Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Questions and Answers (Q&As)
| General Questions about Background Checks |
| Questions about Criminal Background Checks |
| Questions about AccuSearch Services and Costs |
| Questions about Getting Started |
| Questions about AccuSearch Online |
| General Questions about Background Checks |
1. What comprises a pre-employment background check?
Although no universally-accepted standard exists for pre-employment background screens, nearly every one includes a criminal background check; the breadth, depth and scope of which can vary widely. In addition, depending upon the responsibilities of the position, the employer might choose to include verifications of education and/or prior employment, or reports concerning the applicant’s driving or credit history. An AccuSearch account manager can help you select the services that best suit your needs.
2. How should I decide which screening services to order?
It depends on the position for which you’re recruiting. For instance, if it’s important that the successful candidate hold a particular license or academic degree, then ask to verify a license or credentials or education. Or if you are seeking someone with relevant job experience, ask us to verify prior employment. If the applicant, if hired, would drive a car on company business, request a driving report. Request an employment credit report if the applicant will have financial responsibility or access to sensitive data, cash drawers, inventory or other valuables. Studies have shown that as many as one out of three resumes contains material inaccuracies. It’s well worth the added cost to avoid becoming a victim of resume fraud.
Pre-employment drug screening is another popular add-on service, especially in situations where the new employee will have financial responsibility, interact with the public, operate potentially dangerous equipment or machinery, or execute complicated work processes.
3. Why is an applicant’s date of birth and race required for a background check?
Personal identifiers, including DOB and race, help our screeners determine whether records found in the course of an investigation do indeed belong to your applicant. If you would prefer not to have such information pass through your HR department, you can instruct applicants to fax their Release forms directly to AccuSearch.
4. How can I verify an applicant’s Social Security Number?
Once an employer has extended a job offer to an applicant, the employer may call the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify the new employee’s SSN. If the reported first, middle and last names, date of birth, and gender perfectly match their records, the SSA will confirm a match. If there’s not a match, the SSA will suggest that you advise your new employee to immediately contact them.
5. What happens if my applicant disputes the findings of a background screening report?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) outlines procedures that must be followed in the event that an applicant chooses to dispute findings. The applicant may submit his/her dispute to the prospective employer or directly to the screening agency. The agency is responsible for conducting a re-investigation and reporting its findings directly to the applicant.
| Questions about Criminal Background Checks |
1. What comprises a criminal background check?
The vast majority of crimes committed are violations of state or local laws. These cases are tried in the county courts of the states. Each court across the nation is responsible for maintaining records of all criminal charges within its jurisdiction, so most criminal background checks involve criminal record searches in counties of interest. More serious cases, felony offenses, are tried in a county’s courts of general jurisdiction (upper-level courts; e.g., Superior, Circuit), while lesser offenses, known as misdemeanors, are decided in a county’s courts of limited jurisdiction (lower-level courts; e.g., Justice, District, Magistrate). An AccuSearch county criminal history search consists of a search of the criminal case index in the county’s central courthouse, at minimum. So some cases may not be reported, such as misdemeanors filed in outlying courts or misdemeanors and minor offenses filed in municipal courts that are not searched due to time and cost constraints.
Violations of federal law, such as bank robberies or kidnappings, are tried in U.S. District Courts. AccuSearch offers statewide federal criminal record searches covering all districts within a state. Notably, personal identifier information in federal case files can be sparse, sometimes making it difficult to determine with certainty whether a particular record belongs to the applicant, in which case the record cannot be reported.
2. How does AccuSearch determine where an applicant has lived and what names (s)he has used?
We begin every background check with a Social Security Number trace and address & alias search. If we spot any irregularities we will note them in our report. By studying the names and addresses that link to the SSN supplied by the applicant, our researchers are able to determine which names and counties should be checked for criminal records. AccuSearch’s customary practice is to investigate all names discovered, including maiden and alias names, and to search for criminal records in all counties in which the applicant has resided over the past 7 years. Since searching additional names or jurisdictions can sometimes increase costs, we offer the option of first seeking a client’s authorization before researching them.
