Background Screening Search Definitions
AccuSearch Background Search Definitions
IDENTITY CHECKS
SSN Trace & Address History–
Using a name and social security number, this search retrieves information from the credit bureaus and other sources to reveal where a subject has resided. The most effective way of using this tool is to take all the addresses displayed and find out their associated states and counties. Once you have this information, if necessary you can order County and or Statewide Criminal checks in those areas wherein your applicant has resided. Statistically, most crimes are committed near to where one resides.
Verification of Credential or License
Verifies professional license(s) and or certification(s), as well as providing the subjects professional standing with a regulatory body. Based on the information submitted, we contact the necessary licensing agencies, and verify standing, as well as verifying dates and any other information crucial to the license.
OFAC Terrorist Watch List–
(This search is always included within our Instant Nationwide Criminal/Sex Offender Search.)
We check the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") of the U.S. Department of the Treasury with every criminal search. OFAC administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on United States foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As part of its enforcement efforts, OFAC publishes a list of individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries. It also lists individuals, groups, and entities, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers designated under programs that are not country-specific. Collectively, such individuals and companies are called "Specially Designated Nationals" or "SDNs." Their assets are blocked by law and American individuals and companies are generally prohibited from dealing with SDNs. Results have full name, date of birth if known, address, country, title, program, remarks like AKA's. These records are screened individually and carefully, and reported to the proper law enforcement entities when a match is made. This dataset does NOT contain DOB's.
Search also includes:
- Interpol Most Wanted
- Denied Persons List
- The Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT) Terrorist Knowledge Base
- Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) List
- OCC Enforcement Actions List
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (Additional Violent Crimes)
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (Crimes against Children)
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (Criminal Enterprise)
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (Cyber Crimes)
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (Domestic Terrorism)
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (Violent Murders)
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (White Collar Crimes)
- Federal Bureau of Investigations (Most Wanted Terrorists)
OIG Excluded Individuals/Entities List Search
Searches for names of excluded individuals and entities with the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.
VeriMed Search
Comprehensive national search reports on more than 50 types of healthcare professionals and organizations ranging from physicians to home health agencies and ambulatory services. Records are compiled from over 700 resources, virtually all state licensing and federal resources including the US Department of Health and Human Services, the OIG and FDA.
Verification of Education
Confirms applicants’ highest level of education. We will verify institutions, dates, major areas of study, degrees earned and transcript information.
Verification of Employment
Draws on current (if authorized) and/or previous employers knowledge of applicant during the period of employment specified in the application. The information obtained by the interviewer includes but is not limited to: dates of employment, character, salary, title, and performance.
I-9 E-Verify
The I-9 Verification is a verification of a person's right to work in the United States. The information is provided by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and may only be used to verify eligibility once the applicant has been on-boarded as an employee. The I-9 E-Verify must be ordered within 3 business days of the employee starting work. In order to engage I-9 E-Verify Services a “Memorandum of Understanding” needs to be signed which gives AccuSearch authorization to order I-9 E-Verifications on behalf of the customer. We send the MOU to the DHS for approval and once we receive approval AccuSearch can fulfill I-9 Verifications as needed. If an I-9 E-Verify returns with a Red Flag (indicates that there is an issue with your employees status), it is the employers responsibility to provide the employee with a letter explaining the Red Flag with directions for them to follow to result the issue(s) with DHS directly. The employee cannot continue to work unless or until the issue is resolved and a subsequent I-9 E-Verify returns with a Clear report. I-9 E-Verify is mandatory in the state of Arizona.
CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS
CountyCriminalRecord Search
A search is conducted at the specified county for all felony and misdemeanor convictions that have occurred during the time period requested. Results may include non-conviction information depending on the laws of the state in which the report is run. Some court processing fees may apply.
