Even the largest firms benefit from peer-level contacts who know the “how, what, when and why” of background screening.
We love working with small firms. Partner with Backgrounds Online for access to our powerful pre-employment screening tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started:
How much does your service cost?
Are there any monthly fees?
Is there a minimum number of searches I need to run?
Do you offer volume discounts?
What information am I able to obtain from a background search?
How quickly can I get started?
Using Our Services:
I don't have a business, can I still use your service?
Does the applicant need to give his/her consent?
How quickly do I get results?
Does Backgrounds Online use a database, or are results obtained directly from the courts?
What do I do if you find a criminal record?
What paperwork do I need to perform a background check?
Which searches should I run?
What do I do if I have a question?
Do you invoice your clients?
General Questions:
Is the information I submit secure?
A company performed a background check on me; can I get a copy of the report?
Can I perform checks after I hire an employee?
Do you screen tenants/loan applicants/nannies?
Getting Started:
How much does your service cost? [back to top]
Most background checks are composed of a variety of individual searches. We price each search independently for maximum flexibility and value. As a client, you create your own search package tuned to your specific needs and budget. Typically, a thorough background check averages $50 - $100, but can be as low as $15.
One of our sales professionals and HR experts would be happy to build an exact quote based upon the precise searches you need to run.
Are there any monthly fees? [back to top]
There are no recurring fees at Background Online. Clients are only billed for actual searches.
Are there a minimum number of searches I am required to run? [back to top]
No, Backgrounds Online does not require its clients to submit a minimum number of searches. Whether you submit one or one thousand, we're happy to work with you.
Do you offer volume discounts? [back to top]
For larger search volumes we offer discounted pricing packages and encourage pricing discussions. Our sales professionals would be glad to build a custom proposal based upon the specific searches you need to run.
What information am I able to obtain from a background search? [back to top]
Backgrounds Online offers a wide variety of pre-employment screening searches. Through Backgrounds Online, and with your applicant's permission, you can obtain DMV records, criminal reports, employment and education verification, credit reports, and much more. While specific reportable information varies by locale and jurisdiction, Backgrounds Online always reports the most complete and accurate information legally available. Our Background Specialists would be happy to discuss the best way for you to obtain the information you're seeking, and we invite you to call them at 800-838-4804.
How quickly can I get started? [back to top]
Within a few business hours! Start screening today.
Using Our Services:
I don't have a business, can I still use your service? [back to top]
No, respecting the sensitivity of the information we provide, Backgrounds Online only works with verified businesses. One noteworthy website that provides background checks to the public is: Public Background Checks.
Does the applicant need to give his/her consent? [back to top]
Yes, applicants must sign a release before you submit them for screening. Backgrounds Online provides complimentary release forms for clients.
How quickly do I get results? [back to top]
A typical background screening search will be completed in one or two business days. Ask our sales professionals to quote specific turnaround times based on the precise searches you need to run.
Does Backgrounds Online use a database, or are results obtained directly from the courts? [back to top]
For the most accurate information we highly recommend our County Criminal Hand Search when searching for criminal records. With this search we check for records on your applicant directly at the county courthouse. We do have database driven searches available as well, which we recommend to efficiently expand the scope of your searches.
What do I do if you find a criminal record? [back to top]
Simply review the results and decide whether or not you want to hire the applicant given the information obtained from their background check. If you decide not to hire the applicant, it is necessary to give him/her a pre-adverse action letter, an adverse action letter, and an FCRA form which explains their rights. Backgrounds Online provides all of these forms at no charge to our clients.
What paperwork do I need to perform a background check? [back to top]
In order to conduct a background check, you simply need to have your applicant sign a release form. If you don’t already have one in use, Backgrounds Online will provide a customized form for your business at no charge.
Which searches should I run? [back to top]
Our sales professionals will gladly help you build precision search criteria based upon your business’ needs, goals and budget. Prompt, helpful assistance is our best feature. Whether you are a small, medium or enterprise-scale company, our Background Specialists have the knowledge and experience to help you conduct expert searches.
What do I do if I have a question? [back to top]
Our customer support staff are happy to answer your questions. Please visit our Contact Page to choose the contact method which is most convenient.
Do you invoice your clients? [back to top]
Yes. Many clients want monthly invoicing. Invoices are only sent when a balance is due. Please contact a sales professional to learn more about our other convenient payment methods.
General Questions:
Is the information I submit secure? [back to top]
Your information is absolutely secure. Backgrounds Online leads the industry in data security and encryption. Clients login to a secure website protected with 128-bit SSL certificates. All of our internal networks are fully firewalled from each other and from the Internet.
A company performed a background check on me; can I get a copy of the report? [back to top]
If one of our client companies performed a background check on you and you were provided with notification of this check within the last 60 days, you are entitled to a free copy of your report. Please submit your request in writing and include your name, the name of the company you applied with, your date of birth, social security number, and mailing address. Backgrounds Online will mail your complete report to the address you have provided. You may submit your request to: Backgrounds Online, 1915 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95811. You may also obtain a copy of this report directly from the company you applied with.
If you don't qualify for a free copy from Backgrounds Online, you may always order a current version of your own background check from IAmScreened.com.
Can I perform checks after I hire an employee? [back to top]
Of course, but you need written authorization from the employee. Many firms find it advantageous to run a fresh check prior to promotion or reorganization. And some firms perform annual background checks on a pro forma basis as part of an employee security and safety policy.
Do you screen tenants/loan applicants/nannies? [back to top]
No. Backgrounds Online specializes in screening employees, both new hires and current. One noteworthy website that provides tenant, loan application and nanny background checks to the public is: Public Background Checks
To learn how Backgrounds Online can help your company call us at 800-838-4804 6:00am - 5:00pm Mon - Fri (PST) for immediate assistance from one of our Background Specialists.
