Employment Background Investigations 

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.

For more information about Income Tax Return and Employer Verification (ITRV), email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

The Alliance Risk Group Background Investigation team are FCRA compliance experts. We inspire confidence by providing actionable intelligence, detailed timely communication and on-time performance. Alliance Risk Group is a SHRM Recertification Provider recognized to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. Mario Pecoraro is a thought-leader, author of two books and has published many articles and blogs. He is an industry expert who has been featured in national print and broadcast media. Learn more here: https://allianceriskgroup.com/about-2/thought-leadership/

Infinity Screening continuously screens employees during their employment on a bi-yearly, yearly or quarterly basis. Also referred to as “continuous screening” it is a post-hire background investigation that continuously investigates employees at various intervals, post-hire, throughout the employee’s time with the company.

Depending on the package, Alliance can conduct the following screenings:

• SSN Verification
• Address History
• Sex Offender Registry
• Drivers’ License Search
• Statewide Complete Convictions
• Countywide Felony Convictions
• Federal Criminal Convictions
• US Patriot Act (Government Terrorist Watch List)

This service allows organizations to gather up-to-date information concerning their employees and assist organizations in their decision-making processes regarding promotions, transfers etc.  Infinity screening also gives an organization legal recourse if the employee attempts to defraud or manipulate the company.

For more information about Infinity Screening, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

The Alliance Risk Group Background Investigation team are FCRA compliance experts. We inspire confidence by providing actionable intelligence, detailed timely communication and on-time performance. Alliance Risk Group is a SHRM Recertification Provider recognized to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. Mario Pecoraro is a thought-leader, author of two books and has published many articles and blogs. He is an industry expert who has been featured in national print and broadcast media. Learn more here: https://allianceriskgroup.com/about-2/thought-leadership/

Many HR and hiring professionals have the false belief that a National Criminal Background search is the same as a Federal Criminal Background search because of the reference to it being a search encompassing the entire country, but they are two very different types of searches.

National Criminal Search (This Multi-State Criminal Search is Included in the Platinum Package)

The National Criminal Search accesses a national database of more than 500 million misdemeanor and felony records that encompasses thousands of jurisdictions. This search is a collaboration of local, county, and statewide records from various regions throughout the United States. The database name is a bit of a misnomer in that it does not cover the entire nation. We usually refer to this type of search as a Multi-State Criminal Search instead because the database includes very spotty court participation and requires actual source verification prior to being utilized in background investigations. Like any search it has its pros and cons. For example, this search features a fast turn-around time and is an ideal way to uncover information from multiple jurisdictions because everything from traffic and moving violations to serious criminal offenses are recorded. It is a vital tool to quickly discover where a person may have a possible criminal record. On the other hand, it often contains databases of incarceration, Department of Motor Vehicle records, and other random sources that independently are not compliant with the FCRA. While not ideal as a standalone search, the National Criminal Search is often used as a supplemental tool to complement other searches. It is a great starting point to discover where a person may have a possible criminal record, but additional research should be conducted by a licensed Credit Reporting Agency in order to ensure that nothing detrimental in the applicant’s background investigation is being overlooked.

For more information about the National Criminal Search (Multi-State), email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

The Alliance Risk Group Background Investigation team are FCRA compliance experts. We inspire confidence by providing actionable intelligence, detailed timely communication and on-time performance. Alliance Risk Group is a SHRM Recertification Provider recognized to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. Mario Pecoraro is a thought-leader, author of two books and has published many articles and blogs. He is an industry expert who has been featured in national print and broadcast media. Learn more here: https://allianceriskgroup.com/about-2/thought-leadership/

We conduct statewide searches through the National Sex offender Registry. There are multiple levels of sex-offender indexes including levels 1, 2, and 3. Availability of various levels depends on the state(s) searched.

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.

For more information about National Sex Offender Registry, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

The Alliance Risk Group Background Investigation team are FCRA compliance experts. We inspire confidence by providing actionable intelligence, detailed timely communication and on-time performance. Alliance Risk Group is a SHRM Recertification Provider recognized to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. Mario Pecoraro is a thought-leader, author of two books and has published many articles and blogs. He is an industry expert who has been featured in national print and broadcast media. Learn more here: https://allianceriskgroup.com/about-2/thought-leadership/

This search allows US firms to ensure they are not doing business with individuals or firms being sanctioned by the US or individuals involved in terrorist, narcotics and other disreputable activities that could negatively affect the company. All organizations both big and small need to be OFAC compliant.

OFAC Searches include:

• U.S. Patriot Act Searches – Searches a government “terrorist” list of individuals wanted for questioning involving possible financial crimes.
• Nonproliferation Sanctions – The United States imposes sanctions under various legal authorities against foreign individuals, private entities, and governments that engage in proliferation activities.
• Parties Engaged in Proliferation Sanction List – Sanction List that focuses on foreign individuals, private entities, and government agencies that engage in proliferation activities.

