Privet! Well, its’ official. Fall is here. Hold on because soon we will start hearing about the Holidays. With all the craziness that is happening with our Financial markets it will be very interesting to see the impact that this will have on consumer confidence and Holiday shopping. Retail stores could be in for a hard winter.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you in Scottsdale at the NAPBS Mid-Year Conference. Please be sure to come by our booth to say hello and to try your luck at winning a Bose QuietComfort Headset. Also if you have not received a copy of our landmark publication, The Employment Screening Journal please come by and get one.

PS – Privet is hello in Russian

GOLD SPONSOR

Seven Companies Notified Of Possible Debarment For Knowingly Hiring Illegal Aliens

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has announced that it has notified seven companies of potential debarment from federal contracting because each has been found to be unlawfully employing persons without work authorization. Such notification has the following effects. Each company's name has been entered into the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), a web-based system that identifies parties suspended, debarred, proposed for debarment or otherwise excluded from receiving federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain types of federal financial and non-financial assistance and benefits. (The EPLS is at www.epls.gov) Each company is immediately prohibited from competing for new government contracts.

For More Information Go To: http://www.jacksonlewis.com/legalupdates/article.cfm?aid=1505

States That Ban Cell Phones While Driving

Since cell phones have become a necessity for today’s business professional and many of you travel across state lines we thought you would be interested in knowing those states that have banned the use of a cell phone when driving unless used with some form of hands-free kit. Hopefully this knowledge will keep you out of hot water with the law and more importantly keep you free of injuries.

To view the complete list go to: http://www.cellular-news.com/car_bans/

NAPBS Fall Conference - Report from Bruce Berg and Evan Zatt

The attendance at the conference grew by 15% over last year to 345 attendees. Originally, this mid-year conference was mostly an organizational meeting for the Board, the committees and the committee members, but has grown far beyond that to really become almost as much as the Spring conference. Sure there is time for the business part of NAPBS, but there were also two days of education tracks that were all very well attended. And, of course, networking, networking, networking; with other companies and with the 25 or so exhibitors who help support NAPBS and care enough to be there for NAPBS members. There was also some very effective after-hours social networking which is so much fun and so informative as well.

To Read the Full Report Go To: http://bergconsultinggroup.com/id67.html

What Companies Need To Know When Hiring A Screening Solutions Firm

For security directors and company executives, protecting a company’s people and assets encompasses the implementation of a wide variety of different solutions. For some this might be the addition of video surveillance or an employee card-based ID system. Still for others it might involve the use of information security policies to protect company data. Perhaps overlooked by some security directors, however, is the need to make sure the people working for the organization are honest, safe and legally qualified to work. One of the best ways that companies can make sure that its employees are on the “up and up” is to conduct background screenings on new employees in sensitive positions. More and more often, corporations turn to companies that specialize in such background screenings. However, before selecting a screening firm, companies must make sure the screening firm has the necessary tools at its disposal to ensure that the information about the potential hire is both timely and accurate.

For More Information Go To: http://www.securityinfowatch.com/online/The-Latest/Security-primer--Outsourcing-employee-background-checks/17923SIW306

Secure Identity Systems Helps Springfield State Bank Comply with Red Flag Regulations

Springfield State Bank, a bank serving Washington County, Ky., has signed Secure Identity Systems to help the bank move towards Red Flag compliance in time for the FTC's Nov. 1 deadline. As part of this, SIS will conduct an Initial Risk Assessment, develop a customized Policies & Procedures Manual, and provide New Account Authentication and Change of Address Verification for all consumer accounts. With the Initial Risk Assessment and Policies and Procedures Manual, Secure Identity Systems will evaluate Springfield State Bank's current identity protection strategies, as well as Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements, information security, and identity theft risk factors. They also will outline the measures the bank must implement to detect, prevent, and mitigate fraud. Secure Identity Systems' New Account Authentication will help Springfield State Bank take authentication beyond the standard two forms of ID. When a customer attempts to open a new account, SIS's solution instantly consults a series of databases, including the Social Security Administration, credit bureaus, and local property databases, for the most accurate and current information to authenticate the identity of the new account holder. SIS also provides USA Patriot Act compliance, checking customer ID information against OFAC and multiple other government watch lists.

