enhancing security measures.

Digital transformation in the banking industry encompasses a wide range of initiatives. On the one hand, it provides customers convenient access to banking services through various digital channels, such as the Internet, mobile devices, and wearables. This enables individuals to conduct financial transactions digitally at their own convenience, eliminating the need to visit physical bank branches. On the other hand, digitalization is reshaping internal banking processes, such as customer onboarding and loan applications. Previously performed manually at bank branches, these processes are digitised, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced paperwork, and improved customer experience.

In this blog, we will examine how Digital KYC may alter the BFSI industry. You will have an understanding of the influence that Digital KYC has had on the BFSI sector as well as its promise for the future of banking by the time you have finished reading this blog post.

What is Digital KYC or eKYC?

Digital KYC, or eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is a way to verify the identity of an individual online. Unlike the paper-based KYC process, where the users submit the hard-copies of their ID proof documents, DKYC allows them to directly upload the digital copies of Aadhaar card, voter ID card, PAN card or other PoI and PoA to the bank’s portal. The same can be done on a live video call to do a liveliness check as well,

Digital KYC empowers these individuals by allowing them to establish their identity and initiate banking relationships remotely through digital channels such as mobile phones.

Types of Digital KYC

The contemporary era of technological advancement has transformed conventional operations across numerous sectors, including the banking and financial industries.This transformation is most evident in Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, which have evolved from paper-based methods to highly digitalized solutions. Digital KYC has emerged as a key tool in client onboarding, ensuring adherence to regulatory compliances and preventing identity theft and financial fraud.To elaborate on this, we dissect the common types of digital KYC processes below.

Online KYC Form

• Process: Clients must fill an online KYC form, providing all required personal and identification details.
• Signature: After everything is finished, there is a requirement for a signature, which may be executed in one of two ways:
  • Physical: Print the form, sign, and mail it to the organization’s postal address.
  • Digital: Apply a digital signature to the online form and submit it electronically.

Video-Based KYC

Video KYC is one of the most popular methods to do KYC for the banks and other financial institutions.This technologically advanced KYC method involves extensive audio-visual interaction.

• Registration: The process begins with service sign-up, followed by a prompt for video KYC verification.
• Link: A text or email link is sent to the client to initiate the process.
• Verification: A designated executive captures a live image of the applicant to do a liveliness check and verifies necessary documents such as a PAN card or Aadhaar card on the video call.
• Geotagging: The location of the person is confirmed via geotagging.
• Status: Upon completion, clients receive an update on their KYC status within a few days.

OTP-Based KYC

The OTP-based KYC is widely used to open digital wallets or online bank accounts.

• Details: Clients input basic information and navigate to the Aadhaar e-KYC tab.
• Aadhaar: After entering their Aadhaar number, an OTP is sent to the linked mobile number.
• OTP: The KYC process concludes once clients enter the received OTP.

To sum up, these digital KYC methods have significantly streamlined the KYC process, enhancing efficiency and ensuring regulatory compliance. Organisations and clients must familiarise themselves with these digital procedures, ensuring adherence to the relevant regulations.

Enhancing Customer Experience Through BFSI ID Verification Automation

Significant progress has been made in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) industry as a result of the use of low-code automation, digital KYC solutions, and electronic Know Your Customer procedures. This shift towards technological integration transforms the traditional customer onboarding process into a more seamless, user-friendly experience.

The Role of Automation and Digital KYC in BFSI

Automation has played a crucial role in structuring various operations within the BFSI sector, particularly in identity verification. Banks have been leveraging ID verification automation to orchestrate data across diverse systems efficiently. It allows for the processing and consolidation of data into one secure and easily accessible location, ultimately accelerating processes like commercial lending and onboarding.

An essential part of this automation process is digital KYC, or eKYC, which can involve using Aadhaar eKYC online. A digital KYC solution provides bank employees with a comprehensive 360° view of a customer’s KYC lifecycle. This holistic understanding enables real-time responses with minimal friction, ensuring a smoother customer journey.

Creating a Competitive Edge

Organisations constantly seek a competitive edge over their peers in the rapidly evolving financial landscape. The fusion of automation and digital KYC verification techniques offers this advantage, allowing institutions to improve their customer experience significantly. At the same time, it ensures adherence to essential fraud mitigation strategies and regulatory standards, striking a balance between user experience and compliance.

Conclusion

The digital landscape has significantly evolved, propelling the BFSI sector into an era of digital transformation. With digital KYC and eKYC procedures, digital customer onboarding and security measures have been revolutionised, offering clients convenience and efficiency. Automation has also streamlined internal processes such as identity verification and compliance, providing employees with a comprehensive view of a customer’s KYC lifecycle. Amid rapid technological advancements and the incessant pursuit of a competitive edge, organisations must balance offering enhanced customer experience and adhering to regulatory standards. Ultimately, the integration of digital KYC, automation, and identity verification is reshaping the BFSI sector and redefining the future of banking.