For more information about Office of the Medicaid Inspector General search, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

The Alliance Risk Group Background Investigation team are FCRA compliance experts. We inspire confidence by providing actionable intelligence, detailed timely communication and on-time performance. Alliance Risk Group is a SHRM Recertification Provider recognized to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. Mario Pecoraro is a thought-leader, author of two books and has published many articles and blogs. He is an industry expert who has been featured in national print and broadcast media. Learn more here: https://allianceriskgroup.com/about-2/thought-leadership/

•  Monitors and alerts employers of on-going employee arrest and criminal activity in real time
•  Fills in the gaps between pre-employment and periodic post-employment background investigations
•  Customizable subscription service that accesses the largest jail booking database in the country
•  Ongoing employee criminal status changes allows employers to take action sooner to protect your company from risk!

Have your existing employees been arrested, charged, or booked for a crime post hire? Mitigate risk, maintain a safe work environment, and avoid lawsuits with Overwatch Continuous Criminal Monitoring. Overwatch is a solution that can proactively alert you to criminal activity post hire and on an ongoing basis 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.

Why Continuous Criminal Monitoring is important…

• 96% of employers conduct background screening
• 89% of employers never rescreen after the initial check

Overwatch Continuous Criminal Monitoring alerts employers of ongoing employee arrest and criminal activity in real time. It fills in the gaps between pre-employment and periodic post-employment background investigations. It is a customizable subscription service that accesses the largest jail booking database in the country. Overwatch Continuous Criminal Monitoring includes ongoing employee criminal status changes that allows employers to act sooner to protect your company from risk.

Organizations can reduce workforce risk and provide a safer environment with this post-hire service set up to either monitor certain segments of the workforce or by the seriousness of the crime.

Overwatch Continuous Criminal Monitoring complements current screening and rescreening programs. Alliance Risk Group will provide FCRA compliant reports giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your workforce customers and reputation are safe.

Based on a simple monthly subscription, pricing depends on the number of individuals being monitored. Relevant key industries that benefit from Overwatch Continuous Criminal Monitoring include:

• Healthcare
  • Medical Offices
  • Hospitals
  • MCO’s
• Home Services
  • Utilities
  • Construction and Repair
  • Cleaning Services
• Transportation
  • Freight and Trucking
  • Ride Hailing and Taxis
  • Pilots
• Senior Care
  • Home Health
  • Nursing Homes
  • Assisted Living
• Volunteers
  • Churches
  • Scouting Groups
  • School Volunteers
• Gig Economy
  • Staffing
• Child Care
  • Schools
  • Daycare
• Finance
  • Banks
  • Accounting Organizations
• Retail
  • Cashiers
• Delivery Persons

For more information about Overwatch Continuous Criminal Monitoring, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

The Alliance Risk Group Background Investigation team are FCRA compliance experts. We inspire confidence by providing actionable intelligence, detailed timely communication and on-time performance. Alliance Risk Group is a SHRM Recertification Provider recognized to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. Mario Pecoraro is a thought-leader, author of two books and has published many articles and blogs. He is an industry expert who has been featured in national print and broadcast media. Learn more here: https://allianceriskgroup.com/about-2/thought-leadership/

This search is ideal to confirm, identify and determine all areas where an applicant may have resided. The Social Security and Address History Search is conducted by running the applicant’s social security number through a series of databases, which will populate a list of previous residences in which the applicant has lived. This data is compiled from applicants’ utility bills, credit / loan applications, and other third-party data sources.  Any alias or maiden names previously reported or possibly used by the applicant will also appear in this search.

Why is the Social Security and Address History Search So Important?

• It is the building block of every background investigation!
• 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

For a more exhaustive Social Security Search, consider our Consent-Based Social Security Verification (CBSV).

CBSV is a more robust search that helps uncover the integrity of a social security number, protects against synthetic name fraud and exposes Credit Profile Number schemes. The definition of a Credit Profile Number is any 9-digit number that can be used for credit purposes.

A CBSV Search…

• Verifies an applicant’s name, Social Security Number (SSN), Date of Birth (DOB, and Death Indicator
• Offers real-time online verification
• Provides accurate date and regulatory compliance
• Gives absolute validation of personal identifiers

SSN Randomization and Other Ramifications

As many of the children issued Social Security Numbers since 1989 come of age and apply for jobs, loans, and colleges, etc., they are finding out their identities have been stolen and their credit has been compromised! In an effort to thwart thieves’ efforts at guessing the numbers, the Social Security Administration has initiated SSN Randomization as of June 25, 2011. Since 1936, the 9-digit number consisted of a 3-digit area number, followed by a 2-digit group number, and ending with a 4-digit serial number. Since 1972, the SSA has issued Social Security cards centrally with the area number reflecting the state, as determined by the zip code in the mailing address of the application. Among other changes, the SSN randomization assignment has eliminated the geographical significance of the first three digits of the SSN, by no longer allocating the area numbers for assignment to individuals in specific states. The purpose is to protect the integrity and extend the longevity of the nine-digit SSN nationwide.

