SentryLink Background Check Review 2024

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Available Searches

• Background Search

Built upon the social security number tracing tool, SentryLink’s background search function is an exhaustive aggregator which pulls a wealth of useful information from databases around North America. The search returns information including names, associated names, and a full address history for the target.

• Criminal Background Search

The criminal background check included in the SentryLink toolkit is a nationwide analysis of the criminal record of any given candidate. With the right information, SentryLink can search a number of databases  maintained at the county and federal levels. The report will provide  standard background check information including  date, record number, description and sentencing information for each individual offence. . Individual comments and release descriptions are also held on file and can be included in the report.

Case Study

To assess the validity and accuracy of SentryLink’s services we attempted to find the information about its Chief Information Officer Frank McLean. Unfortunately, SentryLink doesn’t offer free trials or basic search facilities to non-paying customers, and we were unable to run a search. The tool is designed for use at a personal or corporate level. This means that in order to conduct a search one has to be in possession of a piece of the target’s private data, such as drivers license number or social security number. If you do sign up for a membership, you can expect the search to be conducted simply and easily. With the data based nature of the system, results will appear within seconds.

Fees

• National Criminal Background Check: $19.95
• Driving Records: $19.95
• SSN Trace and Validation: $7.00

If you are looking for a more in-depth report, and one that focuses on an individual's legal history, a single criminal background check report may be purchased for $19.95. Despite not having a free trial or membership opportunity, discounts are available for corporate or high volume checks. Additionally, driving records are available from $19.95 to $31.95 depending on the state. The SSN Trace and validation service is available for $7.00. 

Methodology

SentryLink doesn’t offer any verification features which means that the majority of its reports are available instantaneously. Social Security Traces (Background Checks) consult a national database and will return basic information (names, addresses etc.) on the same day they are ordered. More extensive information including the property/driving records may require up to three business days for the SentryLink research team to fully analyze.

Reliability

SentryLink has a long history of delivering fast and accurate reports to clients around North, South, and Central America. With more than 500 million records in the criminal database, aggregated from federal records, the SentryLink data is unrivalled in its clarity. Online reviews of the Maryland-based background check company are almost universally positive, and commend the service for its no-nonsense approach to reporting. Only the most relevant and useful information is included within the clients’ reports.

Safety & Security

SentryLink is a company with a long history of ensuring data security and client confidentiality. The website is protected by a Deluxe SSL certificate,  affording the data portal an incredible level of encryption security to ensure that no data can be leaked or intercepted. All customers are given private credentials for account access.

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Customer Support

The automated nature of SentryLink’s reports ensures a smooth and hassle-free process though the customer support team is available to assist with problems between 9am - 6pm (EST). E-mail is the quickest and most effective method to reach customer service through a support ticket system. The company also maintains a retail outlet in Greenbelt Maryland with a reliable customer service team.

Bottom Line

SentryLink is one of the oldest and most successful background screening agencies on the internet. The crowning feature of the Maryland-based outfit is the Criminal Background Check, though the Social Security Trace and Driving Records are also comprehensive systems. The SentryLink website might look a little dated to modern users but it runs on a powerful engine that delivers excellent results.