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Background Investigations in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley
I am a licensed private investigator based in Loudoun County. I conduct pre-employment and pre-volunteer background checks and investigations matched to the risk level of the position, such as roles that handle money. I also conduct background investigations of executives, senior leaders, and people running for office.
I am Zach Baumgart, a Virginia-licensed private investigator, Certified Fraud Examiner, and former federal criminal investigator. I run every background check myself. About me
Why Choose B Safe Advisor Group over Online Automated Background Checks
Online Automated Background Checks
- Run the biographical data entered through FCRA-compliant data sources and, potentially, open-source investigative tools
- Conduct no interviews
- Send no follow-up or clarifying questions to the subject
- Provide results that are not reviewed or analyzed by a human
- Can lead to false positives or missed derogatory information because of name misspellings, name changes, name formatting issues, or frequent address changes
B Safe Advisor Group
- Every background check is conducted by me
- Extensive experience conducting interviews, locating witnesses, analyzing records and data sources, and developing fact-based information through all-sources intelligence analysis
- Subject interviews at Level 2 and above, and witness interviews at Level 3 and above
- Results reviewed and analyzed by me, not software
- After I deliver the report, I am directly available to answer questions and address concerns
When considering a background investigation service for potentially high-risk, high-profile, or important positions, put your trust in a real person who will go the extra mile, identify that extra witness, or leverage advanced skills and knowledge to get you the facts needed to make the right decisions.
Levels of Background Investigation
Whether you need a basic background check or a comprehensive investigation, I offer the service you need.
Level 1: Basic
- Identity verification
- Address verification
- Criminal history check and civil court record check (nationwide)
- Employment verification (up to two most recent employers)
- Professional license check
- Open-source and social media research
- Watch-lists, sex offender registries, and similar registry checks
Level 2: Enhanced
Everything in Level 1, plus a pre-interview of the subject to develop additional leads and information to advance the background investigation.
Level 3: Full
Everything in Levels 1 and 2, plus:
- Degree verification
- Interviews of witnesses, both professional and personal, to verify personal and professional details and to identify any previously unknown misconduct
This level is well suited to vet executive and senior leader subjects.
Level 4: Comprehensive
Everything covered in Levels 1, 2, and 3, plus a federal-style background investigation:
- Obtain and validate all personal details going back ten years
- Verify all academic achievements
- Analyze open-source records and proprietary data sources to develop a comprehensive set of facts about the subject
This level is best suited for non-employment matters such as people running for office, potential business partners, or as a part of business due diligence.
FCRA and Background Investigations
When the FCRA Applies
Background investigations that comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) are mandatory when the results will be used for employment, volunteer positions, or appointments to organization boards.
Level 1, 2, and 3 background investigations can be completed as FCRA-compliant.
When It Does Not
Non-FCRA background investigations are most often used for risk management, fraud prevention, due diligence, vetting of people running for office, or vendor screening.
Level 1, 2, and 3 background investigations can also be completed as non-FCRA.
Due to the extensive data sources needed to conduct a Level 4 background investigation, it can only be completed for non-FCRA purposes.
Who I Serve
Organizations
Businesses (medical offices, law and financial offices, retail spaces, and restaurants and bars), nonprofits, schools, childcare facilities, houses of worship, political campaigns, or any entity or organization that conducts business due diligence or vendor screening, hires or promotes staff, or places volunteers.
Individuals and Families
Families that hire household staff, and families screening current and future employees.
What You Receive
A Written Report
I provide a written report that states what I verified, what I could not verify, and any discrepancies or concerns.
Analysis You Can Use
I explain what the findings mean for the position. The hiring or volunteer decision remains yours.
Answers After Delivery
After I deliver the report, I am available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
How It Works
Initial Consultation
A confidential consultation by phone or virtual meeting lasting about 15 minutes. The consultation is complimentary.
Scope and Contract
I recommend the level of investigation for the position, and a written contract sets out the scope and terms.
Screening and Findings
I conduct the investigation, analyze the results, and provide a written report of my findings.
Ready to talk it through? The initial consultation is complimentary.
My Experience
As a federal criminal investigator, I spent 17 years investigating fraud, misconduct, and other serious allegations, including leading internal affairs and administrative investigations of allegations against law enforcement officers, senior officials, and political appointees. I now bring that experience to background investigations as a Virginia-licensed private investigator and Certified Fraud Examiner.
Where I Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Which level and type of background investigation do I need?
It depends on the position and on whether the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) applies. A volunteer, a bookkeeper, and an executive do not carry the same risk, so I match the level of the investigation to the role. During the consultation, you and I decide which level and type of investigation best fits the position, meets your needs, and stays within your budget and timelines.
Who do you screen?
I screen subjects for employment and volunteer positions with organizations, potential business partners, people running for office, businesses and vendors, and household staff of families and individuals.
What will the subject be asked to do?
The subject signs a consent form, which may need to be notarized, and completes a biographical form. At Level 2 and above, I also interview the subject.
How long does a background investigation take?
The length of a background investigation depends on the type of investigation, the level of cooperation of the subject, and the complexity of the subject's background.
For example, Level 1 and Level 2 FCRA-compliant investigations are typically completed in five and seven business days, respectively. Alternatively, a Level 3 or 4 investigation takes at least three and up to four weeks to complete, depending on the circumstances.
Expedited turnaround times are available for an additional fee.
What happens if the check turns up something concerning?
I report the facts I verified, what I could not verify, and any discrepancies. I explain what they mean for the position. The decision is yours. If the FCRA applies, it sets steps you must follow before acting on a report.
Will my results stay confidential?
Yes. Your initial consultation, the subject's information, and my report remain confidential. I share findings only with you or as the law requires.
Can you screen subjects who live or worked outside Virginia?
Yes. Criminal and civil court record checks are nationwide, and I can verify employment and education wherever the subject lived or worked. Interviews can be conducted by phone or virtually.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the level and type of background investigation. I offer discounts for contracts of multiple background investigations, either simultaneously or over a specific period of time.
- Level 1 FCRA-compliant background investigation: $250 per subject
- Level 2 FCRA-compliant background investigation: $500 per subject
- Level 3 FCRA-compliant background investigation: $1,750 per subject
The complexity and depth of a Level 4 investigation make the costs impossible to estimate without knowing the details of the proposed investigation. Please contact me directly to discuss costs for a Level 4 investigation. There is no charge for the initial consultation and the proposal.
Note: All costs provided above are estimates and may change based on your specific requirements and needs.
Related Services
Each of my services is available individually or as part of a Security Director on Demand contract. Background investigations often connect directly to other services I offer, including private investigations and threat investigations. See my full list of services.