Secure Identity Systems is the only company in the United States to offer financial institutions a complete, end-to-end solution for Red Flag compliance.

For more information about Secure Identity Systems' array of ID fraud protection services, including New Account Authentication, Anti-phishing Detection and Take-down, and mConfirm Authentication, visit www.SecureIdentitySystems.com.

Insights on Mergers & Acquisitions in These Challenging Financial Times
By Ken Will

The financial world is in turmoil and of course this is impacting the M&A market. If you are considering an acquisition, or selling, you must be asking whether this is the worst of times to make a move — or perhaps the best.

The picture I see, as an M&A Consultant, is a fascinating mixture of good and bad. Here are a few things I see happening:

• Instead of selling, companies under financial threat may seek mergers with other victims of the crisis. I am seeing
• quiet talks between struggling competitors, looking for ways to wring out the costs and create a new, stronger entity.
• Banks, not long ago, were pressuring struggling companies. However, recently, there’s been a dramatic reversal of attitude. The last things banks want today is a number of collapsing companies. You’ll find a more liberal attitude right now.
• The right acquisition can dramatically accelerate your company’s growth.

The most important benefit of a judicious acquisition or merger can be to “recalibrate” your business. Every healthy business has to redefine itself over and over again to flourish in a changing world. Acquisitions – mergers - and divestitures – can be a swift and powerful way to positively reinvent your company to meet new pressures and leverage new opportunities.

For confidential conversation regarding mergers, acquisitions and sales in the background screening/drug testing/occupational health industry contact Ken Will, AdMed Consulting at kenwill@btinet.net or 701-258-7127.

Platinum Member - HireRight, Inc, Named One of Human Resource ExecutiveÒ Magazine’s Top 10 HR Products of 2008

Earlier this month, Human Resource ExecutiveÒ magazine announced the winners of its 20th Annual Top HR and Top Training Products of the Year awards. Among the winners was HireRight, Inc.

Their winning product is HireRight Enterprise which is an enterprise-wide screening- management solution that allows users to request and oversee criminal-records searches, employment and education-history verifications, I-9s and credit reports, motor-vehicle records searches, drug tests and more. Searches can be international or state-specific. The dashboard -- a first for management of screening activities -- displays summaries and real-time progress on all requests, offers a library of letters and e-signatures for compliance and provides workforce analytics. The application can be integrated with other applicant-tracking systems.

SOURCE Human Resource Executive www.hrtechnologyconference.com

To Read The Full Article Go To: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/human-resource-executiver-magazine-announces,580955.shtml

Platinum Member - Verifications, Inc. Named to Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies for Second Consecutive Year

Verifications, Inc., (VI) appears on the recently released Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country for a second consecutive year. VI ranked seventh among Minnesota business services companies with three-year growth approaching 150%. VI finished in the top half of the Inc. 5000, a direct result of the company's continued organic growth. "Our inclusion in the Inc 5,000 for a second straight year is attributable to the dedication of the VI team, our comprehensive hiring process solutions and a single-minded commitment to our clients," explains Curt Marks, Verifications' Chief Executive Officer and President. "With the release of VI Applicant Manager, our unique web-based solution that enables employers to select, hire and onboard from a single platform, we're poised to continue our rapid growth." The 2008 Inc. 5000 list measures revenue growth from 2004 through 2007. To qualify, companies must be U.S.-based and privately held, independent - not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies - as of December 31, 2007, and have had at least $200,000 in revenue in 2004, and $2 million in 2007. More information about the 2008 Inc. 5000 can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

For More Information Go To: http://www.verificationsinc.com/newsletter/08082008/inc-5000.html?6350

GIS & Aithent Announce Partnership to Provide Integrated Producer Licensing & Background Screening

ServicesAithent Inc. ( www.aithent.com) and General Information Services, Inc. (GIS) ( www.geninfo.com) announce the launch of a strategic partnership between the Aithent Regulatory & Compliance Solutions (ARCS) group and the GIS Pangea for Insurance platform. Aithent and GIS will combine their leadership positions in the insurance licensing, onboarding and background screening markets to provide the industry with integrated products that will enable insurers, brokers, and agencies with a streamlined process to manage insurance licensing, background checks and appointments from a single compliance dashboard.

