Background Screening

1. SSN Trace (Social Security Number Trace)

An SSN Trace serves as the initial step in the background screening process. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Purpose: An SSN Trace helps verify a candidate’s identity and provides essential context for subsequent checks.
  • Data Sources: It queries databases from lending institutions, utilities, schools, and credit card companies.
  • Information Revealed:
    • Year of SSN issuance by the Social Security Administration.
    • State where the SSN was issued.Names associated with the SSN.
    • Address history.
  • Limitations: While it identifies inconsistencies, it cannot conclusively verify that the submitted SSN belongs to the candidate.
  • Why Include It?:
    • Identity Verification: Ensures the SSN matches the candidate’s information.
    • Early Detection: Flags potential identity issues, such as mismatched data due to identity theft or errors.

2. National Background Search

A National Background Check casts a wide net by querying over 2,800 databases sourced from state and county agencies across the country. Key points:

  • Scope: It provides an overview of a candidate’s criminal history at the national level.
  • Records Searched: Convictions (both felonies and misdemeanors), pending cases, and interactions with law enforcement.
  • Complementing County Checks: Often paired with county criminal background checks for more detailed information.
  • Not Federal: Distinct from federal background checks, which focus on federal crimes.

3. Statewide Criminal Reports

Statewide repositories compile criminal history data from various county and municipal courts within a state. Here’s what you should know:

  • Inclusion: These reports cover convictions, pending cases, and other interactions with law enforcement.
  • Variability: Some states exclude minor offenses or include them only if voluntarily reported by the court.
  • Additional Investigation: When a preliminary record surfaces, statewide reports guide further scrutiny.

4. Federal Court Records

Adding to the comprehensive background check, Federal court records reveal any federal criminal cases involving the candidate. These records encompass offenses prosecuted at the federal level, such as white-collar crimes, drug trafficking, and more.

The Power of Combined Data

By integrating SSN Traces, national background searches, statewide criminal reports, and federal court records, employers gain a holistic view of a candidate’s background. Thorough background checks contribute to safer workplaces and informed hiring decisions.

Other Data

CDL-Link can also include other data sources as part of your background reports as needed, including:

  • OIG Medicare and Medicare Fraud Searches
  • GSA and Federal Exclusion Searches
  • County Court Searches
  • Federal Court (PACER) Searches