Our Background Investigation Solutions are the most referred services by our past clients. Our team is diligent and accurate in the collection and reporting of the important factual information that you need to know. Many online companies use antiquated databases of poorly managed data and employing these services more often than not turns up myriads of false positives.

In our industry, we cannot afford to present our clients with questionable or inaccurate information. For this reason, 100% of our background checks are performed first hand by skilled agents and investigators and never subcontracted to a second-rate service, or third-party Internet data mill.

Please select a service from the list below. If you do not see your specific job requirement listed then please contact us for more information.

  • Detailed Background Investigation
  • Pre-employment Checks
  • Due Diligence Investigations
  • Locate Investigations

 

Detailed Background Investigation

We can find out anything about anyone.  It is not only what you know, it is also who you know. 

Our in-depth background investigations will help you properly evaluate critical personal and business decisions by having all the right answers before you.  Our electronic databases, proprietary resources and industry contacts allow us instant access to vital information and intelligence, both domestic and foreign, to help our clients discover the right answers on people and businesses.

The availability of certain records, documents and resources differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.  With years of experience, our skilled investigators know these information boundaries and result in cost-savings to our clients by conducting timely and efficient investigations.  From personal to professional information,  Olson Investigations can compile these search results into a comprehensive report tailored to individuals, companies, investors, financial institutions and legal counsel.

The comprehensive background investigation may include all or some of the following searches dependent upon the type of individual and/or entity being investigated. 

  • Personal Identifiers:  Research is conducted to confirm the subject’s name, aliases, date of birth and Social Security number when available.
  • Address History:  It is important to identify the subject’s address history in order to target appropriate jurisdictions for records research.  It acts as a roadmap of the subject’s life and helps to eliminate any similarly named individuals.   Address history can also identify family members and friends who could be crucial to an investigation.
  • Court Searches: Online databases are searched for current and archived records on a nationwide basis for federal, state and local courts for civil and criminal cases; bankruptcy court; tax court; liens; judgments; UCC filings; marriage; divorce; and deed records.  Many civil and criminal court records date back seven years or more.  If so desired, records can be reviewed and retrieved onsite in person.  The onsite review will confirm that the records are specifically related to the subject as many online databases can be inaccurate or incomplete.

For criminal checks, we will need a full name and date of birth for the subject. If you do not have the complete information, we can attempt to obtain this information if you can provide current or previous addresses, or we can provide you the information on all matching names.   This search includes all felonies and misdemeanors, wants and warrants, and sex offender registries for all 50 states plus US territories.

  • Verification of Education/Credentials/Licenses*:  It is equally important to verify an individual’s education, credentials and any licenses, particularly if the individual is a high profile executive.  It is not uncommon for people to exaggerate, or even bold-face lie, about one’s own credentials in order to achieve status, reputation, a desired position or wealth.  Verifying a person’s education and credentials can eliminate or identify this type of dishonesty.   (Note:  Most schools use outside providers for verification service and charge $7 to $15 per school.)
  • Verification of Employment:  The subject’s past employment history will be verified for no more than ten years.  Current employment can also be reviewed, however, it is generally excluded so the target subject is not alerted to the investigation.  Privacy laws prevent employers from disclosing detailed information about a former employee’s performance and the reasons for termination.  In most cases, employers will only confirm dates of employment and job titles, however, they may require a signed release by the subject.  Some employers refuse to provide any information.  (Note:  Many larger companies hire outside providers for verification services and charge between $10 to $20 per employer.)

Clients who desire a thorough evaluation of a subject’s employment history can request a personalized investigation involving interviews with references and persons identified through the investigative process.

  • Regulatory Checks & Sanctions:   For individuals linked to the banking and financial industry, those individuals will be checked against the SEC, NASD, CFTC and NFA databases for registration information and disciplinary history.  Numerous databases will be searched to uncover any disciplinary actions for securities and trading violations, arbitration cases and awards, federal and state licensing violations and charges, OFAC, terrorists and money laundering.
  • Corporate Information*:  Research into the subject’s corporate affiliations will be checked and verified to the extent possible.  This research may disclose, and identify, the subject’s involvement in: 1) a corporation or partnership; 2) a position such as an officer, director, shareholder, member or registered agent; 3)  former employment; or 4) fictitious business name. 
  • SEC & EDGAR Searches:  Online databases are searched for any references to the subject.  This research can identify the present or former dealings and shareholdings affiliated with the subject.
  •  Media & Press Articles:  The subject’s name is searched for any references in numerous nationwide and international databases.  Generally adverse and negative media information related to the subject is obtained and summarized, and copies of the articles are included with the report.
  •  Driving History & Vehicle Ownership:  In some instances, the subject’s driving history, vehicle ownership, including aircraft and watercraft ownership, can be located.  Driving records and ownership information is available in a select number of states.

