TL;DR
- Identity fraud is a rising challenge for organizations hiring employees
- Identity-first screening solutions like vID from JDP is a valuable tool to fighting synthetic identity fraud
- Identity verification uses features such as biometric verification, ID verification, face matching, and fraud detection
- Identity-first screening has benefits aside from fraud prevention, such as speeding up turnaround time, eliminating manual entry errors, and providing a better candidate experience
Identity fraud has become one of the biggest challenges in hiring. 41% of large organizations say they’ve onboarded a fraudulent candidate, and 88% report encountering deepfakes or impersonation attempts at least occasionally.Fake identities, altered documents, and AI-generated impersonation attempts can enter the hiring process before a background check even begins.
That’s why more organizations are moving to an identity-first hiring strategy.
By verifying identity before screening starts, employers can reduce fraud, improve data accuracy, and create a stronger foundation for the entire hiring process.
Why Identity Verification Comes First
A background check is only as reliable as the identity it’s performed on.
If an applicant uses someone else’s identity, altered documents, or false personal information, even the most comprehensive background checks may not tell the full story.
Verifying identity first helps confirm the candidate is who they say they are.
Common Types of Hiring Fraud
Organizations are seeing a growing number of identity-related hiring risks, including:
- Stolen or synthetic identities
- Altered government-issued IDs
- Fake or borrowed credentials
- AI-generated photos and deepfakes
- Candidates attempting to impersonate someone else during remote hiring
These risks continue to grow as remote hiring has become more common.
How Identity-First Screening Works
Modern identity verification uses several technologies together before background screening begins.
Biometric Liveness Detection
Liveness detection confirms the applicant is physically present during verification rather than submitting a photo, video, or other spoofing attempt.
Government ID Verification
Government-issued identification is analyzed for authenticity while validating security features such as barcodes, holograms, and embedded information.
Face Matching
The applicant’s live selfie is securely compared to the photo on their government-issued ID to confirm they belong to the same individual.
Fraud Detection
Modern identity verification platforms can detect signs of:
- Tampered documents
- Deepfakes
- Screen replays
- Synthetic identities
- Barcode inconsistencies
These checks help identify suspicious activity before screening begins.
Benefits Beyond Fraud Prevention
Identity-first screening improves more than security with benefits such as:
Better Data Accuracy
Verified identity information can populate downstream screening workflows, reducing manual entry errors and improving report accuracy.
Faster Hiring
When identity is verified upfront, background screening can begin immediately with cleaner applicant data and fewer corrections.
Better Candidate Experience
Applicants complete identity verification digitally using a smartphone or computer, creating a simple experience without additional paperwork.
Stronger Compliance Documentation
Identity verification creates a documented audit trail that supports hiring records and compliance processes.
Identity Verification Is Just the Beginning
Identity verification is an extra layer of security to help keep communities safer.
Once identity has been confirmed, organizations can confidently move forward with criminal searches, employment verification, drug testing, license verification, I-9 completion, and other screening components knowing they’re tied to the correct individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is identity-first screening?
Identity-first screening verifies an applicant’s identity before a background check begins, helping confirm the correct individual is being screened.
Does identity verification replace a background check?
No. Identity verification confirms who the applicant is. Background screening then verifies information such as criminal history, employment, education, licenses, and other job-related records.
How does biometric verification work?
Modern systems compare a live selfie with a government-issued ID while using liveness detection to confirm the applicant is physically present during the verification process.
Is identity verification useful for remote hiring?
Yes. Identity verification is particularly valuable for remote hiring because it helps reduce impersonation attempts, document fraud, and other identity-related risks before onboarding begins.