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is a comprehensive law that aims to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing in India. The PMLA has been amended several times over the years, and the latest amendments, which came into effect on May 3, 2023, & May 9, 2023, have significant implications for accounting professionals in India.

Under the new amendments, accounting professionals are now considered to be “reporting entities” under the PMLA. This means that they are required to comply with certain AML/CFT requirements, including:

1. Identifying and verifying the identity of their clients
2. Keeping records of all financial transactions
3. Reporting any suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit of India (FIU-IND)

The new amendments also clarify which activities carried out by accounting professionals are considered to be “financial transactions” for the purposes of the PMLA. These activities include:

1. Managing client money, securities, or other assets
2. Managing bank, savings, or securities accounts
3. Organizing contributions for the creation, operation, or management of companies
4. Creation, operation, or management of companies, limited liability partnerships, or trusts, and buying and selling of business entities
5. Buying and selling of any immovable property
6. Acting as a trustee, nominee shareholder, director, formation agent, secretary, or partner for a company or LLP
7. Providing registered office or business address services

It is important to note that not all transactions performed by accounting professionals will come under PMLA scrutiny. For example, transactions that are carried out as part of any agreement of lease, sub-lease, tenancy, or any other agreement or arrangement for the use of land or building or any space and the consideration is subjected to deduction of income-tax as defined under section 194-I of Income-tax Act, 1961, are not considered to be “financial transactions” for the purposes of the PMLA.

The new AML/CFT requirements for accounting professionals are significant and will have a major impact on the way that they conduct their business. Accounting professionals who fail to comply with these requirements could face significant penalties, including fines of up to ₹1 lakh per transaction.

What does the notification mean for accounting professionals?

The new AML/CFT requirements for accounting professionals will have a significant impact on the way that they conduct their business. Accounting professionals will now need to take steps to identify and verify the identity of their clients, keep records of all financial transactions, and report any suspicious transactions to the FIU-IND. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in significant penalties, including fines of up to ₹1 lakh for each failure.

What can accounting professionals do to comply with the new AML/CFT requirements?

There are a number of things that accounting professionals can do to comply with the new AML/CFT requirements. These include:

1. Implementing a customer due diligence (CDD) process to identify and verify the identity of their clients including but not limited to PEP, Sanctions, Criminal, Defaulting Directors and Companies, Credit Default checks
2. Keeping records of all financial transactions
3. Reporting any suspicious transactions to the FIU-IND
4. Training their staff on the new AML/CFT requirements

What are the benefits of complying with the new AML/CFT requirements?

There are a number of benefits to complying with the new AML/CFT requirements. These include:

1. Reducing the risk of being involved in money laundering or terrorist financing
2. Protecting the reputation of your business
3. Avoiding fines and penalties

How can AuthBridge help?

AuthBridge is a leading provider of AML/CFT compliance solutions. We can help you understand the new AML/CFT requirements and implement the necessary controls to ensure that you are compliant. Our solutions are easy to use and can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business.

To learn more about how AuthBridge can help you comply with the new AML/CFT requirements, please get in touch with us today.

A GST number, known as a Goods and Services Tax Identification Number, is a unique identification number assigned to businesses registered under the GST regime. This number is not only an essential requirement for businesses to carry out various GST-related activities, such as collecting and remitting taxes, filing GST returns, and claiming input tax credits but also helps in the identification and tracking of businesses for taxation purposes and ensures compliance with the regulations.

With GST verification (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number verification), businesses can validate the authenticity and accuracy of GST identification numbers provided by businesses and ensure that they are operating legitimately. 

Why do businesses need to conduct GST ID verification?

• Prevent tax evasion: GST ID verification helps businesses to ensure that the entities are registered and operating legally to prevent tax evasion. It helps identify cases where entities create bogus invoices, manipulate transaction values, or engage in fraudulent activities to evade taxes. The authenticity of the GST number ensures that it corresponds to the legitimate entity. 

• Identity theft and misuse: Verifying GST IDs helps detect cases of identity theft and misuse, where fraudsters use someone else’s GST identification number to carry out illegal transactions. It ensures that the GST ID’s registered owner is involved in the transactions.

• Eliminate fake dealer fraud: With GST ID verification, businesses can filter out ‘phantom dealers’ who do not exist physically but are created to issue counterfeit invoices and claim fraudulent input tax credits. Companies can prevent fictitious transactions and financial loss by validating the GST IDs.