"We at GIS are delighted to be working closely with Aithent, the leader in the insurance regulatory and compliance software market, to deliver a powerful and flexible licensing solution to our clients and to the broader insurance compliance market." stated Raymond Conrad, CEO of GIS. "The time for user-friendly, integrated compliance tools has arrived and Aithent and GIS are proud to provide the first end-to-end solution that supports the ways in which our clients actually do business."

For more information about GIS and their products and services, please visit www.geninfo.com.

SOURCE: General Information Services, Inc.

Sponsored By:

FETCH Technologies

As the background screening industry continues to get more competitive the firms that will ultimately succeed will be those that create competitive advantage through their people by offering continuous learning opportunities to heightened their knowledge and capabilities. We believe that having employees that are very knowledgeable about the legal landscape of background screening is essential to continued success.

We are grateful to Pam Devata, Seyfarth Shaw LLP for providing the expertise for this valuable endeavor. For information regarding the answers to the Legal Challenge Questions, please contact Pamela Devata at Seyfarth Shaw LLP at pdevata@seyfarth.com or 312-460-5000 or visit www.seyfarth.com.

Please choose your answer by clicking on it:

When a reseller receives a consumer dispute fron a consumer it should: a) Fully investigate the dispute, after all a reseller is a type of CRA. b) Do nothing because it is a reseller, not a CRA. c) Pass on the dispute to the CRA. d) Both a and c.

2009 Budget Season is Here! We Specialize in Promoting the Products and Services of businesses in the Background Screening Industry. Advertise with us in 2009: The Background Buzz (special opportunity in Legal Challenge) PreemploymentDirectory.com eDirect Mail Announcements and Releases The Employment Screening Journal Special Promotional Releases of our Specialty Booklets (see example with Comprehensive Guide for Selecting a Background Screening Firm) Private Label Newsletter

WinOcular Applicant Tracking and Hiring Automation Technology Revolutionizes Hiring for School Districts

The WinOcular Hiring Automation and Applicant Tracking system will allow Region 10 to provide a nationally and regionally focused hiring portal for applicants to view postings and apply for jobs in all 80 school districts and charter schools served by the Regional ESC. “The focus on the applicants needs is a unique perspective offered by WinOcular,” states Dr. Williams. “Job seekers complete just one application and are immediately able to apply for jobs in every one of our Districts. This will save them time and improve their chances of being hired in Districts that meet their preferences.” WinOcular then integrates with an automated background checking systems to further qualify each applicant

.For More Information Go To: www.winocular.com or call Paul T. Montgomery, Director of Marketing, Combined Computer Resources, Inc. at 800.956.1866 x107

DOT Response to Comments and Decision on Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs

Having considered the comments, the Department remains convinced that conducting all return-to-duty and follow-up tests under DOT is the most prudent course from the viewpoint of safety. It is the method we have available today to deter and detect attempts to cheat, pending the availability of less intrusive alternative specimen testing methods. Under 40.67(b), there are no individuals who will be directly observed who have not already been subject to being directly observed under previous versions of Federal safety requirements by refusing to test, using illegal drugs, or otherwise breaching the rules. By this conduct, each of these individuals has shown a willingness to endanger public safety. Individuals in this category have a greater than average likelihood of using illegal drugs in the future and a higher than average motivation to cheat on a test. Under these circumstances, the Department is justified in regarding these individuals as having a reduced legitimate expectation of privacy, compared to covered employees in general. Given the increased availability of cheating products, compared to twenty years ago when Part 40 was first issued, the Department can properly adjust the balance between safety and privacy by making DO collections mandatory, rather than optional, in follow-up and return-to-duty testing.

