Before the Background Check
Who is Asurint?
Asurint is a consumer reporting agency that collects information and compiles consumer reports (also known as background reports, background checks, background screening reports, etc.). Asurint provides consumer reports to organizations (also known as “end users”) only when authorized by you, the consumer. The organization then makes the decision whether to hire you, use your contractor services, allow you to volunteer or move your rental application forward. Asurint is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.
What information does Asurint collect to run my background check?
Asurint collects different information depending on the type of background check ordered by the end user. Typically, we require legal name, date of birth, current residential address and social security number (or other government ID depending on what country the background check is being conducted in). Collecting this information helps maximize the accuracy of results on the report and ensures we can complete the background report in a timely manner. Additionally, if the employer has requested an employment and/or education verification, we will collect relevant details from the past employer and/or school. For example, we may collect name and phone number for employment verification and school, degree earned and graduation date for an education verification.
Why do you need my Social Security Number?
Collecting your Social Security Number (SSN) helps us return accurate results.
We primarily use your SSN to develop address history via an SSN trace that helps identify locations for us to conduct a criminal search in (if requested by the end user). The SSN may also help identify if criminal record information belongs to you or another individual, although please note that not all court records include SSNs.
Asurint is dedicated to upholding privacy for consumers and we have stringent practices in place to ensure your private information is being used correctly.
Is my information secure?
Asurint has implemented strict policies and procedures that demonstrate our understanding of and dedication to data security. All connections to our portal are encrypted and our website supports all current versions of the encryption algorithms supported by web browsers to secure traffic. We encourage you to visit our Asurint Privacy Policy to read more about how Asurint implements and upholds security measures.
Can a prospective employer, volunteer organization, or landlord conduct a background check on me without my permission?
Before a background check can be conducted, your employer or volunteer organization needs to provide a disclosure to you that a background report will be obtained and gather your written authorization. Landlords may also be required to notify you prior to obtaining a consumer report. Asurint only processes background report requests from clients that we have a contractual relationship with—not the general public. We ensure our clients have a permissible purpose (i.e., employment which includes volunteer relationships or contractor relationships) and are properly vetted.
During the Background Check
How long will my background check take?
The turnaround time for a background check depends on several factors. Mainly, the length of time to complete a background check will depend on the number and specific types of searches requested by the client. There can be extenuating circumstances, such as court closures, severe weather or unresponsiveness by past employers or academic institutions that cause delays in the process. On average, Asurint completes a consumer report within 24-48 hours.
What does a background check consist of and what information does it include?
Background checks vary based on the specific background screening requirements designated by each end user. There may also be impacts to the scope of a background check depending on the type of position or industry. For example, employers that are conducting background checks for transportation-related positions will likely request a driving record and are obligated to fulfill specific requirements as mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Employers that are conducting background checks for healthcare-related positions will likely request a professional license verification to confirm the applicant has the necessary license to do the job. The average background check includes a criminal record search that identifies if the candidate has been convicted of a crime. Verification of past education and employment history, verification of professional licenses, professional references and drug testing are also common requirements for a background check.
How far back does the background check go?
The scope of the background check depends on the type of data returned and the location that data is being reported from. It’s important to note that the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) does not limit a consumer reporting agency’s ability to report criminal convictions to a certain timeframe. The FCRA does prohibit a consumer reporting agency from reporting other adverse information (such as arrest-only or dismissed cases) to seven (7) years.
In addition to the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies must also pay attention to state and local law. For example, some states and cities may limit criminal searches to seven (7) years while other states permit reporting of all available records regardless of time period. Some state and local laws restrict the reporting of non-convictions and pending cases altogether.
Additionally, depending on the package selected, organizations can restrict criminal searches to a certain time period while other organizations do not set restrictions of the age of records they want to see on the report.
Candidates should contact their prospective organization with additional questions regarding the specific searches being completed for their particular background check.
Important Communications
I received a “613 letter”. What does that mean?
The 613 letter is a communication sent by Asurint via email or mail upon the first reporting of public record information on the background report. If you have received a 613 letter, and believe something may be incorrect on your report, please contact Asurint’s Compliance team at [email protected] or 1-800-906-2034.