• Ensure reliable and smoother B2B transactions: Verifying GST ID is critical in B2B (business-to-business) transactions. It helps businesses validate the GST registration status of trading entities or other third parties, setting the seal on them being reliable and trustworthy. This helps establish trust and facilitates seamless transactions within the GST framework.

• Stay compliant: GST ID verification is crucial for ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. By verifying the GST identification number, businesses can stay assured that the entity is registered under the GST regime and has fulfilled its obligations, such as filing tax returns and paying taxes.

• Filter out non-existent businesses: GST ID verification helps identify businesses that portray themselves as registered entities but, in actual fact, either do not exist or are not registered under GST. It prevents non-existent businesses from participating in the GST system and committing fraud.

Summing up, GST ID verification is essential for maintaining the integrity of the GST system, preventing tax evasion, promoting compliance, and facilitating seamless business transactions within the GST framework.

Using GST Verification API for Fast and Secure Vendor Onboarding

The GST Verification API is useful for businesses and individuals who want to verify the GST registration status of a company before entering into a transaction with them. Businesses can also use it to verify the GST registration status of their suppliers and customers and prevent fraudulent activities like identity theft, tax evasion, fake transactions, phantom dealers, etc. The API typically accepts the GSTIN as the API request and responds with validated data such as the GSTIN, Business Name, Constitution of Business, Address, etc.

Leveraging the GST verification API helps businesses with faster onboarding, scalability, and smooth KYC verification with easy integrations. Businesses can set up automated workflows and perform bulk GSTIN verification in real-time.

Why AuthBridge’s GST Verification API?

With AuthBridge’s GST Verification API, you can validate the authenticity of GST numbers in real-time and onboard genuine and compliant business partners while being assured of the industry’s fastest onboarding turnaround time. The plug-and-play APIs help you digitize and scale your operations with easy-to-activate, simple-to-use data exchange mechanisms.

With our GST Verification APIs, you can get:

• GSTIN Active Status: Enter the provided GSTIN number and verify if the provided account is active and valid.
• GST Filing Details: Verify GST numbers, Status, Taxpayer types, and state bifurcation.
• Credibility Analysis: Dig deeper with details like mode of filing and return type bifurcation for further analysis.

Types of GST Verification APIs and their working:

• Know Your GST: Fetches all the GST numbers registered to a PAN card
• PAN-GST linkage: Fetches all the GST numbers registered on a PAN card
• GSTIN View and Track Return: Fetches GST return of the person/entity in a given financial year
• GSTIN TAXPAYER: Fetches GST return of the entity in a given financial year

You can choose from different types of modes as per your business requirements.

Simplify your compliance journey with our robust GST API, assuring seamless integration with your existing workflows. AuthBridge’s GST Verification API helps you validate GST IN in bulk in real time and assures you of the industry’s fastest onboarding TAT.

Get in touch with our solution expert, or email us at sales@authbridge.com  to learn more. Book a free consultation today and help us understand your requirements in detail.

The rising instances of identity thefts, cybercriminals exploiting stolen identities, and forged/fake identities (challenging to validate with the naked eye) have made identity verification crucial today. Verifying individuals via their Aadhaar, an identification card comprising a 12-digit unique identification number tied to an individual’s fingerprints, face and eye scan and issued by the Indian government, is one of the ways to validate an individual’s identity and filter out the fake ones to minimize the risk of identity frauds. Aadhaar Card Verification is conducted as a part of the KYC process to prevent the risks of identity fraud and filter out duplicates, fake, and ghost identities.

Aadhaar verification is commonly done in various sectors, including banking, telecom, government services, e-commerce, logistics, FMCG, and more, when onboarding white-collar or blue-collar employees, third parties, or during business partnerships. 

Why is Aadhaar Card Verification required?

The Aadhaar Card Verification solution helps conduct KYC verification before conducting business with the user. With an Aadhaar verification solution, companies can

• prevents risks and identity fraud
• make verification safer, faster, and smarter
• reduce the week-long verification process to a few mins
• eliminate duplicates, fake, and ghost identities

This has made businesses across sectors to leverage Aadhaar Authentication APIs to verify and validate the identity of individuals in India before/during onboarding, and enable a secure and efficient access to various services while maintaining data privacy and security. The Aadhaar Authentication APIs provide organisations with a secure and standardized way to perform real-time authentication checks against the UIDAI database.

Why is Aadhaar Verification API – the need of the hour?

Aadhaar verification API is essential for any business, financial institution or entity in determining the credibility of their customers. With Aadhaar verification, you can successfully validate the users’ information about their Full Name, Address, Mobile Number and other data that could be used to verify an individual.

