Posted by jojo_MN on 9/11/12 2:15pm
Msg #433928

Here we go again. BGC - Equifax fyi

As a valued member of our preferred signing agent network, we are contacting you regarding a new requirement for our vendors. Equifax Inc. currently requires all of its employees, contractors and vendors to undergo a full background check. Due to variability in State reporting systems and licensing procedures, it is nearly impossible to validate their results and both Equifax Legal, as well as our clients, are now requiring third party background checks.

We have set up a website login with Lexis Nexis for the Equifax background check to be completed ASAP. Lexis Nexis will systemically report to Equifax the background check results for each signing agent. For document security purposes, Equifax cannot accept any existing Background checks via email, regardless of the effective date.

You will be receiving a communication from Lexis Nexis tomorrow. Upon receipt, please follow the instructions provided to order your background check. Again, it is imperative that we obtain the background check results as soon as possible to ensure your availability to receive Equifax orders.

Thank you for your prompt attention in helping us to obtain this important information for your ESS vendor profile.

ESS Closing Vendor Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I already have a background check through the NNA (or any other background screening company), will this be acceptable?

A: No. ESS is requiring all closing agents to complete a new background check through the provided Lexis Nexis URL.

Q: I just purchased a background check through Lexis Nexis a few months ago, will this be acceptable?

A: No. This new version of the Lexis Nexis background check is more extensive and goes into more detail, therefore all closing agents will be required to complete the new background check through the provided Lexis Nexis URL.

Q: Will I incur a cost when I order this new background check?

A: Yes, there is a small fee associated with the new Lexis Nexis background check.

Q: What is my username and password for the Lexis Nexis background check ordering website?

A: You have to create a new username and password for the website. Under the Log In button, you can click on the link that says “Click here to register as an appraiser/notary”. You will then be asked to enter your personal information and create a new username and password.

*If you have already received this notification, or if you have already ordered this new version of the Lexis Nexis background check, please disregard this notification*

**If you are an attorney, please disregard this notification**

Reply by Keys_Notary on 9/11/12 2:21pm
Msg #433929

They've been sending that out for two weeks. The check using their link is more, for the same service. There's a kickback obviously. Lexis Nexis said there is no difference in the two checks either.

Reply by SharonMN on 9/11/12 2:57pm
Msg #433933

I am willing to cooperate with any request from a legitimate client or prospective client to run a background check on me. However, I will not pay for such a check.

Reply by Buddy Young on 9/11/12 4:52pm
Msg #433953

If noone does this they won't have anyone to call.

Reply by 101livescan on 9/12/12 12:24am
Msg #434027

Yee haw, Buddy. I told them they don't send me enough work to justify this extra check.

Reply by Gregory/CA on 9/11/12 7:43pm
Msg #433984

I wish they had the following questions:

Do California Notaries Public, who are background checked by the CA Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, required to receive a background check from a third-party vendor?

and this one,

How will having so many Background Checks affect our credit standing? If ones credit are on a credit freeze do we need to pay the agency to release the freeze?

Wow, this can be expensive.

Reply by Yoli/CA on 9/12/12 3:47pm
Msg #434103

I did email them back and advised California notaries are required to undergo DOJ & FBI background checks and how much more extensive can they get. I also advised them I'd be willing to have the Lexis Nexis bgc if they are willing to pay for it as I haven't worked for ESS since October 2010 since they refuse to meet my fee (even tho they've called numerous times), which has not changed since then. Their vendor management responded today as follows:

"Hello,


Unfortunately, we cannot accept any background checks other than the new Lexis Nexis check. This new Lexis Nexis background check is what is required by ESS Legal Department and many of our clients. Also, ESS is not able to pay the fee for all of our vendors at this time. If we don’t have a completed copy of this background check on file for you, you will not be eligible to receive future work from ESS. I apologize for the inconvenience."

Reply by JDGATO on 9/12/12 4:42pm
Msg #434114

Count me out. Have only done one signing in the last year for them.