1. Why should I conduct a pre-employment background investigation?
An average of 50% of the information on employment applications is incomplete or inaccurate. An average of 40% of applicants fail to disclose other names used or locations of residency. 42% of applicants, on average, have Department of Motor Vehicle violations. An average of 39% of applicants have bad credit.
2. What distinguishes the pre-employment background research conducted by Investigative Associates from other sources that can provide instantaneous results?
Vendors that can provide instantaneous background results are obtaining their information though databases purchased from various information brokers. Typically, these databases are updated at most monthly and some as infrequently as semi-annually. Only 10 states submit criminal history information to these database brokers. Consequently, most of their information is retrieved from other sources such as correctional facility records and sex offender registries, which will not contain all criminal offense records. Database searches are typically not compliant with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (Section 613.a.2).
Investigative Associates searches the actual state repository of criminal records in each state that maintains a statewide repository. For those states without a statewide repository, we search the individual county criminal records where an applicant has resided.
This ensures that the client receives the most up-to-date, accurate information available.
3. How is Investigative Associates qualified to do this?
In addition to being regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act as a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA), Investigative Associates and Consultants and its agents are also licensed by the North Carolina Private Protective Services Board. This Board is a division of the North Carolina Department of Justice and, through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, may audit and inspect the records of licensees at any time. The additional regulations imposed by these agencies ensure that our information meets the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.
4. I need to perform background investigations on a recurring basis. How can I best accomplish this?
We would be pleased to discuss your options for becoming a recurring client with us. We can provide you with access to our client page and you can request multiple investigations as you need them. In addition, we can provide discount pricing based on volume. Please contact us or complete our online information request form and an agent will contact you.
5. What is the refund policy?
Every search conducted incurs fixed and variable costs for our organization. Whether the search results yield multiple records or none at all, searches are completed using the same standards and processes. A refund will only be processed if Investigative Associates and Consultants is notified by the customer to cancel the request prior to the initiation of any research by Investigative Associates and Consultants. Information entered incorrectly and submitted by the customer will still result in charges to the customer unless Investigative Associates and Consultants is notified by the customer prior to any research being conducted. The amount of the refund is limited to the actual fees paid less a processing fee of 5%. We will not reimburse customers for any other bank fees, insufficient funds fees or “over limit fees” in conjunction with the use of credit cards or bank debit cards.
