ACCUFAX - Background, Pre-employment Checks

Why should I conduct a criminal background check?

The answer here is simple. As an employer or entity that uses volunteers you have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment and or a safe place for children. Conducting a comprehensive screening on a potential candidate eliminates the hiring of an applicant with a violent history or falsified past. Accufax provides access to criminal court records in all United States counties, state repositories where available as well as national records and international records.

What is the difference between Nationwide Criminal, Statewide Criminal, and Countywide reports?

A nationwide criminal report contains over 245 million records in most of the U.S The records are updated monthly to ensure accuracy, however, if clients need up to the minute information on an applicant, a countywide search can provide the most accurate information. A statewide criminal check offers a more cost effective approach to the screening process. In some instances, statewide repositories update their information daily but it may take weeks for the information to appear in a particular index. A countywide search must be performed to assure accuracy.

The use of a countywide search enables court researchers to perform a "Hands on Search" of the court index dockets. A countywide criminal search includes a seven-year background search for misdemeanor and felony records. This method is the most preferred for investigating a person's criminal history. It is best to perform this search in conjunction with a statewide search for best results.

Is there a membership fee?

No membership fee just a one time set-up fee of 50.00 if credit reports are requested we must charge a site inspection fee of 75.00 to comply with the credit bureau standards.

How do I pay for background searches and criminal reports?

You are invoiced for the searches requested and payment is due upon receipt. We invoice twice per month. For those that wish to pay with a credit card, Accufax accepts the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express

What are some other payment options?

If you would like information on additional payment options, or large quantity search discounts, please contact a customer service representative at 800-256-8898 and we will be happy to assist you with your request.

How long does it take to get started?

Accufax . has made the set up process fast and simple. Just complete the short registration form to gain access to background checks 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

When should I use an instant criminal report versus an on-site countywide search?

If you know or have reason to believe that an applicant has committed a crime in a specific county, you will want to perform an on-site county search. These records are actually filed in that court and are checked by a qualified court records researcher.

If it is known that a person has committed an offense in a particular state but not sure where, or if the subject has moved regularly throughout the state, it will be best to perform an instant criminal search. This will cover a much wider area, and turn up the best results.

Accufax suggests that any results returned by the instant criminal searches be followed up with an on-site county search in the county in which the offense occurred. This will ensure the most accurate and verifiable results.

I have misspelled person's name. Can I try it again?

You will be charged for all searches you submitted. Service fee is not refundable.

What is the FCRA?

The FCRA is the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, which is the governing act applicable to background searches. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) stipulates that certain forms and procedures be followed in order to preserve the rights and privacy of applicants. Violations of this act may create substantial legal ramifications.

Why must I have the applicant's permission to do a background investigation?

It's the law. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs background searches, and violations of this act can have serious legal ramifications. In this situation, the FCRA was designed to protect the individual consumer and his/her privacy.

What does the FCRA have to do with criminal searches?

The FCRA governs all background searches, not just credit reports. The Act defines permissible purposes, how the information is handled, what procedures and documentation must be followed, and even defines the procedures for when an applicant is denied a job based on the results. There is a great deal more to know about the FCRA, and we recommend all HR personnel be aware of the impact this act has on your employment decisions.