Background Checks FAQ

1. Why use USA-FACT?

   You should use USA-FACT because your satisfaction is not enough—we are driven to exceed your expectations.

2. What type of search is right for my company?

   It is not a matter of which search but really which combination of searches meets your needs. Your screening strategy should deliver a composite picture of your applicant which can only be achieved with the right combination of searches. USA-FACT‘s team consists of industry professionals who are expert s at working with you to determine the best solution to help you achieve your hiring objectives.

3. Do you supply all the forms and documents that we need to conduct compliant background screening?

   Yes. Compliance with federal and state laws is an absolute must. USA-FACT will assist you to be compliant by providing you with examples of all documentation required to properly screen your applicants.

4. Do you have an applicant tracking system?

   Yes. USA-FACT has an applicant tracking solution that will support your hiring strategy. It will help you manage the entire process from job requisitioning and approvals through the on-boarding of your newly hired employee. Your recruiters and applicants will be impressed with how smoothly the hiring process can be.

5. How long does it take to set up the applicant tracking system?

   The answer depends on the complexity of your hiring process. Typically, we can have your ready to use your applicant tracking system within 2 - 10 business days.

6. Does it cost anything to set up my account and start ordering your background services?

   There are no costs to set up your account. However, there will be a fee for a site inspection to verify your company should you need to order credit related information.

7. Do you sell your data like other employment background check companies?

   No. We respect the privacy of our clients and their employees and applicants. The data we receive from your requests is only used to complete the services you requested.

8. What is your turn around time?

   USA-FACT recognizes how important it is for you to have your applicant’s background information so that you can make your hiring decision to fill your position. Every action we take is focused on making sure your report is completed as promptly as possible. Our turnaround time for a full report averages two days or less.

9. Do you have any client referrals that I can speak with?

   Yes. We can provide names of clients who are happy to share their experience of using USA-FACT with you.

10. How important is customer service to USA-FACT?

    USA-FACT prides itself on establishing a one-on-one personal relationship for your staff and a professional client care representative who is always more than happy to offer their assistance. They know your account and are part of your USA-FACT team who makes sure you receive your information back with speed and accuracy so you can make a sound hiring decision.

11. Can you locate all criminal records associated with an individual by searching with their Social Security Number?

    No. Most courts, both county and federal, maintain records using the name and date of birth. Very few courts maintain records by Social Security Number. With the increase in identity theft, many states are reviewing privacy policies and introducing legislation to limit the use of Social Security Numbers which will result in even less opportunity to locate or confirm a case by SSN.

12. Is a federal criminal search considered a search of all courts in the US?

    No. A federal district criminal record search is a search of federal criminal records found in the United States District Court for federal crimes prosecuted in that district.
    Federal crimes are crimes against the federal government or crimes committed on government land. Information regarding outcome of the arrest (disposition) is maintained by each of the 92 districts in the United States.

13. What information is needed to obtain a DMV report?

    Requirements vary by state but as a general rule the name, driver's license number and date of birth are necessary.

14. What information will we get on a DMV report?

    Information available varies by state with most including license type, current license status and moving violations within the last three years

15. What if there is inaccurate information on the background report?

    Federal and state law requires USA-FACT to assist an applicant who reports inaccurate information to take additional steps to make sure only the correct information is reported. USA-FACT is proud to host one of the industry’s first consumer awareness websites. Reviewmyreport.com provides a learning forum for applicants in addition to the ability to electronically dispute inaccurate information that may be contained on a background report.

16. Do you integrate with my applicant tracking system or human resource information system to allow me to order and receive results through my system?

    USA-FACT does indeed interface with many of our client’s human resource systems via XML (standard language technology). Our XML development process was certified by the HR-XML Consortium in 2005.

17. Do I have to have a signed release to screen an applicant?

    The most basic fundamental compliance requirement in background screening is to obtain a signed disclosure and authorization from an applicant before background screening them. A release is necessary to background screen an applicant.

18. Does your service encompass the entire United States?

    Not only does USA-FACT process background screening in all 50 states and Washington DC, we can access criminal records from nearly 200 countries and can obtain verification of employment or education from just about anywhere in the world. USA-FACT background screens for the only company in the world that has locations on both poles.

19. Why do I sometimes need to order court documents to get more information about records? Why does it take so long?

    Most courts have an index of the most pertinent data about their cases. The index is checked and those results reported. If the information we need isn’t part of the information on the index, we need to request the case’s full file from the clerk. Because these can be large, paper (non-electronic) files, they are often stored off-site and require time to obtain.

20. What does “name match only” mean?

    The record on the case file only matches your applicant’s name, and there are no other pieces of information that can be used to exclude your applicant. This usually happens when a person’s name is very common.

21. Do you offer Drug Testing, employment physicals, and Form I-9 Services?

    Yes, USA-FACT offers a complete suite of services to support your entire hiring strategy. Please refer to more detailed information contained within this site.

22. What is the difference between a federal district search and a county criminal search?

    Federal criminal searches are performed at the district court where records represent cases brought by the Federal Government against an individual or corporation for actions in violation of Federal Laws. All non-federal crimes are tried at the county courthouse of the county in which the crime occurred. A county criminal search is a seven-year search of all non-federal criminal cases, filed against an individual defendant in the highest court in the county.

23. Does the Social Security Trace or ID Search Plus tell me if the Social Security Number provided belongs to the applicant?

    No. The Social Security Trace provides a listing of people that have used the SSN and the addresses associated with it. The ID SearchPlus is a search system that matches a Social Security Number against TransUnion's credit reporting database and provides the most current information available. Only the Social Security Administration is able to confirm whether or not the SSN belongs to your applicant.