General FAQ’s
We’ve been conducting our own background checks in-house for years, why should we outsource?
Simply put, background checks are what we do at Mega Group Online! You know how time consuming all that research is and from time to time you have probably wondered about the legality of some of the tricky situations that come up—we are here to save you time and keep up with the ever-changing legal compliance required for background screening. In addition, because we know the tricks of the trade and can use our volume power to negotiate rates, we can get you the information you need faster and more economical than ever!
What is your typical turn round time?
Turn around times for background reports vary depending largely on the information requested; however, at Mega Group Online we strive to complete reports instantly for Tenant Screening, about 48 hours for Drug Testing and 3 business days or less for Pre-Employment Screening purposes. Many searches, such as Credit Reports and Criminal Database reports are instant so you can begin to see a picture of your Candidate forming right away even if other elements of the report are still pending.
Do you offer volume discounts or special packages?
Mega Group Online wants to offer all of our clients the best background screening experience possible and to do that, we consider each of our clients needs on a case-by-case basis. All of our clients receive volume discount benefits when they order 500 or more reports per calendar year and of course, the higher the volume the greater the discounts.
Many of our clients prefer the simplicity and consistency of creating packages for background screening; whereas others enjoy the flexibility of ordering reports via an a la carte plan. Of course, we have a few clients who want it both ways and we are always happy to accommodate whatever ordering method works best for you so please contact us at 818-392-5740 so we can begin to design the easiest most cost effective plan for you!
Is it true that I have to have a site inspection if I want to receive Credit Reports as part of my background report?
In an effort to protect the personal information contained in Credit reports, Mega Group Online is required by the national credit bureaus to conduct site inspections prior to granting access to applicant credit information. These inspections are timed to accommodate your schedule as much possible and can generally be completed within a week of initiating the process. The inspection is conducted by a trained third party who knows exactly what the credit bureaus are looking for so it can be as quick and painless as possible for you.
I’ve heard Criminal Database searches are a bad background screening method—why do you still conduct them?
It is true that conducting your criminal research on-site at the court house is by far the safest and most legally compliant method of conducting criminal research – while Criminal Database information in notorious for being out of date, incomplete, and simply wrong. However, when used in tandem, you can get a more comprehensive background report without a significant increase in cost or turn around time. Mega Group Online always recommends that you conduct on-site County Criminal searches in all counties an applicant has resided in within the last seven years; but what if your applicant found themselves in legal trouble while on vacation or in a neighboring county? A Criminal Database search can help you detect those hard to find records that an applicant may think are too hidden for you to find!
Employment Background Screening FAQ’s
I know there are many laws that govern the pre-employment screening process; will Mega Group Online keep me in compliance with these laws?
Keeping our clients legally compliant is one of Mega Group Online’s most important jobs! We keep up to date with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) as well as a multitude of other State and Federal regulations and pass that information along to you—our partner in the background screening process. All our documents are reviewed by attorneys specializing in employment law and through this diligence, we protect your applicants’ rights as well as your best interests as an employer.
What is an Authorization to Obtain a Consumer Report and when do I need one?
An Authorization to Obtain a Consumer Report (Authorization) is a consent form you are required to have your applicant sign prior to initiating an employment background check. Not only does this form solicit consent to conduct the background check, it also informs your applicant of his or her rights regarding the information obtained.
I received the completed report on my applicant and based on the results, I no longer want to consider him—do I have to tell him why?
Yes. You are required by the FCRA to notify an applicant that you are taking adverse action as a result of the information contained in the Consumer Report prepared by Mega Group Online. You must also provide the applicant with a copy of the report and give him an opportunity to correct any inaccurate information contained in it.
My applicant is disputing an item in his background report, what do we do now?
When you sent your pre-adverse action notification to you applicant, you included a copy of Mega Group Online’s report, which contained information on how to contact us. He should contact us as 323-664-4600 and ask to initiate a dispute and we will take it from there. In compliance with FCRA rules, we will re-verify the disputed information and notify both you and your applicant of our findings.
My applicant has lived abroad; can Mega Group Online conduct a background check in another country?
Absolutely! Mega Group Online is fully capable of working in an global capacity and is more than happy to do everything from verifying education to researching criminal records internationally. Turn around times and costs vary depending on what kinds of research you are interested in and what country we need to go to for it, so please contact us to discuss your specific international needs.
Tenant Screening FAQ’s
I’m a property owner with only own 4 units. Is Mega Group Online right for me?
Absolutely, Mega Group Online is skilled at assisting clients of all sizes. Whether you are renting your second home or are a nationwide property management firm, we have a solution to fit your needs. Because we assign an account manager to every one of our clients, large or small, you can rest assured that the quality of our service is always our priority.
How should I consider elements of credit reports?
Set a standard that allows you to judge all applicants equally. This will make sure that Fair Housing rules are not going to be breached in regards to credit.
What should I consider when looking at a FICO score?
If you are allowed to use a FICO score, check what the average score is for tenancy in that region. Also, FICO scores are accompanied by reasons why that score was not higher. At times, these reasons may be more useful than the actual FICO.
How far back are bankruptcies reported?
Bankruptcies beyond 7 years are generally not reported.
