Why ID Verification is Required

In the United States, background checks and consumer reports are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which strictly controls how consumer data is collected, used, and shared.

Under the FCRA:

• Only individuals or entities with a “permissible purpose” (e.g., employment, tenant screening, personal inquiry) can access consumer reports. 

• The subject of the report must provide authorization.

• The consumer reporting agency (CRA) must take “reasonable measures to verify” the identity and legitimacy of the you, the requester.

ShieldHub has partnered with Onfido, an Entrust Company.  Onfido is relied on by over 1,200 organizations – including major global banks, fintech leaders, and digital marketplaces. Notable clients include HSBC, Intuit, Fidelity, Coinbase, TD Bank and Uber all of which use Onfido's technology to securely verify identities and comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) and regulatory requirements. 

Visit Verifying your Identity for a easy step-by-step instructions on how Onfido ID Verification works.

ID verification is the cornerstone of KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance ensuring that customers are who they claim to be and helping institutions prevent fraud, money laundering, and identity theft from the outset. 

Verification Protects Against Identity Theft and Misuse

Imagine someone trying to access your personal records—your Social Security number, your criminal history, even your past addresses—without your knowledge. It happens more often than you think.

ID verification stops bad actors in their tracks. It ensures that only legitimate, authorized individuals can access these sensitive reports. Without this safeguard, personal data could easily fall into the wrong hands—leading to identity theft, discrimination, or worse. 

For some industries such as Appraisal, regulatory agencies have issued cautionary guidance regarding identity theft: 

 https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/media/37806/display

It Adds Transparency and Accountability

Every background check leaves a trail. When your identity is verified, it helps ensure the process is accountable, auditable, and fair. Should a dispute arise, everyone involved can look back and confirm who accessed what, and why.

This transparency doesn’t just protect the person being screened—it also protects you, the requester, by showing that your actions were lawful, ethical, and fully documented.

Can I confirm my identity another way?

Yes, you can download and fill out our Identity Validation Affidavit. 

You will be required to get the affidavit notarized. Once notarized, you can email your Affidavit to ShieldHub at compliance@shieldhub.com.  Your background check report can be ordered once the ShieldHub has verified your identity.

Please be aware that delays in submitting your Identity Verification Affidavit may delay your background check report.