Also Read: Aadhaar Card Verification – Everything You Need to Know

Our robust and reliable Aadhaar Verification API will help you verify your customers swiftly and safely. With AuthBridge’s Aadhaar Verification API to enable an additional layer of security for fraud prevention and onboard reliable users, customers, third-parties, business partners faster.

Why choose AuthBridge’s  Aadhaar Verification API?

• Simple and Easy To Use: AuthBridge’s Aadhaar Verification API is optimized for a seamless user experience.
• Prevents Identity Frauds: Our API detects fraudsters using fake Aadhaar cards or fake credentials.
• Plug and Play APIs: Web portal, APIs, and Mobile SDK without any third-party assistance.
• Compliant: Verifies all the information provided by the Aadhaar department, ensuring they are legit and accurate.
• Real-Time Verification: Data is retrieved and verified against the database within seconds, saving time and costs.
• Industry Fastest Onboarding TAT: Onboard customers, third parties, and white-collar and blue-collar employees within minutes and stay assured of the industry’s fastest onboarding TAT.

Types of Aadhaar Verification APIs

Choose from different kinds of modes as per your business requirements

• Aadhaar Paperless 

Fetch POI and POA data with Aadhaar Virtual ID (VID) Number

• Aadhaar Paperless Offline eKYC 

Upload Aadhaar Number XML file to fetch e-Aadhaar details easily

• Aadhaar Verification via Digilocker

Conduct Aadhaar e-KYC online by fetching e-Adhaar based on Digilocker data

• Aadhaar QR Search

Pull Aadhaar POA and POI data using the Aadhaar QR code.

The basic workflow of how our Aadhaar Authentication API works

Consent requirement –> Authentication request initiation process → Biometric authentication → OTP authentication → Authentication response from UIDAI

Get AuthBridge’s Aadhaar Verification APIs For

• White Collar and Blue-Collar Employee Onboarding: Hire the right workforce and make onboarding journeys seamless with blue-collar/white-collar employee verification.

• Customer Onboarding: Validate customers to reduce identity fraud and comply with KYC/AML guidelines by regulatory bodies.

• Third-Party Onboarding: Mitigate financial and reputational risks when onboarding vendors, merchants, suppliers and distributors.

• Tenant Verification: Screen prospective tenants before signing an agreement and prevent any illegal activity on your premises.

• Players Verification: Verify players to prevent fraudulent transactions, underage paying, chargeback and affiliate frauds on your platform.

Ease your compliance journey with our robust Aadhaar API, assuring seamless integration with your existing workflows and processes. AuthBridge’s Aadhaar Verification Solution helps you validate Aadhaar in bulk within minutes and reduces the onboarding turnaround time to a great extent.

Get Started Today!

Don’t hesitate to contact our solution expert or email us at sales@authbridge.com to learn more. Book a free consultation today and help us understand your requirements in detail.

In today’s world, employee background verification has become an essential part of the recruitment process. Not only does it protect the employer’s company, but it also builds trust and strengthens fair competition among businesses. Employers must maintain employee records and be prepared to provide them to other companies upon request. The pandemic forced workplaces to adapt to digital mode, making recruitment more objective, bias-free, and cost-effective. However, this trend also increased the risk of potential employees engaging in fraudulent behaviour to get the job, or taking on multiple jobs while working remotely – putting the company’s revenue and quality of deliverables at risk.

Let’s discuss the importance of choosing the best background verification vendor for recruitment to ensure a trustworthy and effective hiring process.

Possibilities of Fraud During the Hiring Procedure

The recruitment process is a crucial aspect of any organisation. It demands a lot of attention to ensure that the right person is hired for the right job. However, post pandemic years, there has been a significant rise in the number of fraudulent activities in the recruitment process. Here are some of the most frequent types of fraud that can occur during the recruitment process:

Identity Theft

Candidates may use fake credentials or pretend to be someone else to deceive you during hiring. Impersonating someone else who matched the work experience or qualification criteria. To avoid this, always verify the candidate’s identity and confirm their work experience and credentials.

Example: A candidate applies for a sales job and uses a fake name on their resume. A background check reveals this is a case of identity theft. They provide fake references and work experience to show they are experienced in sales.

Hiding Information 

Candidates may hide any negative information that could affect their hiring chances, such as past incidents or misdemeanours. To avoid this, conduct a thorough background check and check their references.

Example: A candidate applies for a job as a driver, but they don’t disclose that they have a history of DUI charges. The employer hires them without knowing this information, and the employee gets into a car accident while on the job. A police verification check would have made things easier.

Misinformation

Candidates may lie about their work experience, education, or qualifications to appear more qualified. To avoid this, always verify the candidate’s education and work history.

Example: A candidate applies for a job as a software engineer, claiming to have a degree from a prestigious university. An education background check reveals that the candidate never attended that university.

