US criminal record check package descriptions
US criminal record checks are automatically bundled into check packages by Credibled. Select the sections below to expand a complete list and descriptions of Credibled's US criminal record checks.
This article is for Credibled clients ordering US criminal record checks.
In this article
US Criminal Base Package
The US Base Criminal Check package includes the following components: US Social Security Number Trace, US National Criminal Record Database Check (with Alias), US National Sex Offender Registry Check (with Alias), and Global Sanctions and Terrorist Watchlist Check (with Alias). Each product typically covers a seven-year look-back period. Returned results are limited to felony and misdemeanor convictions and active cases within this timeframe. County-level verifications are performed using the Predominantly Used Index (PUI) for the specified county that stores the majority of its criminal records. Please note, additional charges may apply for searches conducted at primary source jurisdictions.
US Social Security Number (SSN) Trace
A US Social Security Number (SSN) trace uncovers names and addresses linked to a candidate’s SSN. This tool is intended solely for investigative purposes and should not be used to make employment or rental decisions. Credibled uses the address history and discovered aliases or maiden names to carry out the applicable criminal background checks for the selected package.
US National Criminal Database Check (with alias)
This check uses the candidate’s given name and date of birth—along with any names found during the SSN trace—to search databases maintained by criminal justice agencies across the US. Before reporting any potential criminal records found, Credibled confirms them through a county-level check in the corresponding location to ensure the information is current and accurate. These county checks use the central courthouse that maintains the bulk of the county’s criminal records. Additional charges may apply for accessing original source jurisdictions. Information sources include state court systems, departments of corrections, sex offender registries, parole boards, and hundreds of other public record repositories nationwide.
US National Sex Offender Registry Check (with alias)
Using the candidate’s name, date of birth, and any aliases uncovered during the SSN trace, this search checks a database of public sex offender information. Each state determines what information is publicly accessible. If a potential record is found, Credibled verifies it at the primary source to ensure the report is complete and up to date. All relevant sex offender matches are reported, regardless of the state, and usage of the results should comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Global Sanctions and Terrorist Watchlist Check (with alias)
This search checks exclusion and sanction lists using the candidate’s name, date of birth, and aliases discovered from the SSN trace. Sources may include the OIG, GSA, OFAC, SAMS, FINRA, FDIC, NYSE, international sanctions agencies, law enforcement entities, regulatory bodies, and databases containing profiles of high-profile individuals. If a match is found, Credibled verifies the information at its source to ensure accuracy and completeness.
US Single County Criminal Package
This package includes: US Social Security Number Trace, US National Criminal Record Database Check (with Alias), National Sex Offender Registry Check (with Alias), Global Sanctions and Terrorist Watchlist Check (with Alias), County Criminal Court Record Check in the candidate’s current residential jurisdiction, and a Federal Criminal Court Record Check in the candidate’s state of residence. Each product includes a default seven-year look-back period. Only felony and misdemeanor convictions and pending cases are reported. Verifications are conducted using the Predominantly Used Index (PUI) of the county that maintains most of its criminal records. Additional fees may be charged for primary source jurisdiction checks.
US Social Security Number (SSN) Trace
A US SSN trace identifies names and addresses linked to the candidate’s social security number. It serves as an investigative tool and is not to be used for employment or housing decisions. Credibled leverages address history and discovered aliases or maiden names to guide relevant criminal record searches for the package selected.
US National Criminal Database Check (with alias)
This check uses the candidate’s personal information and aliases from the SSN trace to search across US criminal justice databases. If a record is flagged, Credibled verifies it at the appropriate county courthouse to ensure the data is current and accurate. These checks use the courthouse that handles most of the county’s felony and misdemeanor records. Extra charges may apply for direct source verification. Sources include courts, correctional departments, sex offender lists, parole boards, and hundreds of other repositories.
US National Sex Offender Registry Check (with alias)
Using the candidate’s info and aliases from the SSN trace, this check scans public sex offender databases. The data shown varies by state. If a potential match is found, Credibled will confirm it using the original source to ensure the report is accurate. All positive matches are disclosed regardless of the state. Use of results must adhere to all relevant laws.
Global Sanctions and Terrorist Watchlist Check (with alias)
This check uses names and aliases to examine sanction, exclusion, and entity watchlists. Sources may include government bodies (OIG, GSA, OFAC, SAMS), regulatory authorities (FINRA, FDIC, NYSE), international organizations, and other enforcement and non-enforcement databases, including those listing high-profile individuals. All identified matches are confirmed using the original source to ensure completeness and accuracy.
