Anyone else got this email from a person named "Shari" from Certiphi?

[swatchgirl]

Got this email today from "[email protected]", with the subject line "Application for AAMC". Would like to verify if it is legit.





Hi Alex,



My name is Shari and I work for Certiphi Screening, Inc. We conduct criminal background screening for Association of American Medical Colleges. I am contacting you today because we need a signed release from you in order for us to conduct a criminal search in Washington. Enclosed to this email is the release form. Please sign and fax back to Certiphi at 1-888-495-8476. Should you have any questions, please contact the telephone number below and your reference case number is 1217923.

Thank you.


Shari Harrington

Certiphi Screening
Applicant Services
1800-803-9582


The attached form (Certiphi Student Release and Consent Form 2009.doc) asks for everything from my social security number, to current and previous addresses, to consumer credit reports:


Release and Consent Form

(Release and Consent Form for Students)

Certiphi Screening, Inc. (a Vertical Screen® Company)
1105 Industrial Highway, Southampton, PA 18966

Authorization and Instructions for Issuance of Consumer Report

I hereby authorize and instruct Certiphi Screening, Inc. (a Vertical Screen® Company)
(hereinafter, “ Certiphi” ) to procure a consumer report on me containing the following information:

1. Education history
2. Employment history
3. Social Security number verification
4. Address verification

Copies of the report(s) shall be provided to me and to the ____________________ (hereinafter, the “ School” ). I understand that the purpose of procuring such report is for the School’ s use in connection with my education, including but not limited to placement in clinical programs. I have been given a written summary of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and I understand that in the event the School uses any information contained in the consumer report in any adverse decision, before making such decision I will be so advised and provided with another copy of the report as well as a second written
summary of my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

By signing below I also am authorizing all entities having information about me, including present and former employers, criminal justice agencies, departments of motor vehicles, schools, and credit reporting agencies, to release such information to:

5. Professional license verification
6. Criminal history
7. State/federal program exclusion (OIG)

Certiphi Screening Inc.
Attn: Consumer Disclosure
P.O. Box 541
Southampton, PA 18966
(800) 260-1680



And, here's the kicker, my AMCAS application is still waiting to be verified... why on earth would any medical schools want to do a background check on me this early?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[jvesco22]

Here's a clue. Call the main/primary number of that company and check for yourself...Or leave it to an internet forum

You're going to make a terrible doctor!

 

[swatchgirl]

"Or leave it to an internet forum"

... ... ... ...

(see complete reaction below)

 

[curlytop]

Why don't you just call them?

 

[swatchgirl]

Why don't you just call them?

if i ask a fraud, "are you legitimate?", what sort of answer should i expect?

 

[ILikeDrugs]

Ask the company which school is requesting your background check. Then, call the school and ask them if they have a contract with the company.

 

[gettheleadout]

Ask the company which school is requesting your background check. Then, call the school and ask them if they have a contract with the company.

Best course of action 👍

 

[chinesebandits]

It is legit. I got one from Certiphi a couple weeks ago except for Georgia instead of Washington. I had just been accepted to a school and I guess they had ordered the background check. Just sign the form and fax it back to them - without it they can't legally finish your background check.

 

[PremedGunner]

op, don't worry. i'm on your side!

 

[hiyaman]

Be wary of this and look into it. You can never be too careful while on teh internet.

 

[afugazzi]

if i ask a fraud, "are you legitimate?", what sort of answer should i expect?

No--don't call the number they gave you. Certiphi is a real company. Google them and look up their number that way. That way you know you are calling the legit company. Ask them about the email.

 

[Helen Wheels]

And, here's the kicker, my AMCAS application is still waiting to be verified... why on earth would any medical schools want to do a background check on me this early?

Certiphi is a real company: http://www.certiphi.com/

AMCAS does use this company: http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/faq/background.htm

The thing is, according to the AMCAS page above, Certiphi wouldn't be doing a background check until after you are accepted or are on a waitlist after May.
I would be very suspicious of this email you received.

 

[surftheiop]

Yeah this is a little (very?) odd.

Yes this company does the AAMC background checks, but I have been accepted to a medschool and they said Certephi doesnt start doing anything until January.

Where you early decision or something? Maybe they use different method?

*Also is odd that they are sending a form labeled as the "2009" version

 

[swatchgirl]

Thanks afugazzi, Hobbes, African Grey 😉 and surfer, and to everyone for your thoughtful inputs! I will call the number on their official website before I fax in anything! 🙂

 

[loveoforganic]

Yeah this is a little (very?) odd.

Yes this company does the AAMC background checks, but I have been accepted to a medschool and they said Certephi doesnt start doing anything until January.

Where you early decision or something? Maybe they use different method?

*Also is odd that they are sending a form labeled as the "2009" version

I was accepted ED and yes, certiphi already completed