Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Airfactz prides itself on great customer communication.  As part of this goal, we want to answer your questions.  Below you will see a list of Frequently Asked Questions that has been asked by both clients and prospective clients.  If you do not see the answer to your question, please contact us and submit a question or give us a call and we will make sure your question is answered.   

General

1. Why should I use Airfactz?

2. How do I sign up for your services?

3. How do I reach Airfactz?

4. Are there any monthly minimums or fees?

5. What is your billing policy and what forms of payments do you accept? 

6. What are your turnaround times for application processing?

7. How do I find out more about your compliance and privacy policies?

8. How do I find out more about your partner organizations?

9. Why do I need to have my place of business inspected before I can receive credit reports on my applicants?

10. Do I have to sign a membership contract when I sign up with Airfactz?

11. What do you charge for your services?

12. How long from the time I send in my membership application can I start sending in applications for screening?

13. What is the difference between a "masked" and "non-masked" report?

 

Current Clients

1. How do I set up an online account?

2. Which version of your website do I log onto?

3. Will I still have access to my old applications on Version 1.0 after I'm converted to Version 2.0?

4. How do I update my account information online?

5. Where can I go to see all of the different services that Airfactz offers?

6. What is an Adverse Action Letter?

7. What is the online application?


Applicants

1. How do I dispute inaccurate information?

2. How can I obtain a free copy of my credit report if I was denied?

 

 

General

1. Why should I use Airfactz?    Top

Because we are quick, accurate, and our customer service is unparalleled. 

To be more specific:

  • Our reports are polished, accurate, and delivered to you quickly
  • Our background screeners are well-seasoned professionals
  • Our overhead is low, which means our prices are competitive
  • We are easy to deal with: 
    • When you call our Spokane Valley, Washington office, your questions will be answered by a "real" person, not an automated system
    • We all share the genuine desire to please our customers

 

2. How do I sign up for your services?   Top

You may call us at 1-800-729-7776 X 5.  Or, follow these simple steps:

I. Please see the Airfactz Membership Checklist for the required paperwork

II. Complete the Membership Application and other required paperwork

III. Return the completed paperwork to Airfactz through one of the following avenues:

A)    Scan, then email to air@airfactz.com  or

B)    Mail the application to  PO Box 141875 Spokane Valley, WA 99214  or

C)    Fax the application to 509-928-7903 or 800-290-7031

Once we receive your application, we will create your account and you will be given an Airfactz Membership Packet.  Please be sure to completely fill out all the paperwork on the application in order to avoid delays in processing.

 

3. How do I reach Airfactz?    Top

Email:   air@airfactz.com

Phone:  800-729-7776

Fax:      800-290-7031

Mail: PO Box 141875,  Spokane Valley, WA 99214

 

4. Are there any monthly minimums or fees?    Top

No!  We make it easy and cost-effective for anyone to use our services.  We do not want to create any obstacles for our clients.  We believe our services offer an extremely effective way to protect you and your investments, regardless of how many times you use our services. The bottom line is you pay only for the reports you request and need.  No monthly fees, no minimum charges, no paying for extra services you don't need.  Pay for exactly what you want and need, and nothing more.

 

5.What is your billing policy and what forms of payments do you accept?    Top

Billing procedures are established at the time of account setup.  We offer billing per application, which is recommended for customers who use our services infrequently.  Another option for those who use our services routinely is monthly billing that can be broken up by location for easier bookkeeping.  No matter what your preference, we can work together to make a smooth process that is beneficial for both parties.

In terms of payment options, we accept checks, cashier's checks, and debit/credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover).  For those who are interested, we are able to keep a credit card on file and have it billed monthly for any reports that have been run.

 

6. What are your turnaround times for application processing?    Top

The amount of time it takes for us to turn a report around is very dependent on the type of report and the services contained in the report.  The more in-depth reports, and those that require verifications from outside parties, are dependent on the timely response of those we are contacting. Fortunately, we are good at what we do and are nearly always able to return completed reports to you within at least 2 business days.  However, should anything take longer, we will contact you directly and make a note of the reason for the delay on the report.

 

Turnaround Times for Selected Application Processing

Short Report

Full Report

Preferred Report

within one business day

within one to two business days

within two to three business days

 

 

7. How do I find out more about your compliance and privacy policies?    Top

Compliance is a very important aspect of background screening and something that we take very seriously.  For more information, please see the Resources section.

 

8. How do I find out more about your partner organizations?    Top

Airfactz has developed numerous relationships with different organizations and agencies to better serve you.  These organizations vary in size and scope and can all be viewed in the Resources section.   

 

9.Why do I need to have my place of business inspected before I can receive credit reports on my applicants?    Top

This is a requirement set forth by the credit bureaus, not Airfactz. The reason is to ensure that every applicant's credit information is kept private.  For those working in a commercial office space, a certified inspector performs a one-time inspection.  For those working out of their homes, an annual inspection is required for us to provide credit information to our clients.  The inspection cost is $75 which is used to cover the cost of the inspector coming to your location to perform the inspection. For those who do not wish to receive an inspection, Airfactz is still able to provide all of our screening services that do not involve a full credit check, including social security number validations, reference checks, and comprehensive criminal background and sex offender searches.  Recently, we were approved by Experian to provide a masked report.  What this allows us to provide to you is a pass or fail based on the criteria you have given us.  This allows us to review the credit report on your behalf and make a recommendation based on the credit information.  Click here for more information regarding the on-site inspection.

