Background Check Gaming

This search is conducted by running the applicant’s social security number through a database, which will populate a list of previous residences in which the applicant has lived. This data is compiled from applicants’ utility bills, credit and loan applications, and the like. Any alias or maiden names previously used by the applicant will also appear in this search. Should any additional areas or names appear within the previous 7 years, the client will be notified and asked whether they would like additional searches on each additional name and area. This search also verifies the validity of the social security number provided by the applicant.

This search is a building block of every background investigation!

Why is this search so important?

• Verifies the validity of the social security number and issue date
• Provides a list of names and aliases used
• Provides a list of addresses reported and associated with the applicant

Statewide Searches are available in most states.

A search of statewide criminal convictions for misdemeanors and felonies in a state. Most states require a statewide statutory fee to conduct this search. New York State searches are conducted through the Office of Court Administration. (See Pros and Cons Below)

Statewide

• PROS
  • Generally, felony & misdemeanor records throughout the entire state
  • Comprehensive, includes many jurisdictions and several towns and villages
  • Eliminates need to search counties as it covers ALL jurisdictions with most states, with some exceptions
• CONS
  • Statutory Fees ($96 in NY!), generally less in others
  • Requires additional due-diligence if an adverse record is found
  • Not available in several states
  • Not all areas are reporting to state, some smaller towns/jurisdictions not reporting

This is a criminal search at the federal level. Federal crimes include bank robbery, drug trafficking, embezzlement, crimes that cross state lines and crimes that occur on federal property such as a military base. The federal-level criminal convictions search is based upon jurisdiction of residency.

• Misdemeanor – A minor crime, punishable by fine or confinement in other than prison (local jail/county correctional facility.) EXAMPLES INCLUDE:  petit larceny, DWI, assault, battery
• Felony – A serious crime that is punishable by more than one year of imprisonment up to death by execution. EXAMPLES INCLUDE:  rape, murder, burglary, serious drug-related offenses

The National Sex Offender Registry consist of all States, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Indian Country for levels 2 and 3.  We conduct statewide Sex Offender Registry searches through the National database based on the areas the applicant has resided in within the last 7 years.  In New York State, we search for Levels 1, 2, and 3 in the Sex Offender Registry.

Information on Level 1 offenders is not available in all states when conducting research as the Sex Offender Registry Board does not have the authority to disseminate information identifying Level 1 offenders in certain states.  Level 1 offender information is, however, available via written request in New York State through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. (Which is covered by Alliance Risk Group when searching New York.)

In addition, Level 1 offenses, in which a conviction was obtained, may appear in a Statewide Criminal Search result in other states depending on the reporting of each individual state. Please contact a representative from Alliance for more information about a state or area.

The sex offender registry search is conducted by the exact name, date of birth, and area. Should an applicant appear on the registry, the client will promptly be notified.

Searches a national database to identify criminal convictions. The National Criminal Search identifies possible adverse findings or criminal records throughout various jurisdictions in the United States. It is an ideal way to uncover information from multiple jurisdictions because everything from traffic and moving violations to serious criminal offenses are recorded. The National Criminal Search is a vital tool to quickly discover where a person may have a possible criminal record.

Multi-jurisdictional (National)

• PROS
  • “National” Coverage
  • Fast Turnaround Time
• CONS
  • Not comprehensive
  • Often not accurate and missing information
  • Does not limit liability
  • Requires additional research

Have your existing employees been arrested post hire? Mitigate risk, maintain a safe work environment and avoid lawsuits with OverwatchSM continuous criminal monitoring. OverwatchSM is a solution which can proactively alert you to criminal activity among your existing workforce including embezzlement, theft, assault and more. According to some studies, nearly 12% of an employers’ workforce may be arrested, in some cases repeatedly, within the next five years. In many industries, that statistic is just too dangerous to overlook. In addition to pre-hire background screening, potential criminal activity should be monitored throughout the course of employment. Mitigate risk with OverwatchSM continuous criminal monitoring – Email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

The driver’s license history search is conducted by running the applicant’s driver’s license number through the DMV database. This search will verify the status of an applicant’s driver’s license as valid, suspended, or other. It will also populate a list of any traffic infractions by the applicant, such as DWI’s, speeding, accidents, failures to appear in court, etc. Should any adverse findings be discovered, the report will be flagged, so the client will be alerted.

The Bankruptcy, Liens and Judgments Search is a great alternative to credit reports. Use this search when applicable to position(s).

Benefits of the Bankruptcy, Liens and Judgment Search:

• Comprehensive, non-discriminatory.
• Clear/Black and White
• Identifies major red flags that would be issues in a hiring decision.
• Similar information as a credit report, but non-discriminatory and non-invasive.

Be aware that there are guidelines and restrictions with regard to reporting on adverse findings as they relate to specific background investigations. To learn more about the time frames and what is reportable, please contact one of our FCRA certified experts or click on our blog regarding State FCRA Laws and Best Practices!

Criminal Records Check & FCRA Compliance: How Far Back is a Criminal Records Check Reportable? | Alliance Risk Group Inc.

Employment verifications are conducted by contacting the applicants’ current and previous employers. Typically, we will verify applicants’ previous employment over the past 7 to 10 years. The information we obtain includes, but is not limited to position held, hire and termination date, wage/salary, type/status, and reason for leaving. This information is verified through the Human Resources department in which employee records are kept. Per company policy, many entities are only able to verify the position held and start and end date for employees. However, the effort to obtain all information will always be made. Our efforts include 5 attempts to contact the employers. Should we find a discrepancy in the information provided by the applicant and the information provided by the employer, the report will be flagged, and the responsibility will fall on the applicant should he/she wish to dispute such discrepancy. We also flag an employment verification if we were unable to compete the verification for whatever reason.

Reference verifications are conducted by contacting individuals, provided by the applicant or client, with whom they have worked in a professional capacity or know personally. Examples include, but are not limited to, supervisors, colleagues, and clients. Upon contacting each professional reference, a series of questions are asked relating to the applicants’ skills and abilities in a work environment. Five attempts will be made to speak with each reference via telephone and/or email. We have a set of 25 questions that we ask the personal or professional references. If preferred, our clients can provide their own set of questions.

Consent Based SSN Verification (CBSV) is the superlative methodology to validate Personally Identifiable Information (PII). CBSV matches the applicant Name, Date of Birth, and Social Security Number (SSN) against the official SSA Master File and Death Index. Each CBSV request is returned with an instantaneous “Successful”, “Unsuccessful”, or “Deceased” result. The SSA plans to launch Electronic CBSV (eCBSV) in May of 2021 which allows E-Signature. Click here to access Form SSA-89 (12-2020) Authorization for SSA to Release SSN Verification.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) administers an income and employer verification solution called Form 4506-C (Sept. 2020) IVES Request for Transcript of Tax Return. This search provides direct access to the official IRS database which mitigates fraud by matching the applicant or business name, SSN, ITIN or EIN and Address. It also prevents misrepresentation of employment by revealing employers omitted by the applicant and unequivocally confirms income. This is an excellent employer verification for up to 10 years.

Contact Alliance if you have questions.

Searches the most common social networking sites, national and local newspapers and electronic news articles for the applicant’s name and/or email address. Social media background investigations should be used prior to hiring an applicant and throughout the course of employment. It is vital to protect your reputation, workplace safety and information security. With a combination of software automation and experienced social media analysts, we can identify a candidate’s potentially problematic online activity and provide you with an FCRA Compliant report to use in your hiring decisions. To view sample social media hiring reports, go to https://allianceriskgroup.com/social-media-hiring-reports-2/