TAMARA S.
This is a nightmare
This is a nightmare. Started process on April 8, 2026. They cannot check or verify anything! They have requested paystubs for current job, paystubs from previous jobs, W-2 from 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 20215. Then requested TAX RETURNS for 2020 through 2025! Later asked for copies of my degrees, followed by names, email addresses, physical addresses, and phone numbers of contact person at each school that I attended back to high school - I graduated in 1986, I have no idea who to contact at this point. They asked for copies of my driver's license - twice, front and back, social security card, birth certificate - then marriage certificate 'because my name didn't match my driver's license.' On May 5, 2026, they announce that there is an error with my date of birth and are unable to complete a background check! I then had to reapply on their website. Their website would not allow me to access the application claiming that I already had an application in process. After talking with a person who claimed to be customer service, who hardly understood the English language, and arguments that I would not download specific browsers that I refuse to use, as they are not trustworthy, they finally said to close my current browser, clear cache, and reopen. (I did not). Amazingly, I was able to reapply on their website. Again, they have requested me to give them my driver's license, birth certificate, marriage license, and social security card again! Now they are stating that they will not be able to complete the request until on or about MAY 26, 2026! Best part, they are waiting on a return of background checks on aliases - one I have not had since I was 2 MONTHS old, another that I have not had since I was 4 YEARS, and another that I have not used since I divorced over 30 YEARS ago! What could I have done as a 2 MONTH old infant that would affect my background check??? I went and paid for a background check on my own on April 29 with another company, just out of curiosity. I got my background report yesterday, complete with criminal history, education, and work history. Best part, they only wanted a copy of my driver's license and my signed consent! no tax returns, paystubs, etc. Sterling and First Advantage are concerningly incompetent, have reprehensible communication skills, ignominious research teams - if any; and a lack of concern of care for those that are forced to use their services. At this point, I am considering looking for other employment options as anyone who uses these services are obviously not capable of seeing the ineffectiveness of Sterling and First Advantage. If you are ever asked to use this company for employment - LOOK FOR ANOTHER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY and RUN!