For an even more comprehensive search, employers should also consider checking neighboring counties and any other counties where the applicant has attended school or worked. Plus, we recommend federal criminal searches for clients seeking an added measure of precaution, and for positions of higher rank, responsibility or risk. In order to avoid any appearance of bias, we urge clients to develop screening guidelines by job level, classification or department, and to stick to them.
3. Are criminal databases useful? How and when should they be searched?
Companies promoting inexpensive “instant nationwide criminal record searches” rely on criminal record databases that are merely compilations of criminal records collected from various sources across the country. Since criminal databases do not contain all the criminal records from any jurisdiction, while sifting through millions of records from far-off courts your screening agency runs the risk of missing a record in a county where the applicant resides or recently lived. For this reason, AccuSearch recommends searches of criminal databases only as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, a county-level criminal record search.
AccuSearch offers one-state, two-state and “national” criminal database searches. Limited identifier information appears in criminal databases, making it difficult to determine with certainty whether a particular record belongs to the applicant. So in order to verify the accuracy and currentness of any record found in a criminal database and thereby comply with the FCRA, additional county-level research is required, at added expense, before the record can be reported.
4. Are sex offender registries useful? How and when should they be searched?
Federal law requires registered sex offenders to notify the FBI and state authorities within 10 days of moving to a new address. Employers should consider a search of sex offender registries especially when the successful candidate will interact with youth, or elderly or incapacitated persons. AccuSearch offers searches of registered sex offender indices on a state-by-state and “national” basis.
| Questions about AccuSearch Services and Costs |
1. How much do Pre-Employment Background Checks Cost?
AccuSearch background screening packages start at just $19 per name for a Basic Bundle that includes a SSN trace, an address and alias search, plus a one-county criminal record check. If an applicant has resided in several counties over the recent past, our Expanded Bundle will represent a better value ($49 per name for criminal record searches in as many as 5 counties). For employers requesting that we verify an applicant’s schooling and work history, our Employment and Education Bundle is most appropriate ($79 for a 5-county search, plus verifications of employment and education). Driving records or credit reports can be added for only $10 each. Please note that additional fees will apply for searches of other names (e.g., maiden names), plus some courts, government agencies, and third-party information providers charge access fees which we pass along. Click on this link for details: Fee Schedule.
2. What other background screening services does AccuSearch offer?
AccuSearch offers a number of background screening services in addition to verifications and reports, and searches of criminal records, sex offender lists and criminal databases:
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OFAC Terrorist Watch List Search The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) maintains a list of individuals, groups and entities, including terrorists and narcotics traffickers, collectively known as "Specially Designated Nationals." Their assets are blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them. Firms should check this list on an ongoing basis. |
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OIG Excluded Individuals/Entities List Search The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) maintains a List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) – parties excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and all Federal health care programs. Every healthcare organization is restricted from hiring, employing or working with any individual or entity that appears on OIG's LEIE. |
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Civil Litigation Search – A search of county and/or federal civil court records will help identify whether an applicant has a history of suing others or of being sued himself. Some employers are especially interested in learning whether an applicant has been involved in any civil cases alleging violations of trade secrets or non-compete agreements, for example. |
3. How long does it take to complete a background check?
AccuSearch completes about nine out of ten pre-employment background checks within 72 hours. Occasionally, a screen can take longer. For example, if our investigation uncovers a court record that might belong to the applicant, additional research will be required. AccuSearch strives for quick turnaround, but we will never compromise accuracy for speed.
4. Does AccuSearch have a web-based order entry and tracking system?
AccuSearch Online is a secure, state-of-the-art, web-based system that speeds up pre-employment background screening and simplifies the process for Human Resources professionals. Each client is provided a unique user ID and system password that enables 24/7 access to AccuSearch Online to order background screens, check the status of screens underway, or view finished reports.
| Questions about Getting Started |
1. Can any company or organization open an account with AccuSearch?
The company or organization must:
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be a legitimate entity; |
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supply evidence of its right to conduct business; |
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forecast the need for at least 10 background screens over the next 12 months; and |
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agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in our Consumer Report User Agreement. |
2. Are there any sign-up fees or monthly fees or minimums?
No. There is no cost to set up or maintain an AccuSearch account.