 

10. Do I have to sign a membership contract when I sign up with Airfactz?     Top

It is required that a Service Agreement be completed before we are able to run a background check on a client's behalf.  To sign up and view the complete membership packet, please click here.

 

11. What do you charge for your services?    Top

We offer a number of different services that can be bundled together in any combination to create a custom package.  For those not interested in creating their own custom package, we have put together several of the most commonly used tenant and employment services.  If you would like more information or a detailed price quote, please Click Here.

 

12. How long from the time I send in my membership application can I start sending in applications for screening?  Top

Once we receive the completed membership application, it takes one business day to process the application and set up your account up.  At the time your account is created, you will receive a welcome email giving you further details and directions about your newly created account.  Generally, we are able to process any application for employment and rental at the same time we create your account for non-credit reports. Reports that include credit may take two to three business days as it is dependent on successful completion of the on-site inspection.

 

 13. What is the difference between a "masked" and "non-masked" Report?  Top

The option to choose between a  "masked" report and a "non-masked" is only available with tenant screenings that include a credit report from Experian.  For the landlord (or end user), it provides different options for viewing the credit information.   Those opting for the "masked" report will enjoy the benefits of having Airfactz view their credit report and format the results into a pass or fail summary based on the landlord's criteria.  The advantage of this option is that it does not require the on-site inspection. This is great for individual landlords who may not pass the inspection, or who simply do not want to pay the $75 fee required to complete the inspection, but who still want the benefits of checking credit information.

Those who qualify and want a "non-masked" report are required to have an on-site inspection by a third party company. The landlord must pass the inspection requirements in order to receive this option. The advantage to the "non-masked" option is that the landlord receives full credit disclosure and is able to view all information on the credit report including credit score, detailed account history, public record information, etc.

 

Current Clients

1. How do I set up an online account?   Top

The first step in getting your account online is to make sure that complete and up-to-date membership information is on file with Airfactz and that all compliance requirements are in place.  The next step is to contact us, and we will activate your online account and supply you with the login information.  Once that is established, you will be able to enter applications, manage your applications, see the current status, and add or edit users.

 

2. Which version of your website do I log onto?    Top

All applications that have been run prior to September 2008 will be on Version 1.0.  After September 2008, you will be contacted with further information about when you will be converted from the Version 1.0 to Version 2.0.

 

3.Will I still have access to my old applications on Version 1.0 after I am converted to Version 2.0?    Top

No!  Effective late 2009, access to Version 1.0 will be blocked.  All information in Version 1.0 will be saved on a secure server for access by our professional staff only.  If you need a copy of an old report from Version 1.0, contact Airfactz and we will be happy to provide you with a copy of the report. 

 

4. How do I update my account information online?    Top

With the introduction of the new Version 2.0, administrators of the account will be able to mange their entire account.  This includes adding and deleting authorized agents, controlling what each agent is able to do, changing the types of reports ordered, and updating their account at any time.

 

5.Where can I go to see all of the different services that Airfactz offers?   Top

There is a list of all services offered for both tenant and employment screening listed on each respective page.  We offer the unique ability for our clients to mix and match services to create the perfect package for each and every client we have.  In addition to offering the option of custom packages, we have also comprised a list of our most popular packages that can be viewed on the Tenant and Employment pages, respectively.

 

6.What is an Adverse Action Letter?     Top

Any time action is taken against an applicant that is adverse to their better interest based on the consumer report (background check), an Adverse Action Letter must be given to the applicant.  This Adverse Action Letter explains the reason for the action, the rights the applicant has under the FCRA, the process they may go through to obtain a free copy of the report, and how to dispute any inaccurate information.  For more information click here.


7. What is the online application?  Top

 

The online application is a great tool for landlords of all sizes to use. It allows every landlord the opportunity to have a unique web address that they can direct applicants too. It is convenient and easy for both landlord and applicant. The applicant is able to complete the application and pay for fee without any assistance from the landlord.


The online application has many advantages that help directly speed the screening the process. The increased speed is accredited to forcing the applicant to complete the application before submission and taking penmanship out of the equation. In addition neither the screening company nor the landlord needs to worry about payment because a credit/debit card is required before work even begins.


For specific Frequently Asked Questions about the online application please visit the    online applications information page

 

 

Applicants

1. How do I dispute inaccurate information?    Top

Whenever a background investigation is completed and the result has a negative impact on you, the applicant, you have a right to obtain a full copy of the report (this process is called adverse action).  The easiest way to obtain the report is to contact either the company that you applied with or the background screening company directly.  You must make a formal request in writing to receive a copy of the report. For security purposes, the request must include your name, current address, the last four digits of your social security number and your signature.  This can be mailed, faxed or emailed to the background screening company and the report will be mailed back to you promptly.

Once you receive your report, review the information and make sure that information contained in the report is correct.  If there is a discrepancy, you can request a re-investigation by emailing or mailing a formal dispute.  All disputes will be re-investigated promptly and any updated findings will be sent to you. Updates will also be sent to the company you applied with, at which time the company may re-examine their decision based on the new findings.

 

2. How can I obtain a free copy of my credit report even if I was denied?   Top

The easiest way to obtain a free copy of your credit report is to go to https://www.annualcreditreport.com/.  We recommend that you pull a credit report from all three bureaus at least once a year.  For closer monitoring, pull one bureau every four months and this will give you faster response times should something incorrect appear on your report.