How can an Evictions search help me in finding a suitable tenant?
Evictions searches allow you to deny tenancy anyone who has previously been evicted AND it went on their record.
What does is mean when an individual has no credit or SSN history?
No credit or SSN history may be due to young age or recent immigration.
What should be considered when accepting tenancy based on combining the income of 2 earners?
Combining the income of 2 earners is generally accepted if the income to rent ratio is not met as a single unit. But you must also consider what the consequences would be if one of the earners was to move out.
What things should be considered when verifying income?
First, you want to think about whether it is good enough to call an employer based on the info provided by the applicant. You may need to check with a reputable listing to verify the number if you plan to call the employer yourself. If you want additional verification, consider asking for recent payments to corroborate information. If the applicant is or was self-employed you can ask for their tax return to confirm.
Does the source of income play a big role?
Rules vary by state, so you should check with your governing body. However, generally no sources of income are distinguished. In other words, whether their income comes from a federal program, a passive investment, or a trust – all are suitable sources of income.
What difficulties may I run into if I choose to make reference calls?
Whether it is a prior landlord/property owner, professional reference, or personal reference, sometimes they just are not willing to participate. Particularly, prior landlords tend to stay away from disclosing whether a tenant is problematic. This can occur for several reasons such as the current landlord wants the applicant off their property, or they feel it is better to not get involved.
Are there any suggestions that may be helpful in making a decision?
It is always important to consider mitigating issues. Consider employment longevity and income to debt ratio.
Scoring Model – What is it?
The scoring model is a risk assessment tool that takes detailed decision making and turns it into a streamlined assessment tool that also aids in keeping you compliant with FHA rules and regulations.
How does it work?
A scoring model is a formula that assigns points based on known information to predict an unknown outcome. As a client, you can set your own parameters of what is acceptable, not acceptable, or contingent. These parameters are then transformed into a formula that will be used to predict whether the individual is a candidate based on your criteria.
I have been told I can’t obtain credit reports, what can the scoring model do for me?
Not a problem! This tool was built with you in mind. Since credit bureaus now require site inspections in order to obtain credit reports, many find that they
are no longer able to obtain these reports. This tool allows you to obtain this information without having to pass inspections. You will not be receiving a full credit report, but the credit information will be used in making decisions based on your criteria. This way, any information you know is going to negatively affect your decision will be accounted for without infringing on any FCRA laws and regulations.
Drug Screening FAQ’s
Why drug test?
Having a well established drug testing program can deter employees from abusing alcohol and drugs, prevent hiring individuals who use illegal drugs, be able to identify early and appropriately refer employees who have drug and/or alcohol problems, provide a safe workplace for employees, and protect the general public and instill consumer confidence that employees are working safely.
How long will it take to receive my results?
Drug Tests generally take 24 to 72 hours to complete. If, however, a test has to undergo any further testing or reviewed by an MRO then it may take longer. Our office will be more than happy to assist you to determine the status of any outstanding tests.
Which is the most common drug testing method used?
One of the most common screening methods, urine testing is an accurate and reliable way to detect casual drug use that occurred within the last 72 hours.
What drugs are commonly tested?
The most commonly tested drugs are Amphetamines (Amphetamine and Methamphetamine), Cocaine Metabolite, Marijuana Metabolites, Opiates (Codeine and Morphine) and Phencyclidine.
What do I need?
All drug tests require a chain of custody form (which we provide) from a qualified drug-testing laboratory. You will need to select the reason for the test as well as the test code on the form when you send the applicant to the testing facility.
What does the donor need?
The donor will need to have their copy of the chain of custody form in hand when they go to the collection site as well as a photo ID to present to the collector.
What is a Chain of Custody form?
Chain of custody is the process of ensuring and providing documentation of proper specimen identification and handling from the time of collection to the receipt of laboratory results.
What is the difference between a DOT drug test and a Non-DOT drug test?
A DOT drug screen tests a specimen for five drugs—opiates, PCP, amphetamines/methamphetamines, marijuana and cocaine. A DOT-approved chain-of-custody form is used during the collection process, a split sample is collected and the specimens are forwarded to the laboratory for testing. Following the MRO’s review, results are reported to the designated reporting agency. A non-DOT drug screen can be expanded into a 10-panel drug screen by testing for the above five drugs and adding barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone and propoxyphene.
Is it possible to beat a drug test?
The only 100 percent guaranteed method to pass a screening is to avoid using illegal drugs. Laboratories test for the presence of substances intended to alter test results. Laboratories can now detect if an individual took a substance to alter results or has diluted the specimen by drinking lots of water. Occasionally, a subject may also attempt to substitute a counterfeit urine specimen or other liquid, but this too can be detected.
What are random drug tests?
Random drug tests are used by employers as a preventive tool to try and discourage drug use in the workplace. Random drug testing is a scientific process that selects employees for drug testing on a monthly or quarterly basis. Department of Transportation regulations require all DOT regulated employees in safety sensitive positions to be in a random population and Mega Group can make this process easier by managing your random population and performing your selections for you. Employers that are not subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations can utilize Mega Group to setup and manage their random programs as well. Random testing programs have proven effective in reducing workplace incidents and lowering worker’s compensation claims, saving employers money.
