Thursday, November 12, 2009

On Target Screening, Inc Volunteer Screening Program meets the requirements of the National Child Protection Act

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) November 14, 2009 -- Indianapolis, Indiana. On Target Screening, Inc., a leader in resident screening, tenant screening and volunteer screening services, has launched its Church Volunteer Screening Program, a background screening solution that meets volunteer screening standards established by the National Child Protection Act.

On October 9, 1998 the Volunteers for Children Act was signed into law as Public Law 105-251, amending the National Child Protection Act of 1993. This law affects any business or organization providing care, treatment, education, training, instruction, supervision, or recreation for children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities... whether public, private, for-profit, non-profit, or voluntary.

With this amendment, if a volunteer or employee of an organization sexually molests a child, elderly person or individual with a disability in his or her care and if it can be shown this volunteer or employee had previously been convicted of a relevant crime in the United States that organization may be held liable for negligent hiring.

On Target Screening works with each church or non-profit organization to develop customized, comprehensive, affordable volunteer screening package. Steven Foster, President of the company said “we understand that you welcome everyone to your church. We know that some of these folks might have some very colorful pasts and most importantly that they are forgiven. Our services are not designed to simply reject any volunteer. Our focus and mission is simple - helping you discover the best fit for every member and volunteer in your church, while you to focus on your mission.”

To help churches and non-profit organizations comply with the National Child Protection Act, On Target Screening is offering its Basic Church Volunteer Screening Package for $12.00. This package includes a comprehensive address history report, a national criminal report, and a national sex offender search. "We developed this special package pricing to reinforce our commitment to help churches and non-profit organizations maintain compliance of all volunteer screening regulations," said Steven Foster. "This is especially important for churches because many interact with potentially vulnerable populations on a regular basis." Clients have the ability to email links to potential volunteers to collect the personal information required to conduct volunteer screening checks. Clients also have the option to require the volunteer to pay the screening costs.”

If negative information is discovered on a volunteer’s background report, clients have the option to suppress the details, pending further investigation. After On Target Screening completes an investigation and verification process, based on the client’s screening policy a NOT QUALIFIED recommendation is available, without releasing the details of the report. Clients may also designate a staff member to receive any negative information.

About On Target Screening, Inc

On Target Screening, Inc is a Christian owned and operated background screening company. Steven Foster, the President of the company is a graduate of Ozark Christian College. Our staff are members of, and we support Christian Churches, Church of Christ associated with the Restoration Movement. Our volunteer screening services are available to all churches and non-profit organizations.

On Target Screening, Inc''
55 Monument Circle, Suite 1334'
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
317-423-0470
888-423-0470
www.volunteerscreening.us
www.ontargetscreening.com

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Resident Screening Tenant Screening Franchise Launched

On Target Screening has launched a unique franchise opportunity that will allow creative landlords, real estate investors and multi-family property managers to start own their own resident screening and tenant screening business based on a proved franchise model.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) November 13, 2009 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Target Screening has launched a unique franchise opportunity that will allow creative landlords and multi-family property managers to start own their own resident and tenant screening business based on a proved franchise model.

Since launching the franchise opportunity just one month ago, Steven Foster, President of the company says the company has already fielded inquiries from across the county. "To the best of our knowledge there is no other franchise on the market quite like what we are offering the ability to offer accurate, affordable background screening services, including resident screening, tenant screening, and volunteer Screening services for churches and non-profit organizations. Franchisees will have the opportunity to launch volunteer screening and employment screening services next year."

On Target's resident screening and tenant screening business model is built upon a proven track record and our unique expertise in screening rental applicants and building solid long-term relationships with our clients. Clients who depend on these services include the single unit property owner, real estate investors with multiple rentals and property managers responsible for small and large apartment communities.

On Target’s experience and proven track record offers selected franchisees the opportunity to work under the umbrella of a well-established, experienced resident screening and tenant screening business model -with a safety net.

Foster says prospective franchisees are most likely to be creative and driven real estate investors or multi-family property management professionals who want to start their own business. "The statistics prove that a good franchise model is much more likely to succeed than a start-up company so it's a good option for them. And we're only taking on a few new franchises every year so that we can work with them closely and ensure their success," says Foster.About On Target Screening, Inc

On Target Screening, Inc., is the leading provider of online background checks and risk management services to the apartment industry. On Target Screening launched services to help landlords, real estate investors, multi-family property managers/owners harness the power of statistical credit scoring over the Internet to increase net operating income, reduce risk and improve operational efficiency.