For More Information Go To: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-25102.htm

ASIS International Releases Research Report on Strategies to Detect and Prevent Workplace Dishonesty
By Read Hayes, PhD

ASISEstimates reveal that between 40% and 50% of all business losses can be attributed to employee theft. Employers cannot afford to ignore this large-scale problem and should do everything in their power to create a workplace atmosphere that promotes honesty and encourages and rewards good behavior. They need to make it clear that dishonest behavior will be quickly detected and severely punished. This report provides research-informed, practical strategies to reduce counterproductive workplace behaviors, including thefts and frauds of all types. It describes factors that can lead to these behaviors, describes common employee theft and fraud methods, and analyzes selected prevention techniques, policies, and technologies. Regardless of their motivation, many employees are more likely to stray from acceptable behavior when an opportunity presents itself. If an employee perceives little chance of being caught, he or she may be more inclined to steal. This report provides employers in all types of businesses with ways to discover counterproductive and criminal employee behaviors and to prevent employees from even thinking of swaying from acceptable workplace norms. When implemented, the numerous strategies documented through research can prevent problems from occurring—and reoccurring.

For Read The Full Report Go To: http://www.asisonline.org/foundation/dishonesty.pdf

We can help you have a high quality e-newsletter to help nurture your relationship with your clients and attract new clients. Our customized newsletter service will take over your newsletter task or create a new one for you. We can manage the creation of your newsletter for you.

We are constantly researching information to use for The Background Buzz and you can put our research to use for you. Using the information rich content from The Background Buzz (minus the ads and competitors information) we will create a custom newsletter for you.

Use your staff’s time to do more valuable work and save all the hassle of researching or writing articles, formatting and managing all the other ezine tasks with our customized ezine process.

Contact Barry Nixon at 949-770-5264 or at wbnixon@aol.com for more information.

Looking for the Top Suppliers in the Industry? Need to find a new Supplier?

Visit PreemploymentDirectory.com’s VENDOR SHOWCASE which features suppliers to the Background Screening Industry (go to www.PreemploymentDirectory.com, click on ‘Click Here’ and then scroll down to Vendor Showcase for Background Screening Industry Suppliers)

Are you interested in keeping up with the latest developments on the world wide web and with web site technology from a business owner or business development perspective? If so you may want to sign up for Web Site Magazine. It is complimentary and written in a straightforward, easy to read and understand manner. It is published in hardcopy.

New Rules for Visiting the United Kingdom on Business

The United Kingdom Government has announced new rules for people who wish to visit and work in the UK for a period of six months or less. In a move intended to “safeguard the visitor route into the UK from abuse,” such individuals will now be required to apply for a dedicated new business visa, and provide proof that they will be carrying out specific activities during their stay in Britain. Those who wish visiting the UK on business for up to six months will now be required to:

• attend meetings or conferences;
• arrange deals, negotiate or sign trade agreement or contracts;
• undertake fact-finding missions, check details or goods; and
• conduct site visits and promotional activities.

For More Information Go To: http://www.workplacelaw.net/news/display/id/17115

Countries That Ban Cell Phones While Driving

The global trotting in the international marketplace has become an increasing reality for professional background screening firms and the use of cell phones is ubiquitous. Accordingly, we thought it was important for you to know those countries that have banned the use of a cell phone when driving unless used with some form of hands-free kit. Hopefully this knowledge will keep you out of hot water with local law enforcement and more importantly keep you free of injuries.