How to Prevent Employee Fraud 

Recruiting new employees is a critical task that can determine the success of a business. However, hiring the wrong employees can lead to decreased productivity, reduced morale, and even financial loss. To avoid such situations, employers must take measures to prevent employee fraud during recruitment. Here are some ways to prevent such incidents:

• Thorough employee background check: Verify the accuracy of the information provided by employees to catch false information that could be dangerous for the company.
• Education Check: Verifify the educational qualifications and check if the candidate has attended and passed out of the mentioned schools, colleges and universities
• Behaviour records check: Check behaviour records for incidents of workplace violence, sexual harassment, or negligent behaviour that can pose a threat to the safety of the working space and other employees.
• Criminal record check: Thoroughly check the criminal records and conduct police verification of potential employees before hiring to reveal any engagement in unfair means that threaten society.
• Mandatory license verification: Verify all licenses required for the job to avoid any mishaps and legal action. Eg., driver licence verification
• Strong policy against fraudulent behaviour: Have strong policies in place with appropriate penalties to prevent candidates from engaging in fraudulent behaviour.

Ensuring the Right Hire: Effective Employee Background Verification 

Employers must conduct effective employee background verification checks to ensure they hire the right candidates. Here are some effective ways to conduct employee background verification:

1. Criminal and legal records check: These records track any court cases or police FIRs against the candidate to reveal potential hazards and assist in deciphering employee behaviour.
2. Employment Record Check: Requesting records from previous employers helps verify work experience and workplace behaviour.
3. Address Verification Check: Checking the legitimacy of the employee’s PoA to validate permanent and correspondence address 
4. National identity record register: Conducting NID checks via Aadhaar card or PAN card number check to identify discrepencies
5. National academics depository: Verifying academic background information helps ensure necessary qualifications and skill sets.
6. Education Check: Running a background check on academic database, in addition to physical (field) verification provides accurate information about work exposure.
7. Social media: Examining social media profiles can reveal any mismanagement or connections the company may want to avoid.

Things to Consider when Choosing the Best Background Verification Vendor to Recruit Right

Choosing the best background verification vendor is crucial for any business looking to hire the right employees. Here are some factors to choose a vendor:

1. Proprietary Database: A vendor who has built a substantial proprietary database can provide higher accuracy in less time
2. Reputation: Look for a vendor with a good reputation in the industry. Check their previous reviews and testimonials from former clients.
3. Accuracy: Verify that the vendor’s verification methods are accurate and up-to-date. Inaccurate information can lead to the hiring of the wrong candidate.
4. Compliance: Ensure that the vendor is compliant with all necessary regulations and laws, such as data privacy laws.
5. Turnaround time: Choose a vendor that provides timely results, as a delay in verification can prolong the hiring process.
6. Customization: The vendor should be able to adjust their services to meet the specific requirements of your business.

Considering these factors, Authbridge is the best employee background verification company for businesses looking to recruit right. Here’s why:

• Proprietary Database: AuthBridge has 1billion+ proprietary database records to enable fast and accurate verification
• Reputation: With 17+ years of experience, Authbridge is a well-established and trusted background verification company in India, 
• Accuracy: Authbridge’s industry leading authenticating solutions offer near 100% accuracy 
• Compliance: Authbridge is ISO-27001:2013 and ISO-9001:2015 compliant to ensure enterprise-grade security and quality
• Turnaround time: With 1billion+ database records, enjoy industry-leading turnaround time
• Customization: End-to-end authenticating solutions for all your employee background verification needs

Introduction 

For business owners in India, Udyam registration (UR) offers a quick and simple online process to avail of government benefits and subsidies. However, to ensure the authenticity of their Udyam registration certificate, they need to follow the Udyam verification process.

Fortunately, the Udyam verification process is easy and can be completed online. By verifying their Udyam registration number and details provided in the certificate, business owners can confirm the accuracy of the information provided during the registration process.

This blog aims to guide business owners through the Udyam verification process and provide valuable information about the benefits of Udyam registration. By the end of this blog, readers will clearly understand how to verify their Udyam registration certificate and take advantage of the government benefits and subsidies available to them.

So, for all the business owners in India, this blog is a must-read to ensure the authenticity of their Udyam registration certificate and make the most of the benefits offered by the government. Let’s explore the world of Udyam verification and registration all together!

What exactly is “Udyam Registration”?

Udyam registration is a procedure that allows individuals who wish to form businesses to register their businesses. Here are some important aspects of this process:

• Upon completion of the registration procedure, individuals receive a Udyam certificate as evidence of registration.
• Udyam registration was initiated in 2020 to foster an entrepreneurial spirit and support India’s MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized businesses).
• The registration process for Udyam is noticeably less complicated than registering for any other kind of business. There is no requirement to present any papers, certifications, evidence, or other documentation.
• The Udyam registration process is entirely free, so there is no need to pay any registration fees.

