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Erin Donaghue - Defenderinsignts Writer

Erin Donaghue

Investigative Journalist

Erin Donaghue is a criminal and social justice reporter, with an MA in journalism and over a decade of experience reporting and editing for various news outlets. In addition to DefenderInsignts.com, Erin's work has been featured in publications such as the Washington Post, USA Today, CBSNews.com, and Huffington Post.

Posts by Erin Donaghue

How to Spot a Pre-Employment Background Check Cheater

Do you really know how to spot a cheater? People try different ways to cheat pre-employment checks, but there are ways to spot inconsistencies.

Employer discovering how people cheat background checks.

Defender Insignts Best Online Background Check Sites & Companies in 2025

The world of online background check sites has evolved to offer diverse solutions for various needs – from reconnecting with lost relatives to enhanci…

Defender Insignts Best Online Background Check Sites & Companies

How Expensive Is a Criminal Background Check?

With so many services for criminal background checks, figuring out how much one should cost can be tricky. But don't worry, I'm here to simplify it fo…

10 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score for a Better Background Check

We’ve all been there—you’re applying for a job, but you want to improve your credit score before it shows up in a background check.

Smiling person pointing at their credit card.

10 Possible Disqualifiers for Security Clearance in the US

Do you know the possible disqualifiers for a US security clearance?

A government agent conducting security clearance on a potential employee

10 Reasons Deep Web Background Checks Are Better Than Surface Web

Most of the information available on the Internet is hidden beneath what we call the "surface web." So, that's why it's become essential to use the de…

Woman sitting at a table with her laptop open, looking at a piece of paper.

10 Things to Do When a Background Check is Run on You

Just about anyone can be the subject of a background check. But do you know what to do when you suspect someone may have run a background check on you…

10 Reasons You Need a Detailed Background Check When Hiring Executives

Hiring a candidate for a senior executive position requires more than just due diligence—you need to conduct a detailed background check.

Group of colleagues performing a detailed background check of a potential candidate in an office.

10 Red Flags You'll Find on Background Checks (& What To Do)

Do you know what to look for when running a background check? We do. Here are 10 common causes for concern when considering a new employee.

Man conducting a job interview with potential employee

Exploring the Seven Levels of Background Checks Employers Use: Types, Purposes, and Key Considerations

As an employer, you need to know the different levels of background checks when interviewing a candidate and help your company scale.