Vigilance and Due-Diligence is Key/Consent-Based SSN Verification

Even with the Randomization process in place, there is no telling how many actual SSN’s have been stolen and are circulating out there. Consent Based SSN Verification (CBSV) is a Social Security Administration service that provides our clients with direct and instant access to the SSA Master File and Death Index verifying Name, SSN, Date of Birth, Gender, and Death Indicator. CBSV ensures 100% accuracy of data elements, regulatory compliance, and protection against synthetic name fraud. CBSV requires signed consent of the Applicant/SSN holder on SSA-89 and can only be used for the specific business purpose designated on the SSA-89. CBSV provides real-time verification and handles large volume requests. Each CBSV request is returned with an instantaneous “Successful”, “Unsuccessful”, or “Deceased” result. The SSA plans to launch Electronic CBSV (eCBSV) which allows E-Signature. Click here to access Form SSA-89 (12-2020) Authorization for SSA to Release SSN Verification.

For more information about Social Security & Address History Search or Consent Based SSN Verification, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

The Alliance Risk Group Background Investigation team are FCRA compliance experts. We inspire confidence by providing actionable intelligence, detailed timely communication and on-time performance. Alliance Risk Group is a SHRM Recertification Provider recognized to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. Mario Pecoraro is a thought-leader, author of two books and has published many articles and blogs. He is an industry expert who has been featured in national print and broadcast media. Learn more here: https://allianceriskgroup.com/about-2/thought-leadership/

A Statewide Criminal Search involves a search for felonies and misdemeanors throughout an entire state and generally includes all counties, cities, towns, or villages reporting to the state repository.  A common misconception in the industry is that this search must be coupled with a Countywide Criminal Search, however, if your provider can verify that all appropriate jurisdictions are in fact reporting their data to the state repository, a countywide search is not always necessary. There are also some alternate source data providers that offer an “equivalent” to a statewide search, however, there is no alternative to proper statewide due diligence.  In states that do not offer a Statewide Criminal Search, it is advisable to perform a county or lower-level court search in all areas where the person has maintained an employment or address history. (See below for more information on Countywide Criminal Search.)

The Pros and Cons of Statewide Criminal Search

• PROS
  • The Statewide Criminal Search generally includes felony and misdemeanor records throughout the entire state.
  • This search is comprehensive, including many jurisdictions and several towns and villages.
  • The Statewide Criminal Search eliminates the need to search counties because it covers ALL jurisdictions within most states, however, there are some exceptions.

• CONS
  • The Statewide Criminal Search includes statutory fees that vary and at times may be costly. For a list of Statewide Criminal Conviction Research Statutory Fees, click HERE.
  • Several states do not offer a Statewide Criminal Search. In cases where the Statewide Criminal Search is not available, at a minimum, a countywide search should be performed in areas where the person has resided or has maintained prior employment.
  • Some smaller towns/jurisdictions do not report to the State.

Local Crime & Countywide Criminal Search

Local Crime

When a local crime is committed, a search in city, town or village courts can be difficult because it includes misdemeanor records only and you have to know the precise town or village where the crime occurred. Searching every city, town, and village court to check for misdemeanor records is not feasible or efficient due to the sheer volume of jurisdictions involved.  As mentioned above, a Statewide Criminal Search is a more comprehensive alternative but not all states provide this search and in some that do, not all counties report to the state repository of criminal records.

Countywide Criminal Search

An alternative to searching city, town, or village courts for local crime records is the Countywide Criminal Search. The Countywide Criminal Search includes felony records but not misdemeanor records (in most jurisdictions) in the county selected, which is usually based on area of residency.  However, it is a good idea to conduct this search in any region where an applicant has resided, worked, or received an education. A Countywide Criminal Search is fairly inexpensive with a turnaround time of three business days or less and is sometimes available online via direct court access. The drawback with a Countywide Criminal Search is that it usually limits research to an assumed area, as well as an assumed criminal charge (felony) for a possible crime. When conducting a Countywide Criminal Search, it should be supplemented with other criminal searches including a Federal Criminal Search and a National (Multi-State) Criminal Search. Alternatively, if budget allows, we recommend substituting a Countywide Search with a Statewide Criminal Search.

For more information about the Statewide Criminal Search, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

The Alliance Risk Group Background Investigation team are FCRA compliance experts. We inspire confidence by providing actionable intelligence, detailed timely communication and on-time performance. Alliance Risk Group is a SHRM Recertification Provider recognized to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. Mario Pecoraro is a thought-leader, author of two books and has published many articles and blogs. He is an industry expert who has been featured in national print and broadcast media. Learn more here: https://allianceriskgroup.com/about-2/thought-leadership/