On Target is headquartered at 55 Monument Circle, Suite 1334, Indianapolis, Indiana and is adding local offices nationwide. The company can be reached at (317)423-0470. Additional information is available on their website at http://residentscreening.us/Partners/tabid/234/language/en-US/Default.aspx. or www.OnTargetScreening.com.

On Target Screening, Inc is a member of the National Association of Property Managers, Indiana Apartment Association, Central Indiana Real Estate Investors Association, National Apartment Association, Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association, Apartment Association of Fort Wayne, Kentuckiana Real Estate Investors Association and the Greater Dayton Real Estate Investors Association.

Monday, October 19, 2009

On Target Screening Secures $2 Million in Capital Financing

INDIANAPOLIS, October 10, 2009 – On Target Screening, Inc., a leading Internet-based resident, employment and volunteer screening service announced today that it has closed a $2 million round of capital funding from MRL Investments.

"This first round of capital funding is by sophisticated investors and validates our business model and strengthens our options going forward," said Steven Foster, president of On Target Screening. "Our customer base is already growing at a phenomenal rate, surpassing all our projections, and with this funding we can rapidly increase marketing, franchising, and strategic partnerships much faster." Foster added “Ron Bailey, our Chief Technology Officer is leading a nationwide search for seasoned industry veterans to fill key management and marketing positions.”

”We have identified the background screening industry as a significant growth industry and On Target Screening is unique in its business-to-business, business-to-consumer and integrated screening capabilities,” said M. Lindsey, a principal of MRL Investments. “We believe On Target is well positioned to take advantage of this tremendous market opportunity.”

About MRL Investments
MRL Investments creates and manages capital partnerships, making investments in start-up, early-stage and emerging-growth companies. The company primarily seeks opportunities in communications, network infrastructure, and Internet software and services. MRL Investments works in partnership with entrepreneurs, providing initial capital and marketing services to create profitable companies.

On Target Screening can be reached at 317-423.0470 or by visiting www.OnTargetScreening.com.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Tenant Screening: Application Fraud on the Rise in Hard Economic Times

Tenant Screening: Application Fraud on the Rise in Hard Economic Times

Central Indiana Real Estate Investors Association - CIREIA Annual Trade Show

August 11 – 6:30 – 9 p.m.

CIREIA 2009 Trade Show – Night of Networking
Free Admission – Public Welcome

The Central Indiana Real Estate Investors Association (CIREIA) is a non-profit group created by and for real estate investors and landlords. Our members are entrepreneurs at all levels of knowledge and experience, and the goal of our annual Trade Show is to give you hundreds of ideas on ways to save investors money. The goal of this NIGHT OF NETWORKING is to provide you with leads on all elements of real estate investing.

Don’t Miss this Opportunity to:
- Network with other investors
- Talk with potential vendors
- Learn about available services
- Win Prizes!

Meetings are held at the Gene B Glick Junior Achievement Center at :7435 N Keystone Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

For more information visit us at http://ontargetscreening.com

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Application Fraud on the Rise in Hard Economic Times

Fraud on the Rise in Hard Economic Times

As the economy tightens, some applicants may begin to play fast and loose with the facts. They may feel desperate times call for desperate measures with increased foreclosures and evictions. It's extremely important not cut corners in your applicant screening during any economic downturns. Application fraud is likely to be uncovered, if you stay the course of being selective and more diligent in your screening process.

Do not assume that application fraud is only perpetrated by young, inexperienced applicants trying to pull the wool over your eyes. Setup landlord and employment references are on the rise as well.

Verify all phone numbers for rental history and employment verification with the phone book or online yellow pages. We recommend that you verify property ownership for all rental history related to your applicant. You will find this information in our eviction report, or with the local tax assessor office.

Address History Report reduces fraud and much more...

The On Target Address History report can uncover rental history fraud. This is also a great tool when reviewing possible evictions.

Please click here to learn more and to see a sample report.

Please visit us online http://www.ontargetscreening.com/

If you have any questions please reply to this email or call our office at 317-423-0470

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Why Bother Screening Rental Applicants?

With bankruptcies and foreclosure activity at record numbers and rental occupancy rates the lowest in years, finding qualified tenants to fill rental units has become increasing difficult.

Tenant screening is one of those expenses that will more than pay for itself. It’s important to remember that tenant screening can make a difference between success and failure. Your success is dependent upon the rent being paid on time. If rent is paid late or at all, what happens is you must cover your expenses like maintenance and mortgage payments. The average eviction is around $1,500.00 and it can take a year or more to get past the loss. Approving the right application is the difference between success and failure.