To view the complete list go to: http://www.cellular-news.com/car_bans/

Australia: Drug Testing In The Workplace

The Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) has recently foreshadowed significant developments in how employers should test employees for drug and alcohol use. On 25 August 2008, Senior Deputy President Hamberger of the AIRC determined a dispute between an employer (Shell) and a union (CFMEU) regarding drug and alcohol testing at the employer's oil refineries. His Honour concluded that the core issue is which test is more likely to indicate actual impairment and effect on the employee's performance at work, consequently, implementation of a urine based random drug testing regime would be unjust and unreasonable since it measured longer term effect which was less of a job related issue. This decision in the Shell case appears to foreshadow a shift in what is viewed by the AIRC as a reasonable method of testing for drug and alcohol impairment in employees.

For More Information Go To: http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=67276&email_access=on

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER We have enhanced our International Resource Center to be a valuable resource for anyone looking for information on doing international background verifications, vetting or screening. It includes information on international data protection and other laws, terrorist searches and much more. Also included is very practical information on time zones, locating cities, holidays in different countries, etc. New Information Added: This website's mission is to provide our visitors with comprehensive and up to date information on how to dial internationally from the USA, Canada or from any other country. Telephone country codes and international area codes are displayed by country, with additional info featured such as city and cellular codes, telephone books. In addition we provide a comprehensive list of country and exit codes. http://www.howtocallabroad.com/ International Training Resources We have added International Training Resources to the International Resource Center. We update this section monthly. Bookmark this valuable resource so you can quickly find the information you need. To view the International Section go to http://www.preemploymentdirectory.com/ look in the middle of the page for the gray bar like the one below.

Employee Fraud What Employers Can Do About It

Employee fraud is estimated to cost Australian businesses about $18 billion each year. But there are ways for businesses to curtail fraudulent conduct by employees and remedies to be taken when fraud occurs. Employee fraud has again hit the media spotlight with recent cases such as the rogue trader, Jerome Kerviel, who cost French bank, Société Générale, a record US$8.2 billon through unauthorised trades. Recently in Australia, senior staff at RailCorp in New South Wales allegedly defrauded the business of at least A$20 million and in another case, a St George Bank employee has been charged with defrauding the bank of A$1.4 million over eight years. The major challenge with corporate fraud is that the people doing the defrauding are experts in their field. They know their companies inside out. They know the computer systems and they know exactly what to do and how to hide it. The failure of companies to demonstrate a hard line on fraud and control the problem, creates added temptation for employees who are convinced they can succeed in their fraudulent activities.

Firms should take specific steps to deter, detect and address fraud including recognizing the very real threat that fraud poses to the business; addressing fraud prevention as a strategic corporate issue; establish a clear policy focused on reducing, as much as possible, employee fraud.

For More Information Go To: http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=67008&email_access=on

Security: Stop, thief?

If you think your business is unlikely to endure a criminal act, think again. Across Canada last year, businesses reported 69,000 break-and-enters alone. Identity theft costs companies and consumers an estimated $2 billion annually, according to the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus. Cybercrime—including hacking, “phishing” and the use of spyware—is growing exponentially as thieves realize the value of sensitive information on the black market. In May, the Canadian Association of Police Boards, which represents police-oversight boards, said its own surveys of the public and police plus numerous other studies suggest that cybercrime is close to becoming the No. 1 crime category in Canada. To make things worse, the bad guys (and girls) are increasingly operating in teams and deploying modern technologies to more effectively relieve small businesses of everything from scrap metal to credit-card numbers. Although there’s no definitive figure for the cost of crime to Canadian companies, it clearly runs into the many billions of dollars—even before the cost of ruined corporate reputations is factored in. The first step in breaking free of such dangerous complacency is to admit that it’s not a question of if, but when your firm will be a target. Police and security analysts recommend a layered approach to security, so that you’re not counting on just one or two barriers to do the job.

