Why the SSN Trace Matters in Background Checks

When conducting a background check it's important to ensure the process is accurate, fair, and compliant. One key tool in achieving that is the SSN Trace (Social Security Number Trace).

While it may seem like a behind-the-scenes step, the SSN Trace plays a crucial role in verifying identity, guiding the scope of the background check, and helping ensure the information reported is correct and relevant. It supports both the organization requesting the report and the individual being screened.

Here’s why the SSN Trace is a vital part of any responsible background check.

It Ensures Accuracy and Completeness of the Background Check

ShieldHub background checks rely on jurisdictional county-level criminal records, which are not stored in a single national database. The SSN Trace provides:

• A list of all addresses historically linked to the individual

• Alias names or alternative spellings associated with their SSN

Why does that matter?

Because if a candidate lived in five states over the past 10 years, but the background check only searches one, you’re missing potential data. The SSN Trace informs where to search, ensuring a more complete and accurate background check.

Without it, you risk:

• Overlooking disqualifying records in unsearched jurisdictions

• Incorrectly matching criminal history to the wrong individual due to name duplication
  
  

In short, the SSN Trace helps direct the search to where the data actually is—minimizing both false negatives and false positives.

It Protects the Rights and Identity of the Individual Being Screened

Background checks can have serious consequences, especially when used for employment, housing, or credit decisions. The SSN Trace protects the subject by:

• Helping confirm that records are matched to the correct person, not someone with a similar name

• Preventing false assumptions based on outdated or unrelated data

• Detecting signs of identity theft, such as an SSN associated with multiple names or suspicious address patterns

This step ensures the background check is being performed on the right person, preserving fairness and protecting the subject from mistaken identity or outdated information influencing life-changing decisions.

It Supports Legal Compliance and Regulatory Obligations

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and related state laws, background check providers are required to:

• Ensure maximum possible accuracy in consumer reports

• Use reasonable procedures to match records correctly to individuals

• Notify consumers of adverse actions based on background findings

The SSN Trace contributes directly to these obligations by anchoring the background check in verifiable, consistent personal identifiers. It helps avoid compliance pitfalls like:

• Mismatched records (which can lead to lawsuits or FCRA violations)

• Incomplete searches

• Failure to provide required disclosures or proper notice

Using an SSN Trace is a compliance safeguard—for both the background check provider and the organization using the report.

It’s Not Just About Data—It’s About Due Diligence

In an era where data privacy, fairness, and legal compliance are under intense scrutiny, every component of a background check must serve a purpose. The SSN Trace does exactly that—it creates a solid foundation for the rest of the screening process.

It’s how you:

• Protect the rights of the person being screened

• Ensure the background check is accurate and legally sound

• Reduce risk for your organization or decision-making process