Always use a professional tenant screening company and don’t cut corners. A good screening company will help you through the process and also help you understand the reports. Another common mistake I see is asking applicant’s to supply a copy of their own credit report. This is a very bad idea for two reasons. First, anyone can use a word processor or text editor to change or remove items from a credit report. Second, this practice can leave you exposed to violations of the fair credit reporting act.

The Rental Application

Standard rental application fees range from $20 to $75, per applicant, and you will find applicants are used to and willing to pay these fees. Your application fee should more than cover the cost to screen. Depending on your rental criteria, at minimum, order an address history report, consumer credit report, criminal report and eviction report on all applicants. Place orders only if the applicant meets your rental criteria, like income, time on job, etc.

Always use a comprehensive rental application. Provide a written copy of your rental criteria to explain under what conditions you will accept or reject their application. This helps weed out unqualified applicants so you can focus on qualified leads. Collecting the application fee along with the rental application is also a pre-screening tool and it shows the applicant is serious about renting. You will a complete and accurate rental application is very important at the end of the lease or in the event of eviction or skip.

Meet all applicants in person; we call this the rental application interview. First review the rental criteria, if not qualified return the paperwork and move on. Next, review all information on the rental application, check for missing information. Verify applicant’s identity with a government issued ID. During the interview check the ID with the rental application. Note the ID number and issue date directly on the application. Verify the name, address, date of birth from the ID match the rental application. Ask the applicant to verify, from memory, the date of birth and social security number on the application. Require applicants to supply a recent original paycheck stub and a recent utility bill at the interview. Require originals as copies could be altered. The paycheck stub is used to verify income, check for any garnishments and verify the year to date income. Use the utility bill to verify applicant’s current address and note any past due amounts.

Verification of Information

On Target Screening offer employment and rental history verification services. When possible use these services, keep in mind their highly trained staff can catch and raise red flags and other issues. Their experience is well worth the costs.

Employment verifications are tricky so it’s a good idea to require the original recent paycheck stub. Many employers will only verify a hire and termination date. Before contacting employers always verify the phone numbers with the yellow pages or other reliable online directories. To ensure accurate employment verification ask for human resources. Setup employment verification is not uncommon. Applicant provides a friends cell phone number as the employer, when you call to verify, the friend simply answers as the employer and provides the setup information.

Landlord verifications are tricky as well. It’s important to review your applicants address history report with the address history provided on the rental application. The address history report is a great tool to uncover hidden address history. The address history report will also suggest other locations where the applicant lived to check for evictions and criminal history. It’s important to verify ownership of the current and previous addresses with the local tax assessor before you verify rental history. If the property owner information does not match the information provided on the rental application, then it’s time to investigate. While it’s not uncommon for your applicant to be living with a family member, it’s very common to provide setup landlord information in order to hide negative rental history. If suspicious of a setup landlord reference, during your call simply switch two numbers in the property address, or the monthly rent amount. Keep in mind that a setup landlord reference often will verify anything you ask, a real Landlord or Property Manager will often catch it.

Require all occupants to be listed on the rental application (regardless of age). Add anyone over the age of 18 on the lease. In the event of eviction or skip, you have more options to collect.

Obtain at least one emergency contact, preferably family or a very close friend. This will be an important contact in an emergency, a skip or unpaid fees at the end of the lease.

Make sure the rental application provides consent from the applicant allowing you to pull any additional credit reports anytime during and after the lease expires. Without this consent, you are violating Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act guidelines if they pull consumer reports for reasons other than the initial resident screening process.

Other Suggestions


Use Craigslist.org to list available units and include photos of the property. Craigslist is very popular and the service is free in most areas.

Never accept checks for the application fee or security deposits, require money orders.

No personal checks for rent after the 5th, money orders only.

Stick to your rental criteria; studies indicate leasing to unqualified applicants can cost up to three times the amount of leaving a unit empty.

Avoid giving away the farm to rent your units.

Report all rental history to your screening company.

Approve borderline applications with either an increased security deposit or require a co-signer.

Any rent concessions always pay it at the end of the lease.

Thorough tenant screening provides you with a solid foundation of renters. The impact of cutting corners during the application process can severely impact your bottom line. Tenant screening is one expense well worth the cost, time and effort.

Never use your Tenant Screening Account to screen employees or employment applicants.