Statewide Criminal Search
A search is conducted across all county courts for all felony and misdemeanor convictions that have occurred within a specified state, during the time period requested. Results are based upon data recorded by the specific state. Not offered by every state. Some states require a signed state specific release form or Notarized State Form and or additional information from the candidate prior to releasing recorded information. Some state processing fees may apply.
Nationwide Federal Criminal Search
Some offenses are violations of Federal law as opposed to state or local law. Record of these crimes can be located in the US District Courts. Each state has at least one US District Court, while others are divided into as many as four districts in separate geographical regions. This search will report on all information found in the Federal district courts across the US. Federal violations generally will not appear in either a county or statewide criminal check. Only a small percentage of criminal cases are violations of Federal law. However, Federal offenses can be very severe involving kidnapping, drug trafficking, interstate transportation of stolen goods, bank robbery, and embezzlement.
Instant Nationwide Criminal/Sex Offender
Results (Hits) received from an Instant Nationwide Criminal/Sex Offender search should be confirmed at the originating court house by ordering a county criminal search. Sex Offender ‘hits’ will have a photograph of the individual. It is the employer’s responsibility to review the photograph to ensure the offender is your applicant.
AccuSearch’s National Criminal/Sex Offender Search includes:
1) National Criminal Database Search of the Criminal Offender Profile Summary (COPS)
(note the states of SD, MA, DE and WY do not upload to any national criminal databases - which is why we encourage our customers to always order a County Criminal Search in up to the last 3 counties in which the applicant has resided during the past 7 year period.)
2) Multi-state Sex Offender Database Search - The sex offender registry database for all 50 states and Washington DC
3) OFAC Terrorist Watch List Search - Includes global resources such as Interpol Most Wanted, Denied Persons List, MIPT Terrorist Knowledgebase, Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) List, OOC Enforcement Actions List and 8 FBI watch lists
4) AppALERT Search - Database search for known terrorist and fugitives on US government watch lists
International Criminal Reports
International Criminal Reports are per Country and we have access to Criminal Report services from virtually every country. These reports will return with any ‘hits’ which are equivalent to US felony and misdemeanor offences – amount of detail depends upon the regulations of the specified Country. Some Countries require additional documentation and information prior to releasing the report(s). The turnaround time on International Criminal Reports is typically between 7 and 14 days. The cost ranges significantly from $41.00 to $290.00 depending, again on the Country.
CHARACTER CHECKS
Credit Reports
Checks major credit bureau for applicant’s credit history. Does not include FICO or other scores. Note: Credit Reports can only be ordered by an employer after they have undergone and passed an Onsite FCRA Inspection. There will be a fee for the inspection.
Driver Report
Available for driving records in all fifty states. The report will be pulled on the applicant’s current Driver’s License and can include records of: driving while intoxicated, revoked license, accidents, and minor traffic violations. Because driving records are held in state bureaus and have access to all counties in the state and sometimes other states, they can be very useful for general screening purposes. Unless otherwise specified and an additional fee is paid, records are only searched back 3 years. Some court fees may apply.
Reference Interview/Check
Confirms applicant’s claims of dependability, integrity and character through contact with business and personal references.
CountyCivilLitigation search
Civil history records provide information about: divorce, product liability suits, violation of civil rights, judgments, nonpayment of goods and other similar cases. These cases can be found at county levels. Unless otherwise specified and an additional fee is paid, records are only searched back 7 years. Some court fees may apply.
Integrity Tests
Integrity Testing is an overt self-report integrity measure designed for use in personnel screening and selection, with questions which specifically address areas of counterproductive or high risk behavior including substance abuse, theft and violence. Integrity Tests are a demonstrably reliable and valid instrument that can be used to screen-out applicants with counterproductive behaviors. For more information please see the Integrity Testing page of our website.
Drug Tests
AccuSearch offers both lab-based drug testing services and instant drug testing options nationwide. A RADAR 5-Panel urinalysis screens for Aphetamines, Cannabinoids (THC), Cocaine, Opiates and Phencyclidine (PCP) and is the most often used test.
