FAQ
Q: Aren't all criminal records the same for all screening companies similar to credit bureau reports?
A: All criminal records are not the same. Every jurisdiction in the country can have records in different formats that need to be properly indexed and formatted to get accurate search results. Once a screening company obtains the data, their system must know how those records are formatted and indexed and adjust their software accordingly.
Q: Do you use database searches for your criminal record searches for pre-employment screening?
A: We do offer instant criminal database searches. However, our county and state criminal record searches are all conducted by hand-searching criminal records directly at the courthouse. By hand-searching records directly at the courthouse, our experienced researchers can ensure that we are providing the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.
Q: Does your criminal records search include misdemeanors and felonies?
A: Yes. Statewide and County criminal records will include both misdemeanor and felony conviction information.
Q: How far back does your criminal record searches go? Can I use records beyond 7 years to make hiring decisions?
A: All criminal record searches will go back at least 7 years. VeriScreen/VeriRent, Inc. will provide criminal record information going as far back as the courthouse allows. Each courthouse varies how long they maintain criminal records on file. The Federal FCRA guidelines allow you to make hiring decisions on criminal conviction information going beyond 7 years. However, State FCRA laws in CA, KS, MD, MA, MT, NH, NM, and NV restrict employers to only using the last 7 years of criminal record information for making hiring decisions. The following States allow a look-back further than 7 years if the subject earns or is expected to earn a particular threshold amount:
CO: $75K income exception.
NY: $25K income exception
TX: $75K income exception
WA: $20K Income exception
Q: Do I need to fax you the release my applicant signed?
A: Generally speaking, no. There are a select few searches where we require a signed release form in order to complete your request. However, in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act you must have your applicant's express written permission to access any of their background check information when making a hiring decision. You must keep this signed release form on file for at least 3 years if you do not hire the individual. If you do hire the individual, you should keep their signed release form in their personnel file for as long as they remain employed with your organization. From time to time, we may request copies of the documents for audit purposes.
Q: How will I order search requests?
A: Search requests can be ordered via our website, email or fax. For pre-employment screening we recommend ordering searches via fax or email so that we are responsible for the information entered in off of the form and can select the counties that we feel best fit your needs to order real-time searches. Also, it allows us to review the information on the application so that we can provide you with the best screening possible.
Q: How will my searches be returned?
A: Competed reports can be returned via email, fax, mail or retrieved from any computer that has access to the internet. You have the option of having completed results sent to multiple people.
Q: I forgot to order a search for an applicant whose report has been completed, do I have to enter their information again?
A: No. Our system allows you to add additional searches to a completed profile at any time without having to reenter all of their personal information. For example, some companies perform an annual background check on all of their employees. With our system they can pull up each employee's profile and order a new search without having to reenter all of his or her information. This feature saves clients a lot of time and energy.
Q: What are my payment options?
A: Your account can be setup to pay by credit card each time you order a search, or we offer a monthly or bi-monthly invoicing option. With our online payment option, you will always be able to view your invoice and pay it online at any time.
Q: The search I requested provided no results, will I still be charged for the search?
A: Yes. Whenever a search is ordered you will be charged for the service requested. Whether a record is found or not, costs have been incurred in order to complete the search request.
Q: Is VeriScreen/VeriRent, Inc. FCRA-compliant?
A: Yes. VeriScreen and VeriRent, Inc. are fully FCRA-compliant. As a consumer-reporting agency, we abide by all Federal and State regulations set forth by the FCRA. In addition, VeriScreen's FCRA experts will help to ensure that your organization remains fully FCRA-compliant. We provide all necessary forms to keep your company fully compliant with FCRA. Furthermore, whenever there are any changes to the FCRA, VeriScreen/VeriRent, Inc. keeps our clients abreast of these changes via a newsletter. This way our clients can screen their employees with the utmost confidence.
Q: What is an onsite inspection?
A: An on-site inspection is a credit bureau required inspection of the location where credit information is being pulled or stored. The credit bureaus have provided an approved vendor list of companies that may perform the inspection by their standards. VeriScreen/VeriRent, Inc. has selected CRM Inspections to conduct these inspections for our clients. A representative from that company will be coming to your location to review the bureau provided check list, which determines approval for credit bureau information. Primarily, the inspection will confirm company legitimacy, permissible purpose for the credit information, and that the bureau security requirements are being met. We will notify CRM Inspections that an inspection is needed, and they will contact you directly to schedule this. The length of time on-site is typically very minimal and results are provided to us within a couple of days. The fee for this service is charged through VeriScreen/VeriRent, Inc. and then credit bureau product availability is secured.
Q: Why do credit bureaus require business verifications/physical inspections?
A: We are required by federal law and regulations to establish and maintain reasonable procedures to protect consumer data ((Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act)). A physical inspection of prospective users of consumer information is a mandatory component of our compliance requirements.
Q: Which credit bureaus will the physical inspection cover?
A: The physical inspection will be conducted for access to Experian, TransUnion and Equifax credit information.
Q: Who will be conducting the physical inspections?
A: An independent Credit Bureau approved by 3rd party is required to perform the physical inspection. We have selected CRM Inspections as the company to conduct these.
Q: Where does the physical inspection take place?
A: All inspections must be conducted at the physical location where the credit reports are received, managed and stored.
Q: Does the field inspector need to see what is in my files?
A: NO. The inspection is only to confirm that credit reports are kept in a secure storage area, and a photo is required for verification purposes only.
