Confirming Identities

Every background screening begins by confirming the applicant’s identity using a Social Security Number Trace. This is done to ensure records are obtained for the right person by providing name variations and an address history. This also indicates where location-based research should be performed.

Common Names

Most of us share a name with numerous people. In larger cities, several individuals can even have the same name and date of birth.

Backgrounds Online uses multiple data points during the screening process to confirm we identify the right person. We match your applicant using their full name, Social Security Number and Date of Birth. If your candidate has a common name, our system automatically flags the order. This flag prompts our team to cross reference other searches, use additional identifiers or request more information as necessary.

Name Changes

People change their names for a variety of personal reasons. It might be because of a marriage, divorce, gender reassignment or simply to have a moniker they’ve always wanted.

When a name is legally changed, the new one will be used on public records. That’s why some people have records under more than one name. If you run a background check using only your candidate’s current name, you may miss records filed under a previous variation.

To make sure you don’t miss important data for an applicant, we recommend using the person’s current legal name and include alias research when placing an order.

Alias Searches

Alias searches are the best way to find any records associated with an individual. When you order a background report, you have the option to include this service. You may enter a specific alias if you know a name the person has used or you can simply opt-in to alias research and our team will check all name variations we find.

Many of our clients include alias searches with every order. This helps ensure they always get the records they need. If no aliases are found, then you are not charged any additional costs.

Name Variations

People can have records under variations of the same name. This often happens because someone:

• Writes their first and middle name but not last.
• Spells another person’s name incorrectly when filling out a form on their behalf.
• Uses iterations of their name, such as Christopher or Chris, on different documents.

When you take advantage of the option to include alias searches, we can account for different names that are tied to one person. This results in a comprehensive report that meets your business needs and helps you make the best possible employment decisions.