Use third party verification companies with several verification options Determine if you need verification over the phone with a recording or live agent, via e-mail or in writing. If you are doing online orders, you can usually do an e-mail verification. You may be able to save costs on a live agent by using a recording.

I recommend:  OKS Ameridial lists some of the best verification services your business can employ. Third Party Verification, Inc., offers a full range of TPV services.

Ask a third party verification company how it stores your data Make sure the company you pick for authorization stores your recordings for at least 90 days. Find out how you can access the verification data - whether by a secure site, e-mail or other method.

I recommend:  Cytech Marketing Service offers your business a secure web site to access reports, recordings and verification information. VoiceStamps offers data retrieval through a variety of methods for free, including over the phone, e-mail, CD or more.

Verify the technology used by the verification service fits the laws Whatever you are selling, you want to make sure your orders taken over the phone fall under current laws and rules. Ask the company you select for verification how they comply.

I recommend:  VoiceLog has a full list of how their services fit under federal regulations. iVerify Solutions guarantees federal compliance with internal and external lawyers and staff.

Use third party employment verification for serious job applicants If you are looking to hire someone for your business, you need to verify their identity, social security number and eligibility.

I recommend:  E-Verify allows your business to help verify the status of a new hire. Form I-9 Compliance has software that works with the government to provide third party employment verification.