A: A Background Check is a comprehensive search on an individual. We do the hard work, so you don’t have to.

A: An instant criminal search is one that accesses backgroundchecks.com's database which is comprised of data provided by various county, state and federal agencies. For example, Texas has several counties that offer their criminal information for database compiling. Likewise, the State of Texas collects information from all the counties and offers a statewide database. It is important to note that the data, by nature, may not be current due to the lag between the time a suspect is charged or case has been concluded and the time the data is actually reported to state, county and federal agencies. Due to these inherent delays, backgroundchecks.com recommends performing a hand search at the county level, in addition to the instant search, to ensure that the data collected and reported is complete and up-to-date

A: An instant search is only as accurate as the state, local or federal agency reporting the data. Instant database searches can be updated as frequently as daily or semi-annually. That is why it is extremely important to make sure you know ahead of time how often a search is updated. We provide descriptions of each source and how often it is scheduled to be updated.

A: The instant criminal search queries a database consisting of several sources to quickly check for any criminal related records. Aside from the obvious advantage of being instant it also offers a wider scope. The disadvantage is that as a database search, the records retrieved are often less detailed and not as current as a county search. In contrast, the county criminal search is more accurate and complete because it is updated as suspects are booked and court cases are filed. Results can take up to 72 hours.

A: If you know a subject committed an offense in a particular county, order a county criminal search where the actual records were filed. If you know someone committed an offense in a particular state but you are not sure where, try an instant criminal search which covers an entire state. We recommend that any results returned by the instant criminal search be followed up with a county criminal search of the counties where the offenses were committed. This will ensure the most accurate results

A: backgroundchecks.com, without exception, provides the most easy-to-understand data available. We use a proprietary data translation protocol to interpret and simplify complex data. This ensures that you understand all of the information reported.

A: Information from instant database searches may come from state or local agencies and by nature is not current. Results from Real-time searches, on the other hand, may not be immediate but are more current as the data is retrieved directly from the individual agency.

A:First, look at the person's application to determine in which city or cities the applicant has lived. You can then use our county locator on our ordering page to enter the city or zip code to locate the county of interest. Many times, applicants DO NOT disclose a location where they have had problems. As a result, backgroundchecks.com strongly encourages the use of our US OneTRACE. Upon entering the applicant's social security number, US OneTRACE produces a report showing the known locations in which the applicant has lived. Compare the US OneTRACE results with the applicant's listing of previous addresses and, if needed, add additional counties to your search.

A: backgroundchecks.com offers a fully-functional, on-line order and retrieval system that enables our clients to place orders and retrieve results through a secure web browser. The system is designed to help even the most inexperienced user to quickly order background reports. Our web-based ordering system provides partial reports and daily status updates, and enables users to use a variety of methods (by name, SSN) to search through completed reports. The system also enables companies to set Administrator-level accounts and sub-accounts for multiple users and locations.

A: We always ask the following questions on employment verifications:

• Dates of employment
• Title
• Ending Pay
• Duties
• Reason for Leaving
• Eligible for Rehire

The information returned depends on the willingness of the former employer to provide information. When necessary, we send a signed authorization to the former employer in order to acquire the necessary information. This may require your staff to fax an authorization form to us. All employment verifications are conducted by phone with the employer, except in situations where the employer has out-sourced verifications to an automated system.

A: Yes. backgroundchecks.com conducts a monthly test of our court researchers to verify the accuracy of information they provide. This is done by randomly selecting 10 known records and sending them to alternative court researchers for verification.

A: As an employer, you want to protect your business from theft and provide a safe workplace for your employees. We recommend a criminal records search for all of your applicants. Use this information to identify applicants with violent tendencies or a history of theft. backgroundchecks.com provides access to criminal court records on file in every county, state, and federal court in the United States.