Employment Background Investigations

MANUFACTURING

The manufacturing industry can be considered the backbone of a society. Hiring background investigation requirements for workers must be stringent to meet the quality, safety, efficacy, and reliability standards of the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing industry products are made from raw materials by the use of manual labor or machinery. Production industries that handle aircraft, automobiles, chemicals, clothing, computers, electrical equipment, food and beverages, etc., must rely on a workforce that is thoroughly vetted, trustworthy and competent. For the most comprehensive, in-depth and thorough background investigations for the manufacturing industry, you can rely on Alliance Risk Group, Inc.

Applicant-Initiated Employment History

This low-cost employment verification retrieves employment history information from 50+ supported payroll providers that have 12,800+ direct employer integrations with 2.3M employees. It includes 9,200 unique payroll integrations that cover 85% of the U.S. Workforce.

In the past, pre-employment screeners relied on the Work Number service to verify applicants’ employment status as a way to reduce the workload of HR professionals. However, this traditional approach can be expensive because of skyrocketing verification costs and unpredictable price increases by third-party vendors. Other problems include slow turnaround times and increased risk of fraud.

Applicant-Initiated Employment History provides…

Cost Savings (Significantly less than traditional employment verification approaches)
Instant Verifications (Accurate verifications directly from payroll providers)
Fraud Elimination (Provides access to three years of W2s containing detailed data)

For more information about the Applicant-Initiated Employment History, 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/

Bankruptcy/Liens/Judgment Search

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.

For more information about the Bankruptcy/Liens/Judgments Search, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

CBSV Search

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) which allows E-Signature and it is now available for financial end-user clients. Click here to access Form SSA-89 (12-2020) Authorization for SSA to Release SSN Verification.

For more information about Consent Based SSN Verification, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

Driver's License Verification

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.

For more information about Driver’s License Verification, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

Employment Verification

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.

For more information about Employment Verifications, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

Federal Criminal Search

National and Federal Criminal Background Investigation searches are important to conduct before making a hiring decision and in some positions, as part of post-hire investigations. 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.

Federal Criminal Background Investigation (Included in All Recommended Packages)
A Federal Criminal Background Investigation includes a search of federal crimes committed against the United States that are prosecuted by US attorneys in federal courts. Examples of federal crimes include bank robbery, drug trafficking, embezzlement, money laundering, credit card fraud, crimes that cross state lines, and crimes that occur on federal property, such as a military base. The Federal Criminal Background Investigation includes a search of misdemeanors, (minor crimes punishable by fine or confinement in other than prison such as local jail or county correctional facility) and felonies (a serious crime that is punishable by more than one year of imprisonment up to death by execution.) Be aware that when conducting a Federal Criminal Background Investigation, it is limited in that it is based upon the jurisdiction of residency. Alliance Risk Group recommends this search for certain high-level job applications where white-collar crimes should be screened.

For more information about Federal Criminal Background Investigations, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

I-9/E-Verify Automation

Simplify hiring matters with I-9/E-Verify Automation. Busy HR departments and companies with remote workforces (3 or more employees) will appreciate the ease of this automated solution to validate eligibility to work in the U.S. New hires complete an electronic I-9 Form which automatically integrates with E-Verify, the step that confirms the candidate's documentation. This saves time by not waiting for the information from the employee and/or courts being stalled due to COVID-related delays. The entire process is fast, seamless, and compliant; easing the burden related to completion, signature, storage and tracking of I-9 forms and E-Verify completion. Customization is available with E-Verify verification locations. To get signed up with I-9/E-Verify Automation, or for more information, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

Income Tax Return and Employer Verification (ITRV)

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?

National Criminal Search (Multi-State)

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?

National Sex Offender Registry Search

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?

Overwatch Continuous Criminal Monitoring

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?

Professional Reference Verification

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.

For more information about Professional Reference Verification, email sales@allianceriskgroup.com.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

Social Media Checks - FCRA Compliant

Click HERE to request a social media hiring report.

A social media check searches the most common social networking sites 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. What better way to secure an independent depiction of applicants as it relates to violence, racism, illegal activity and sexually explicit behavior. A social media check can, when properly conducted, protect your reputation, culture, workplace and provide you with key insights as to a potential employee’s behaviors and beliefs before they begin working. With a combination of software automation and experienced investigators that are social media analysts, we can identify a candidate’s potentially problematic online activity and provide you with a report that is comprehensive, compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) that can be properly used in your hiring decisions. Our social media reports always redact protected class information.

Social Media Hiring Reports

Click HERE to request a social media hiring report.

Why is a social media hiring report important? A social media hiring report can protect and manage your company’s reputation and mitigate risk by enhancing workplace safety and your company’s information security. Many firms attempt to improperly search candidates on google or social media. This type of internal search can result in significant exposure, potential liability and an investigation that is not compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Statistics show that social media checks as part of the background investigation process are becoming a more common approach in the business environment. For example, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates, 51% of employers use social media sites to research current employees, and 34% of employers have found content online that caused them to reprimand or fire an employee.

Problematic Behavior Revealed

A social media hiring report can reveal posts exhibiting racism and/or demonstrations of intolerance, potentially violent behavior, unlawful activity, and sexually explicit material.

Sample Social Media Hiring Reports:

Offensive Content Disclaimer: Some may find these fictional examples to be explicit and/or generally offensive. The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate the type of content that may be flagged in a Social Media Hiring Report.

Click Link Below to View:

Although you may think you know who works for you or are confident about your job candidate, there have been numerous instances of workplace violence that could have been thwarted had someone bothered to look at the threats and weapons they posted to their social media account. Ongoing social media investigations can mitigate risk and reduce the likelihood of costly post-incident litigation.

To a lesser extreme, even posts exhibiting racial discrimination, hate speech, sexually explicit material, illegal activity, or disparaging remarks about the employer should not be tolerated. It is the employers’ job to keep employees safe from extremist views that could be offensive or even dangerous. Not only do social media investigations protect employees, but it can also help protect the employer from EEOC discrimination claims based on protected status including retaliation, race (including harassment) sex (including pregnancy-related discrimination and sexual harassment), disability, age, national origin, religion, and color.

How to conduct social media investigations legally?

Only launch social media investigations after proper consent forms are obtained and personally identifiable information is established. Proprietary software is used to find user-generated information posted on accounts and profiles. Human analysts confirm accuracy of identity and review for red flag behavior. Any federal or state protected class information is redacted in compliance with HR laws. The reports can only be used for permissible employment purposes as defined by the FCRA and notices that comply with the FCRA and state law must be provided to the employee or applicant if adverse action will be taken.

Click HERE to request a social media hiring report.

Why Choose Alliance Risk Group for your Background Investigations?

Social Security and Address History Search

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?

Statewide Criminal Search

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?

You can schedule a webinar with one of our experienced staff members to review the different searches available, review clients/subcontractors requirements for background investigations, demo our secure website, review the background investigation process, and review sample reports. We can answer any questions you may have.

Request 1 on 1 Webinar

Employment Background Investigations