*3rd Party Fees:  There are minimal potential fees for accessing certain court information, motor vehicle records, or surcharges imposed by employers or educational institutions for reviewing their records.

 

Pre-Employment Background Investigations

There are a number of superior reasons why applicants should be screened by employers, either in the initial hiring phase or periodic re-examinations of Directors, Key Officers, and employees entrusted with fiduciary or other responsible positions.  Those include:

  • Making the best hiring decision
  • Increasing productivity
  • Reducing turnover
  • Reducing exposure to risk, liability & litigation
  • Increasing morale
  • Providing a safe working environment
  • Protecting assets
  • Ensuring compliance with policies, laws & regulations

It has been said that applicants will only tell you what they want you to hear.  A good writer and storyteller can invent a good resume.

According to Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, an employer's need to know about potential employees is driven by a number of factors, such as:

  • False or misleading information given by job applicants, estimated by some sources at 30 to 40 percent of all information given on resumes and job applications.
  • Federal and state legal requirements for certain jobs, including those that involve contact with children, the elderly or disabled, as well as some government jobs.
  • Fallout from corporate scandals, such as Enron and WorldCom
  • The Sept. 11 attacks
  • Negligent hiring lawsuits, where a company is sued because an employee caused harm to someone else.

By thoroughly verifying information supplied during the employment process, a company can improve the chances they are hiring an individual who has portrayed his/her background, experience and skills honestly and accurately.  This proactive approach to hiring will reduce overhead costs related to monetary loss resulting from employee malfeasance, costs associated with internal investigations, administrative costs of rehiring and training, workman’s compensation costs, and any increases in liability insurance premiums.

What We Screen*

  • Address histories
  • Civil and bankruptcy records
  • Credit reports
  • Criminal records
  • Sex offender lists
  • Driving histories
  • Education and employment histories
  • Liens and judgment histories
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Property ownership
  • Media coverage
  • Professional licenses and certifications
  • Regulatory sanctions (industry-specific)
  • Verification of references

Personal reference checks can be conducted by trained investigators in the art of interviewing.  Privacy laws prevent employers from disclosing information about a former employee’s performance and the reasons for termination.  For a more in-depth evaluation of the applicant, please contact us about a personalized investigation.

Background checks must be accompanied by a release of information signed by the employee.  Please contact us if you would like a copy of the form.

Why Choose Us

Many agencies will offer a standardized online background report for a low fee, however, those companies use outdated information, fail to verify the accuracy of information, and do not clearly disclose that criminal and civil court information is limited from nation to nation and county to county.  As the old saying goes, “Garbage in is garbage out.”

At Olson Investigations, we provide the most current information and verify that the information is pertinent to the target individual. 

*3rd Party Fees:  There are minimal potential fees for accessing certain court information, motor vehicle records, or surcharges imposed by employers or educational institutions for reviewing their records.

 

Due Diligence Investigations

Olson Investigations has provided clients with information they need to assess the background, reputation and integrity of their counter-party principals and businesses.  Companies or individuals contemplating major decisions such as investments, acquisitions or mergers, have several questions to be answered before an informed decision can be made.  Questions to be answered may include the background and reputation of the parties involved in the deal and the reliability of the information presented in the deal.

We seek out information on relevant issues such as management backgrounds, company reputations, ethical track records, regulatory compliance, litigation, judgments, liens, adverse press, market conditions, hidden interests, environmental liabilities and non-disclosure of material facts.

 

Locate Investigations

Licensed private investigators and qualified researchers at Olson Investigations can help locate any missing person. Below is a list of just some of the services we can help you with:

  • Simple Skip Trace
  • Track down a witness
  • Long Lost Person
  • Reverse Address
  • Address from phone 
  • Post Office Box Records

 

Tenant Screening - Rental Screening Services

Proactive landlords know how to protect their real estate investments by screening potential tenants.  There is a myriad of benefits to screening tenants such as:

  • Reduce Potential Damage to Your Property
  • Avoid Eviction Procedures
  • Protect your property from Criminal Activity
  • Reduce Late Payments from Deadbeat Tenants
  • Increase Tenant Retention
  • Keep Your Present Tenants Safe and Happy

Olson Investigations’ tenant screening services include credit reports, eviction records, criminal background checks, reference checks and much more.  Please contact us to find out how we can protect your investment and save you from the “tenants from hell.”