2. MYTH 1: NATIONAL DATABASES
GIVE ME THE FARTHEST-
REACHING ACCESS.
3. FACT
• Not all states use the same reporting
methods.
• A true national database doesn’t exist.
• A good Consumer Reporting Agency
(CRA) tailors searches to unique state
and county methods.
5. FACT
• Some CRAs charge lower prices because they
don’t offer complete reports that include state
and county level background checks.
6. MYTH 3: I CAN FIND THE
SAME INFORMATION ON
GOOGLE
7. FACT
• The applicant Jane Doe isn’t always the same
Jane Doe you find on Google.
• To ensure accuracy, you need to run personal
identifiers such as SSN or date of birth
through a verified database.
8. MYTH 4: THE FBI DATABASE
WILL GIVE ME ACCESS TO
ALL CRIMINAL RECORDS
9. FACT
• Not all CRAs have access to the Interstate
Identification Index System (III) for
noncriminal justice purposes.
• Many states aren’t included in this database
or their information isn’t updated regularly.
• The III should be used in conjunction with
other resources.
10. MYTH 5: I DON’T NEED A CRA
TO PERFORM EMPLOYMENT OR
EDUCATION VERIFICATIONS
11. FACT
• Education and employment verifications can
be a time-consuming burden on the HR
department.
• A good CRA will call the reference multiple
times, if necessary. If the call is never
returned, the CRA’s background check
specialist will ask you for another reference to
contact.