Overall, registering your business with Udyam is a straightforward, cost-effective process that provides official documentation of your company’s registration. These changes have made it easier for individuals to start their businesses and contribute to the growth of the Indian economy.

Why Should One Register for Udyam?

Completing Udyam registration has many benefits, making it a worthwhile process for individuals wishing to establish a business. Why you should consider completing Udyam registration, here are the reasons:

• No fees: Unlike other methods of registering a business that involves paying fees, Udyam registration is completely free. Additionally, you are not required to pay any fees once the certificate expires.
• Fully online: The registration process can be completed online through the official portal at https://udyamregistration.gov.in/Government-India/Ministry-MSME-registration.htm. You can provide scanned copies or digital copies of any required documentation.
• Simpler licensing: Once you have a Udyam certificate, obtaining additional licenses for your business becomes easier. The process is also simpler because the government has already verified your business.
• Increased creditworthiness: Your business’s creditworthiness increases once you have applied for Udyam registration. It can make applying for business loans or other tenders and applications easier.
• Reduced cost: Udyam registration can also make your business eligible for reduced fees when filing patents or copyrights.

Overall, completing Udyam registration is a simple and cost-effective way to establish your business and gain access to various benefits and opportunities that can contribute to the growth and success of your business.

How to do Udyam Verification with Udyam Aadhaar Verification APIs

Udyam Aadhaar Verification is a critical process for businesses in India to avail of various government schemes and benefits. Fortunately, the process has become more manageable using Udyam Aadhaar Verification APIs. Here is a step-by-step process on how Udyam Aadhaar Verification APIs simplify the verification process: 

1. Provide Udyam Aadhaar Number: To initiate the process of Udyam Aadhaar Verification, businesses need to provide their unique 12-digit Udyam Aadhaar Number assigned by the government of India to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
2. Enable Customers or Partner Businesses to Enter Udyam Aadhaar Numbers: Businesses can enable their customers or partner businesses to provide their Udyam Aadhaar Numbers directly in place of the document, making the verification process simpler and quicker.
3. Get Verified Udyam Details: The Udyam Aadhaar Verification API verfies the validity of the Udyam Aadhaar Memorandum, verifies all the business data associated with the Udyam Aadhaar Number and returns MSME Business Details from the Udyam Verification portal.
4. Access Verified Enterprise Details: The Udyam Aadhaar Verification API provides access to verified business details such as Enterprise Name, Enterprise Type, Major Activity, Registered Address, Enterprise Plant Details, Registration Date, Mobile Number, Email Id, and NIC Codes related to the business.

API based verification fastracks the business verification process while maintaining accuracy. 

The Importance of Udyam Registration for MSMEs in India

Udyam registration provides various utilities for businesses seeking government benefits and subsidies. Here are some ways in which Udyam registration can be beneficial:

Lending:

• Verifying businesses/entities with a high risk of fraud becomes paramount in banking, finance, and retail. Udyam certificate verification helps lending institutions validate the authenticity of enterprises and reduce the risks associated with financial and reputational damage.
• By verifying Udyam registration, lending institutions can make profitable deals and prevent unreliable borrowers from damaging their financial standing.

Merchant/Business Partner Onboarding:

• E-commerce or aggregator companies must onboard MSME merchants or entities on their platforms. Udyam Aadhaar verification assures businesses that they are dealing with a genuine business partner that would not cause unforeseen risks or threats in the future.
• By ensuring that their business partners are registered with Udyam, e-commerce or aggregator companies can reduce the risks of dealing with fraudulent businesses and protect their reputations.

Conclusion 

Udyam verification is vital for the growth of MSMEs in India. Udyam Registration assigns a unique identification number to businesses, facilitating access to government schemes and benefits. Udyam Aadhaar Verification APIs simplify the process, allowing businesses to focus on growth without paperwork.

Udyam Registration not only provides access to loans, subsidies, and other government schemes, but also helps MSMEs establish partnerships with ease. As the MSME sector continues to grow, Udyam Verification and Registration will remain essential in supporting and promoting business growth in India.

Introduction

As a business proprietor or recruiting manager, you recognise the importance of bringing in exceptional employees. However, the hiring process can be time-consuming and challenging, and it’s essential to make sure that you are making informed decisions. One crucial aspect of the hiring process is conducting criminal record checks on potential employees.

Hiring someone with a criminal record can have severe consequences for your business, including damage to your reputation, decreased employee morale, and even legal liability. 

