We can access several searches that can help determine the relationship of a social security number and the related names used, or when and where the social security number  was issued.  However, only the Social Security Administration can confirm that a social security number is legal and belongs to a specific person.   We have a new screening tool that is pulled directly through the Social Security Administration and is called a Consent Based Social Verification.  This additional screen requires a separate release for the Social Security Administration. 

 First, let us know what they are disputing.  We will run the search again and either correct the information found or confirm the original information.  We cannot guarantee the information is accurate;  we can only guarantee it is in the public records and matches the major identifiers of your candidate.  If there is a disputed public record, the only course of action for your applicant is to submit his/her fingerprints  to the reporting jurisdiction for a positive identification.

5D Investigations utilizes a nationwide network of courthouse researchers to locate public record information in the approximately 3200 counties within the United States.  This search contains the most detailed, accurate, and up to date criminal information and will provide a minimum of seven years of criminal history. This is our preferred method.   

Contrary to popular opinion, criminal and other searches are not available online.  Very few county court records are accessible online, and then only with special access procedures and fees.  Most of the advertised sources of online criminal history do not come directly from the courts, but is retrieved from databases that are not always accurate or current.  Always ask if their searches are direct from the originating source or are simply pulled from a purchased database. 

The instant criminal search queries a database consisting of sources to quickly check for any criminal related records.  Aside from the obvious advantage of being instant it also offers a wider geographical 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 for areal-time county search can take up to 72 hours. 

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. 

The difference is usually a criminal check that utilizes an archived database versus a real-time visit to the local courthouse to obtain the latest up-to-date information.  In the case of statewide or national criminal records checks, the difference is most often an archived database versus direct access to an agency of the state which provides more current information like a State Bureau of Investigation.

Based on a company's policy, information reported may include employment dates, positions held, salary, confirmation of specific job duties, reason for termination, rehire status, and job-performance.  The present/current employer will also be contacted with the applicant’s permission.  Many past employers will only verify information we can supply.  Therefore, it is important that the information we receive is complete, up to date, and accurate.  The more information you can supply, the more we can verify.    Some employers utilize a third party to provide employment verification data.  Any charges from these third parties will be charged in addition to the search fee.