Purpose and Scope

Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs (“Alliance Risk Group,” “SmartHRCheqs,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) provides insurance investigations, claims investigations, surveillance, litigation support, process service, employment background screening, verifications, drug testing coordination, occupational health coordination, and related compliance services for insurance companies, third‑party administrators (TPAs), attorneys, employers, and other permissible users. Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs operates as a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when providing employment background screening services. Certain services may also involve obtaining or verifying motor vehicle record information governed by the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). Other investigative services performed for insurance carriers, TPAs, self‑insured entities, and legal counsel may not constitute consumer reports under the FCRA. These services may include insurance investigations, claims investigations, surveillance, SIU investigations, and litigation support. Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), Gramm‑Leach‑Bliley Act (GLBA) where applicable, the New York SHIELD Act, and other applicable federal and state privacy laws. This Privacy Policy describes how Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal information obtained through our website and in connection with background screening and investigative services.

Information We Collect

Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs collects personal information only when voluntarily provided, provided by a client for lawful investigative purposes, or obtained from legally permissible sources. Information may include:

• name, address, phone number, and email
• date of birth
• Social Security number (when required for screening)
• driver’s license or identification information
• employment and education history
• professional licenses or certifications
• criminal, civil, or credit history as permitted by law
• insurance claim related information
• surveillance observations and investigative findings
• publicly available records and verification data

Website Information Collection

When visitors access our website we may collect:

• information submitted through online forms
• client portal login information
• IP addresses and browser data
• device identifiers
• cookies used for security and functionality

Our website is not directed toward children under 13 and we do not knowingly collect information from children.

How Information Is Used

Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs uses personal information solely for lawful business purposes including:

• conducting consumer background screening authorized by the consumer
• verifying permissible purpose certifications from clients
• performing insurance investigations, claims investigations, or litigation investigations
• verifying employment, education, references, or licenses
• communicating with clients and consumers regarding investigations or reports
• operating and securing internal systems
• responding to inquiries and improving services

Client Certifications and Permissible Purpose

Clients requesting consumer reports must certify their permissible purpose under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and confirm they have provided proper disclosure and obtained written authorization from the consumer before requesting a background check. Clients must also certify compliance with all applicable federal and state laws governing consumer reports.

Disclosure of Information

Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs does not sell personal information. Information may be disclosed only when permitted by law, including:

• to the client who ordered the investigation or background check
• to courts, record repositories, employers, or educational institutions for verification
• to laboratories or service providers assisting with screening services
• to investigators or subcontractors assisting with insurance investigations
• to technology vendors supporting our systems
• to regulators, auditors, or law enforcement when legally required

All vendors and service providers are required to maintain confidentiality and appropriate data security protections.

International Transfers

Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs does not routinely transfer personal or consumer information outside the United States. In limited circumstances, information may be transferred internationally when necessary to complete a lawful background screening verification or investigative activity involving records, employers, educational institutions, licensing authorities, or references located outside the United States. When such transfers occur, only the minimum necessary information is shared and overseas sources or service providers are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and data protection safeguards. Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs does not store consumer report data outside the United States.

Data Security

Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information including:

• encryption of sensitive data in transit
• firewalls and network monitoring
• role‑based access controls
• multi‑factor authentication
• employee confidentiality and security training
• secure data storage systems

Access to sensitive information is limited to authorized personnel who require the information to perform their job responsibilities.

Data Retention and Secure Disposal

Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs retains personal information only as long as necessary to meet legal, regulatory, and operational requirements. When information is no longer required, records are securely destroyed in accordance with the FTC Disposal Rule and applicable state laws.

Consumer Rights Under the FCRA

Individuals have the right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to:

• request a copy of their consumer file
• dispute inaccurate information
• receive results of dispute investigations

Requests may be submitted using the contact information below.

Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to support functionality and security. Users may manage cookie preferences through their browser settings. Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs does not sell personal information or engage in cross‑site behavioral advertising.

Policy Updates

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect legal or operational changes. The most current version will be maintained by Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs.

Contact Information

Alliance Risk Group Inc./SmartHRCheqs 56 Clifton Country Road Suite 203 Clifton Park, NY 12065 Phone: (518) 514‑2944 Email: sales@allianceriskgroup.com