For More Information Go To: http://www.canadianbusiness.com/entrepreneur/technology/article.jsp?content=20
081001_198701_198701&page=1

Europe At Risk Of Recession

Growth prospects are being revised downwards, industrial production is shrinking and unemployment is likely to rise, according to The Global Competitiveness Report 2008-2009 from the World Economic Forum (WEF). The global financial crisis will have profound effects on Europe and its consequences on the real economy are still unfolding, according to a new report from the WEF. The report highlights that the contagion effects of the financial meltdown will affect the real economy of the region. In Western Europe, growth prospects are being revised downwards, industrial production is decreasing in several countries and unemployment is likely to increase. The report examines the global risks most pertinent to Europe, Russia, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Central Asia.

For More Information Go To: http://www.strategicrisk.co.uk/story.asp?source=srbreakingnews&storycode=374964 or to http://www.weforum.org/pdf/GCR08/GCR08.pdf

EU's Criminal Records Information System Needs Solid Infrastructure Says European Data Protection Supervisor

On 16 September 2008, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) adopted an opinion on a proposal for a Council Decision on the establishment of an electronic European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS). The Decision is part of a package designed to help EU Member States to share the criminal records of their citizens and exchange information on past criminal convictions. Peter Hustinx, Supervisor, says: "The processing of personal data relating to criminal convictions is of a sensitive nature, and the confidentiality and integrity of criminal records data sent to other Member States must be guaranteed. It is therefore paramount that high standards of data protection be applied to the functioning of the system, which should ensure a solid technical infrastructure, a high quality of information and an effective supervision."

For More Information Go To: http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=17359

BDO Stoy Hayward Releases 5th Annual Fraud

Track Profile of Reported Fraud January 2008 saw the release of the fifth edition of FraudTrack, the annual report based upon extensive research conducted throughout 2007 by BDO Stoy Hayward compared with the experiences of their own fraud investigation team. As predicted, the economic tide has turned. Whilst challenging market conditions aren’t good for the economy, they are certainly great for fraud investigators.

Key findings so far in 2008:

• Reported fraud cost UK businesses over £705m – 74 per cent increase on the same period last year.
• Fraud in the Financial Services sector accounts for more than £636m, 90 per cent of the total cost and a 15 fold increase on sector fraud levels last year.
• Employee fraud increased from 2.5 per cent to 11 per cent of all fraud.
• Management fraud accounts for 46 per cent of fraud cases and third-party fraud accounts for 32 per cent, costing businesses a total of £541m.
• At 36 per cent, greed is still the main motive for fraud. Debt is a close second at 25 per cent followed, interestingly, by gambling at 24 per cent.
• The value of reported fraud in April 2008 alone was £317m.

The combination of spiralling personal debt and desperate employees spells real danger forbusiness. Businesses need to be extremely diligent in their recruitment processes ensuring theyhave a solid first line of defence against fraud.This is not to say that common motives won’tcorrupt the most trustworthy employees, keep appraised of any strange or unusual changes inan employee’s lifestyle.

To Read The Full Report Go To: www.bdo.co.uk/Fraudtrack or for more information contact Simon P Bevan, Partner, Head of Fraud Services Unit at simon.p.bevan@bdo.co.uk

We invite you to pull up a chair, take a break and join us in the Background Bistro to sip a latte and chat with this weeks guest – Paige Arrington.Today we have the privilege of talking with Page Arrington, Vice President of Marketing for G.A Public Records Service, Inc.

When not working, Page has a variety of activities to keep her busy. For the past two years, Page has been moonlighting as a wedding planner. "I have done five in the past two years and I really enjoy it. It is a very interesting industry and I would not mind doing it full-time one day. I love to create a unique situation for the couple. Weddings can be the same and I like to create something really different that the bride can enjoy and remember for the rest of her life," states Page.

2008 Events (Click Here to View full list of 2008 Events) – Updated Monthly

SHRM State Conferences, visit http://www.shrm.org/conferences/state/CMS_004287.asp

Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA), 2008 Training Course Schedule, visit http://datia.org/

National Association for Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), 2008 Webinar Schedule, visit http://www.napbs.com/content.php?id=289

World Federation for Personnel Management, Events, http://www.wfpma.com/dates.html