Background Investigations and Background Checks
Background investigations for companies, law firms and executives across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland, with support worldwide, performed by appropriately licensed personnel.
Know who you are dealing with
A hire, an acquisition, a new vendor or a lawsuit often turns on one question: is this person or company who they say they are, and is there anything we should know? SCG answers that question lawfully and delivers a clear written report you can rely on.
We work with corporate legal, HR and security teams, law firms, insurers and C-suite executives across the Washington, DC area and beyond. When a matter leads outside Virginia or overseas, the work is carried out by appropriately licensed investigators, including locally licensed partners where the law requires it.
Background investigations for business decisions
Corporate due diligence
Acquisition targets, investors and counterparties, with a clear picture of who you are dealing with before you sign.
Executive and key-hire vetting
Senior hires, board candidates and other people in positions of trust, verified before an offer or appointment.
Vendor and third-party screening
Suppliers, contractors and agents checked for conflicts, sanctions exposure and red flags.
Litigation support
Background on parties and witnesses that gives your attorneys reliable facts for strategy and depositions.
International background
Individuals and companies abroad, handled by appropriately licensed investigators in each country.
Sanctions and reputational risk
Exposure to sanctions lists, adverse media and regulatory actions that could affect your organization.
Organizations that need a reliable answer
- C-suite executives and boards
- Corporate legal, HR and security teams
- Law firms
- Insurers
- Investors and acquirers
A defined scope and a report you can use
Tell us the decision you are facing and your deadline. We agree the scope in writing, keep you updated at agreed points and deliver a report that separates confirmed facts from open questions. Everything you share is kept confidential and used only for the engagement.
Fair Credit Reporting Act: background checks used for employment, tenancy, credit or insurance decisions are done only with the subject’s written authorization and FCRA-compliant disclosures.
See also our private investigator services in Northern Virginia and protective intelligence and private investigation work, or download the capability statement.
Background investigations: common questions
What does a background investigation cover?
It depends on the decision you need to make. Typical scopes include identity and history, business affiliations, litigation and regulatory history, financial red flags and reputation, scoped with you in writing before work starts.
Do you run employment or tenant background checks?
Background checks used for employment, tenancy, credit or insurance decisions are regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We do that work only with the subject’s written authorization and FCRA-compliant disclosures, and we explain your obligations before we start.
Can you investigate people and companies outside the United States?
Yes. International due diligence is scoped with you, and work inside another jurisdiction is carried out by appropriately licensed investigators, including locally licensed partners where the law requires it.
How long does a background investigation take?
Most standard due diligence reports take a few business days. Complex or international matters take longer, and we agree the timeline with you up front.
Are you licensed?
SCG holds Virginia DCJS Private Security Services Business License No. 11-30873, which covers private investigation, and investigations are performed by appropriately licensed personnel.
Start with a conversation
Tell us what you are facing, in general terms. A senior member of the team will ask the right questions and give you a straight recommendation, with no obligation.
Request a Consultation