3. How do I set up an account?
You must first submit a New Account Application. When you click on Open an Account we will ask for information about your company and primary contact, plus we will ask you to read and agree to the terms and conditions of our Consumer Report User Agreement. Once you’ve submitted your New Account Application online, you will be instructed to fax us a copy of an official document that proves your organization’s right to conduct business, such as a business license. This is required as part of our authentication and verification process. Once we have completed our due diligence, typically within 24 hours, we will contact you to confirm account set-up and to provide orientation.
4. How do I order a background screen?
Once your new account has been set up, an AccuSearch account manager will contact you to provide an orientation. Here’s how you will enter a new order.
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Print AccuSearch’s Request and Release |
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Complete, sign and date page 1 (“Request”). This tells us exactly which services you are requesting for this applicant. It might help to consult our Price List when making your selections. |
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Give your applicant pages 2-4 |
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Page 2 (“Release”) - Instruct your applicant to read the notice, sign the authorization, provide the personal information requested and return the signed form to you. We also encourage you to make a copy of your applicant’s driver’s license and Social Security card for reference purposes. |
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Page 3 is a separate notice for applicants who are residents of California. |
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Page 4 is the FTC document, “A Summary of Your Rights under the FCRA.” |
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Submit your order one of two ways. During orientation you will be asked to designate which method you prefer. |
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You can enter orders online. The advantage of entering your orders online is this: the sooner an order gets in the queue, the sooner we can begin processing it. |
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In AccuSearch Online, our web-based system that makes it easy to enter and track screening orders, enter your applicant’s personal information and indicate which screening package and/or individual services you are requesting. Remember to enter the relevant information if you are requesting any verifications (e.g., of education, employment, a license, credentials or references). |
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Fax to AccuSearch your Request (page 1) and the applicant’s signed Release (page 2). If you made a copy of your applicant’s driver’s license and Social Security card, include it with your fax since this will help in verifying identity. |
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If necessary, AccuSearch can enter your order for you. Fax to AccuSearch your Request (page 1) and the applicant’s signed Release (page 2). Remember to include a copy of your applicant’s resume or application if you are requesting any verifications. If you made a copy of your applicant’s driver’s license and Social Security card, please include it with your fax. This will facilitate our identity check. |
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5. What if I want to include a drug screen?
Follow these additional steps.
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Check one of the drug screen boxes on the Request form. |
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Direct your applicant to AccuSearch-Phoenix or another collection site. |
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Click on Collection Sites to view site options. Select “Drug / alcohol screening” “For a non-regulated employer,” unless you require DOT testing, and check “Urine Drug Screen.” |
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If you have selected a site other than AccuSearch’s Phoenix office, you will need to provide your applicant a chain of custody form (supplied by AccuSearch). Tell your applicant to visit the collection site within 24 hours and to bring the chain of custody form and a state-issued photo I.D. |
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6. How and when will I be billed?
Shortly after month-end, AccuSearch will send to your designated billing contact an email that includes a link to an AccuSearch Online invoice. You or your A/P agent can view detailed invoices online 24/7 by clicking on the “Invoicing” tab then specifying a time range.
Payment is due upon receipt of invoice. AccuSearch accepts all major credit cards. For added convenience, we can keep card information on file and automatically charge your card each month.
| Questions about AccuSearch Online |
1. How can I be sure that my applicant’s personal information will be protected?
To ensure high-level security and maintain data privacy, our application servers are housed inside a secure, state-of-the-art data center that is monitored by cameras and guarded around-the-clock. Entrance to the facility is restricted and all data transmitted to and from our application servers is encrypted using a 128-bit SSL certificate. Also, our application servers are protected by dual-level firewall technology.
2. Will I be able to check the status of a pending request or to view a final report online?
Yes, you can access any report 24/7. During orientation, your account manager will demonstrate two options.
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Click on links contained in AccuSearch Online notification emails; or |
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Log directly onto AccuSearch Online. |
3. What information is included in a final report?
Each screening report includes the applicant’s personal identifier information and a summary and detailed findings of our background investigation. A simple color-coding system is used to draw your attention to noteworthy findings.
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