To help establish identity, ESR performs both the Social Security number (SSN) trace using a private sector database compiled from hundreds of different sources and Consent Based Social Security Number Verification Service (CBSV) directly with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Click on the links below for more information:

Social Security Number (SSN)

Trace Consent Based SSN Verification (CBSV)

Consider if employment credit reports are appropriate for certain positions within your organization.

ESR provides employment purpose credit reports that deliver a profile of the subject’s financial history for the past seven years, including charge-offs, collections accounts, public records, trade lines, bankruptcies, judgments and monthly payment histories. A credit report can reveal habits such as living beyond one’s means and ownership of large debts with no immediate method of repayment that may be indicators of financial irresponsibility that could affect the workplace.

Employers must use caution when deciding when to use credit reports to make sure that personal financial circumstances are related to the job function or security requirements.

It’s important to note that a number of states further restrict the use of credit reports for employment purposes. As a result, a consumer credit report should only be used when credit standing has a direct relationship and a demonstrated risk that is business related to the job class, role, or position being sought.

As of 2022, eleven states – California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington – and the District of Columbia have passed laws that restrict how employers can use credit reports for employment decisions. ESR has incorporated compliance with these restrictions into the ESR Assured Compliance® system, another no cost benefit to ESR’s solution that helps support employer compliance.