Why CRAs Should be Wary of “Data Only” Records Searches
As advancements in court technologies allow for more and more records to be accessed online, research companies continue to evolve their processes in order to provide CRAs with information as efficiently and accurately as possible. The latest of such trends is the emergence of automated court searches, or “data only” searches, which promise to search thousands of records nationwide at a fraction of the time and cost of its direct-to-source counterparts. However, while the prospect of a more affordable search can seem appealing to an inquiring CRA, they are not sufficient to conduct FCRA-compliant records research in San Diego.
The Problem with “Data Only” Searches
While automated court searches are fast and can search thousands of court repositories at once, these “data only” services do not account for the nuances inherent to the court records systems. In regard to the online records resources in San Diego county, these nuances include but are not limited to: a lack of personal identifying information on the San Diego Court Index, inconsistent name spelling between online records and what is actually on file, and varying case listings when a defendant has multiple aliases. A returned result of “No Records Found” from an automated search, is often inaccurate and misleading. To further compound the situation, there is currently no way to retrieve case information or verify ID information in San Diego without clerk assistance. This means that a simple name and date of birth search conducted with San Diego’s online records resources can be incomplete and therefore, is not sufficient to comply with the FCRA.
Why Direct-to-Source is Still Preferable to Automated Court Research
When it comes to records research in San Diego, there is no adequate alternative to direct-to-source records research. While “data only” services may promise faster turnaround times and affordability, those promises often apply only to their services that do not include quality assurance or FCRA-compliance. The inquiring CRA, then, would have to pay more in order to receive services that include industry-level accuracy–which, for San Diego, means a direct-to-source research process. In that regard, CRAs should be wary of whether or not they are actually saving time and money and maintaining accuracy when considering a new research provider.
What About a Provider That’s Both Affordable and Comprehensive?
This is where we at File Finders would like to help you. Unlike “data only” companies, our base-level service includes both the quality assurance and FCRA-compliance required for a diligent records search as well as a turnaround time that competes with these companies without sacrificing thoroughess. Our San Diego-specific research technologies and integration with major platforms allow us to expedite our screening process, and each search is vetted by an experienced researcher to ensure accurate results. Yet despite the value included with our service, our prices can still match those of “data only” companies that offer far less for the same cost.
Our value for CRAs does not end there. We also offer wholesale volume discounts, free alias searches for new clients, and we have now expanded our services to include nationwide research coverage.
Ask about our FREE TRIAL if you would like to experience the reliability of File Finders records research for yourself!
File Finders is San Diego’s leading wholesale screening provider specializing in criminal, civil, and public records research. With over 25 years experience in the wholesale background screening industry, we are known for our service excellence, fast turn-around and accurate data. While our expertise lies in San Diego records research, and we have now expanded our services to include direct source research in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, as well as nationwide coverage through a network of researchers to assist you with your criminal court research needs.