Does my employer need to share the results of my background check with me?
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), if an employer or volunteer organization is considering using information on a background check, in whole or in part, as determination for an adverse hiring/employment or volunteer decision they are required to provide written notice (referred to as a pre-adverse action letter) and a copy of the background report before final adverse action is taken. This allows a candidate to dispute the findings if they believe there is anything inaccurate or incomplete on the report. Additionally, “A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act” as well as any applicable State Summary of Rights are provided during this process. The pre-adverse action letter will include the specific amount of time the employer or volunteer organization will wait before making a final decision. If their decision becomes final after that time period, you will receive a final adverse action letter.
Although the pre-adverse or adverse action letters may be sent by Asurint, Asurint is not responsible for or involved in the hiring process.
Compliance-Related Inquiries
What should I do if I think something in my background report is wrong?
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you are entitled to initiate a dispute if you are concerned about the accuracy or completeness of information contained in your consumer report. Asurint is obligated to conduct a reinvestigation, at no charge to you, once a dispute is filed. Upon receipt of the dispute, your prospective organization is notified via email that a reinvestigation has been opened.
There are several channels of communication you can use to file a dispute with our Compliance Team:
- Website
- Phone: 1-800-906-2034
- Fax: 1-216-916-4190
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: Asurint
P.O. Box 14730
Cleveland, OH 44114
There are no required forms that need to be filled out in order to initiate a dispute; however, relevant information such as full name, order ID, company applied to, and the nature of your dispute will help our Compliance team resolve the dispute as quickly as possible for you. You may provide supporting documentation (i.e. court documents, order of expungement or sealing of a record, etc.) by way of email, fax or standard mail; however, you are not required to do so. We will take into consideration any documentation you provide.
How long will the reinvestigation process take?
While the FCRA requires the reinvestigation process be completed within 30 days, disputes can often be resolved within 1-5 business days. Once the reinvestigation is completed, your prospective organization will be notified via email. You will also be contacted either by standard mail or email, depending on your delivery preference, and will be provided with a copy of your report with any necessary revisions along with a reinvestigation letter that outlines the outcome of our reinvestigation.
Why didn’t my criminal record show up on the background check?
Asurint reports records based on applicable local, state and federal laws. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other specific state and local laws regulate the reportability of offenses on a background check. This includes, but is not limited to, arrests or dismissed cases older than seven years. A record may not be on the background check because it is not legally reportable, it was not found in the jurisdictions searched or was removed based on client requirements.
How do I request a free copy of my background report?
If Asurint has prepared a consumer report for you, you are entitled to a free copy of the report. You may contact the Compliance team to obtain a copy of your consumer report:
- Website
- Phone: 1-800-906-2034
- Fax: 1-216-916-4190
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: Asurint
P.O. Box 14730
Cleveland, OH 44114
You will be asked to confirm some identifying information, such as your date of birth and the correct mailing or email address, to ensure that the report is being sent to the correct individual.
Position-Related Questions
What is the relationship between Asurint and the employer or volunteer organization requesting the background check?
As a third-party consumer reporting agency, Asurint simply provides the consumer report to our client, your prospective organization that you may work for (in an employment or contractor capacity) or volunteer with, so they can determine your eligibility for such a position.
Does Asurint make the decision whether I should be hired or allowed to volunteer?
Asurint is never responsible for making the hiring/employment or volunteer decision. For questions or concerns about your eligibility for employment or a volunteer position, please reach out to your prospective employer or volunteer organization directly as they are the ones who make those decisions.
What if my employer decides not to hire me (or the volunteer organization does not let me volunteer) because of my background check?
As a consumer, you have specific rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. You can learn more about the Fair Credit Reporting Act by reviewing "A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act." Again, Asurint is not responsible for the hiring decision and is unable to provide you with the specific reason why the decision was made.
See Does my employer need to share the results of by background check with me? for more information.
Where can I find out more about my rights?
As a consumer, you have specific rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. To learn more about your rights under the FCRA, please visit the Legal Resources page.
There you will also find downloadable forms to learn more about the FCRA as well as specific state summaries of consumer’s rights and county/city summaries of consumer’s rights.