This article will cover all you need to know about doing criminal background checks as part of your recruiting process, as well as what to expect from these types of investigations.

What is an Employee Background Check?

An employee background check is a process of screening and investigating an individual’s criminal, financial, and commercial records. This practice is essential for organizations looking to hire employees for positions of trust. Having a company specializing in employee background verification help ensure that a candidate has a clean history and is the right fit for the job.

The types of background checks conducted may vary depending on the job requirements. For instance, when hiring an accountant, an organization will conduct a financial background check to ensure the candidate has no history of financial misappropriation. Similarly, a driving records check may be conducted for hiring a driver to verify their driving history.

Understanding the Ins and Outs of Employee Background Checks

Companies often perform background checks on candidates to ensure a secure and trustworthy work environment. In some cases, organizations can conduct these checks in-house; however, if they choose to utilize a third-party screening company, they must request written consent from the candidates. Failing to hire a candidate based on the findings of these checks necessitates providing an adverse disclosure statement, which includes a copy of the report and information on disputing it.

Here are five critical components of an employee background check:

1. Employment History Verification 

Employers confirm the accuracy of the candidate’s resume by verifying their employment history. This process includes collecting information about past positions, durations, accomplishments, salaries, and colleague relationships.

2. Social Security Validation 

Validating a candidate’s Social Security number helps confirm their identity, full name, aliases, birth date, and previous addresses.

3. Credit Report Review 

A candidate’s credit report is particularly important for positions involving financial responsibilities. Companies must obtain consent from prospective employees before accessing their credit reports, as mandated by the FCRA.

4. Criminal Record Check 

Criminal record checks vary by state but generally encompass an individual’s history of arrests and convictions. This information is crucial for positions requiring trust and security.

5. Legal Working Status Confirmation 

Employers verify a candidate’s legal working status to ensure compliance with government regulations and avoid employing workers without proper permits. This check is especially critical for jobs requiring resident workers.

Navigating the Landscape of Criminal Background Checks for Employers

Hiring the right candidate involves more than evaluating their skills and experience; it’s also about ensuring the safety and integrity of your workplace. Partnering with a professional background screening company can streamline the process and reduce negligent hiring liability.

Here’s what you can expect from a comprehensive background check:

1. Instant Criminal Records Searches

Background screening verification companies offer instant criminal record searches, revealing crucial information about potential hires. These searches highlight convictions for crimes like fraud, assault, and drug-related offences, as well as distinguishing between felonies and misdemeanours.

2. In-Depth Criminal History Investigations

Beyond basic background checks, a thorough records search can provide valuable insights not typically available through instant searches. These deeper investigations can help you make more informed hiring decisions, especially for positions involving vulnerable populations.

3. National and State-level Records Checks

Working with a background check provider that searches both county and state-level records ensures you have access to the most extensive information possible. This approach is particularly crucial when hiring employees who interact with children or elderly adults, as it helps maintain safety and protect your company’s reputation.

Why Every Company Must Prioritize Criminal Background Checks

A company’s success and reputation hinge on its workforce. Ensuring the integrity and quality of new hires is paramount to long-term growth and security. To that end, conducting criminal background checks should be a cornerstone of every organization’s hiring process. By partnering with a professional background screening firm, businesses can access comprehensive and accurate information about applicants’ criminal history. This essential step in recruitment brings several critical benefits to the table.

Fostering a Safe and Secure Workplace

A thorough criminal background check safeguards the work environment from potential threats. It unveils any history of criminal behaviour, such as theft, burglary, or drug and alcohol-related offences. By excluding candidates with criminal records, companies can cultivate a secure and productive atmosphere for their employees.

Ensuring Trust and Honesty

An applicant’s criminal history speaks volumes about their integrity and trustworthiness. A clean background check reflects a candidate’s dedication to upholding ethical standards, instilling confidence in their future role within the organization.

Mitigating Liability and Risk

Negligent hiring can lead to lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage. Implementing criminal background checks as a standard practice can significantly reduce these risks by identifying applicants with a history of problematic behaviour before they join the company.

Improving Hiring Quality

When employers screen applicants for criminal records, they enhance the overall caliber of their workforce. By handpicking only the most reliable and trustworthy individuals, companies can secure a competitive edge in their industry.

Reducing Losses from Employee Theft

Employee theft can be a significant financial drain on a business. Conducting criminal background checks as part of the hiring process helps deter potential offenders from infiltrating the company and ensures a safer and more honest working environment.

Using Technology for Court Record Verification

Integrating criminal background checks into the hiring process is not only a wise but a necessary move for companies seeking to uphold their brand and guarantee a safe, secure, and thriving workplace. Relying on a reputable background verification company that can access Indian civil and litigation databases along with India crime watchlist to provide timely and thorough criminal record searches to  empower businesses to select the most suitable candidates, maintain high employment standards, and ultimately achieve lasting success.