County Criminal Court Record Check
This check searches a county’s Predominantly Used Index (PUI), which houses most felony and misdemeanor case records. Only felony and misdemeanor convictions and pending cases are reported.
Federal Criminal Court Record Check
This check looks for criminal records processed in US federal district courts. It reports federal convictions and pending case data from the relevant state.
US Unlimited County Criminal Package
This package offers comprehensive coverage and includes: US Social Security Number Trace, US National Criminal Record Database Check (with Alias), National Sex Offender Registry Check (with Alias), Global Sanctions and Terrorist Watchlist Check (with Alias), County Criminal Court Record Checks in all counties of residence over the past seven years, and Federal Criminal Court Record Checks in all states of residence during that same period. Each check spans a default seven-year period. Results include felony and misdemeanor convictions and pending cases. County-level searches are done at the PUI, and fees may apply for accessing primary sources.
US Social Security Number (SSN) Trace
This trace identifies names and past addresses associated with a candidate’s SSN. It is meant for investigative purposes only and should not influence hiring or leasing decisions. Credibled uses this data to direct further criminal background checks as appropriate.
US National Criminal Database Check (with alias)
Combining the candidate’s submitted information and SSN-derived aliases, this search scans national databases for criminal records. If a potential record appears, Credibled performs a county-level confirmation for the most up-to-date information. These confirmations are done at central courthouses managing the bulk of the county’s cases. Additional costs may apply for primary source access. Sources include court systems, corrections departments, sex offender registries, and other agencies.
US National Sex Offender Registry Check (with alias)
Using the candidate’s personal details and aliases, this check accesses public sex offender records. If a match is detected, it is confirmed using the authoritative source to ensure the most accurate report possible. Credibled shares all identified matches, no matter the state. Results should be interpreted in line with relevant legal requirements.
Global Sanctions and Terrorist Watchlist Check (with alias)
This check screens names and aliases against various global exclusion and sanction lists. These may include the OIG, GSA, OFAC, SAMS, FINRA, FDIC, NYSE, international regulators, and databases of high-profile individuals. Any possible matches are verified at the original source before reporting.
County Criminal Court Record Check
This search targets the Predominantly Used Index of a county to retrieve felony and misdemeanor records. Only convictions and active cases are reported.
Federal Criminal Court Record Check
This check identifies criminal records from federal district courts. The findings are limited to federal convictions and ongoing cases in the relevant state.
Incomplete and Discrepancy results for US SSN Verification Scans
Occasionally, the SSN (Social Security Number) Verification Scan portion of a US criminal record check can return as “Incomplete” or “Discrepancy.” In this article, you’ll learn what this result means and what you can do next.
This article is intended for clients who order US criminal record checks from Credibled.
In this article
The SSN (Social Security Number) Verification Scan is performed as part of our US criminal record checks. This scan primarily serves as an investigative tool for Credibled that generates a name and address history associated with a candidate’s provided SSN. Credibled uses the name and address history as a pointer to know where to search for potential criminal history and also to match discovered criminal history. At times, this tool can also validate the state and year of issuance of an SSN, but only if the SSN was issued prior to June 2011, when SSN randomization began.
What does an Incomplete or Discrepancy status mean?
- An incorrect SSN was provided to Credibled (for example, the candidate entered their SSN incorrectly, or an incorrect SSN was provided in an API request).
- The SSN provided was issued after 2011 when SSN randomization began, and the tool cannot validate the state and year of issuance.
Note: Being unable to validate the state and year of issuance does not impact the accuracy of criminal history.
What to do if the SSN scan status is Incomplete or Discrepancy
If your report’s SSN Scan Verification status shows Incomplete or Discrepancy, reach out to our Support team or your account manager at Credibled, and let them know the candidate’s SSN came back as discrepant.
After you contact us, our team will investigate whether the Incomplete/Discrepancy status is due to SSN randomization or an incorrect SSN.
Note: As part of this investigation, candidates may be contacted by a Credibled representative to confirm the information on the report.
In cases where the discrepancy is the result of randomization, the name and address history that Credibled reviews is still connected to your candidate for purposes of the criminal record check. The SSN scan only cannot validate the year and state of issue, and you should use another way to validate the candidate’s SSN, if needed.
Discrepancy due to incorrect SSN: If the discrepancy appears to be the result of an incorrectly entered SSN, you will be advised to run a new background check on the candidate to ensure the appropriate name and address history is used in the criminal history search(es).
Important: Without performing a new check, the check results could be incomplete or inaccurate.
Why do you ask for social security numbers?
In this article, you’ll learn why we ask for your candidate’s social security number (SSN).
This article is for Credibled clients who are based in the United States (US) or who perform checks on candidates who live or have lived in the US.