AuthBridge being the one of the largest background verification company in India uses its AI-enabled authenticatng solutions to run court record verification combined with police verification to confirm existence/non-existence of a candidate’s criminal records at the provided address by searching criminal court records of the relevant District Court, that State’s High Court, the Supreme Court of India (mostly judgements) via the online database check. AuthBridge will also run the candidate’s name past various criminal watch-lists released by state police and the Central Bureau of Investigations in the public domain

A robust and technology-first background verification company is the best choice to run criminal record and police verification checks for employees. Thus, safeguarding your organization from fraud while ensuring the security of your workforce.

Having a robust, intuitive, and customisable employee onboarding platform is a prerequisite in today’s age for hiring ‘new age talent’ and ensuring a ‘great recruiting experience’. With the all-new and refreshed product iBRIDGE 2.0, our next-generation background verification platform, we intend to streamline the hiring challenges in today’s processes and ensure seamless candidate onboarding.

From activating candidate verifications in seconds to keeping tabs on the documentation status with a single click to getting custom verification reports, iBRIDGE 2.0 is all you need for an enhanced and hassle-free onboarding experience. 

Read: iBRIDGE 2.0: Top 10 Features You Need To Know For Seamless Employee Onboarding 

We recently added the latest upgradation in the reporting module to offload the HR team’s administrative burden with multiple customization capabilities, deep dive into every verification progress status, and make effective decisions.

iBRIDGE 2.0 Reporting Module – What’s New?

In this new reporting module, HR teams get multiple trackers in the ‘BGV Reports’ ‘Operational Report’ tabs. There is an additional tab for ‘Custom Reports’ in the platform so that clients can get customized reports to track the progress bar of the cases as per their convenience and verification requirements.

• Operational Reports: In operational reports, you can keep tabs on the pending reports that have not been migrated to the BRIDGE due to multiple reasons (mentioned below). You just need to select the report type to download or schedule the report as per your requirement.

• Pending Forms: When the case is initiated but pending at the candidate’s end

• Login Expired: Candidate login expired

• Sign-Off Pending Case: The background verification checks have been completed and final sign-off is awaited from the recruitment team 

• BGV Reports: Customize the reporting module to track what you want. Just need to select the report type to download or schedule the report as per your requirement. Below is the list of few of the trackers:

• Checkwise Reports: Get checkwise ‘status’ reports for all cases
• Case Summary Reports: Fetch case summary details for all the submitted cases
• Work-in-Progress Report: Fetch all the ‘work-in-progress’ cases and checkwise reports of your candidates
• Insuff Report: Report for all the raised verification insufficiencies 
• Insuff Calling Reports: Get detailed reports against the insufficient calling
• Non-Green Tracker: Non-green tracker for closed cases
• Cost Approval: Get a detailed report on all cost approval cases
• On-hold case reports: Get a detailed overview of all the cases that are on-hold
• CS Hub On Hold Insuff Reports: Get a detailed report on CS Hub On Hold Insuff

• Custom Reports: With iBRIDGE 2.0, you will get a new tab ‘Custom Reports’ so that you can enjoy the flexibility of customized reports and track what matters without the chaos of unnecessary parameters. Based on the metrics you want to monitor, you can receive and send the reports that make it easier to analyse data and identify patterns and anomalies that may be missed with standard reports. 

This all-new and exclusive feature will provide you with a more personalized, accurate, and actionable view of the data, which can lead to better decisions and faster onboarding.

‘Custom reports’ to Track What’s Important for You

• Improved decision-making: More detailed and relevant information based on the key metrics you want to track, leading to informed and effective decision-making.
• Increased efficiency: Custom reports can be automated and streamlined, reducing the time and effort to corroborate and analyze data.
• Better communication: Custom reports help you present data in a way that is easy to understand and share with others, which means improved communication and collaboration within an organization.

Apart from pre-integrated report templates for faster processing and complete visibility of verification cases, you can set up reports to run daily, weekly, or monthly and send the results automatically to all stakeholders. 

Stay updated on the progress of each verification case and filter out the information by choosing from the pre-built report templates or simply customizing reports as per the requirement and relevancy.

Also Read: iBRIDGE 2.0 – The Next-Gen Background Verification Platform

iBRIDGE 2.0 is a new and improved version of iBRIDGE, AuthBridge’s flagship employee onboarding and background check platform launched by the company in 2019. It is the next-gen background verification platform that will enable companies with seamless candidate onboarding and verification experiences for candidates.

For more information, contact us at sales@authbridge.com