What Is a Watchlist Search?
When conducting background checks on potential hires, most employers think of criminal records, employment verification, and references. But one of the most critical—and often overlooked—elements of a thorough background screening is the Watchlist Search.
A Watchlist Search helps you identify individuals who may pose a threat to your business, customers, or brand by checking their name against official government and international databases.
What Does a Watchlist Search Include?
Watchlist screening goes beyond standard background checks. It scans global databases maintained by government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and international organizations. These include watchlists related to terrorism, money laundering, international sanctions, and more.
Here are the most common components of a comprehensive Watchlist Search:
💼 OFAC List (Often Called a Patriot Act Search)
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) maintains the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, which includes individuals, companies, and countries involved in terrorism, drug trafficking, weapons proliferation, and other illegal activities.
While some employers may look specifically for a “US Terror Watchlist,” that data is included under broader OFAC and global sanctions searches. This screening is often referred to as a Patriot Act Search, since it’s required for companies in industries covered under the USA Patriot Act, such as:
- Financial services
- Insurance
- Real estate
- Government contracting
🚫 Sanctions and Watch Lists (SWL)
These lists cover individuals or organizations under sanctions or enforcement actions from:
- Interpol
- European Union
- United Nations
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- U.S. Department of the Treasury
SWLs help identify individuals or entities restricted from certain types of work, travel, or business dealings—an essential layer of protection for any organization.
🔍 Why It Matters
Watchlist searches are not just for large corporations or high-risk industries. Even small businesses and local employers can benefit by:
- Avoiding compliance violations
- Reducing insider threat risk
- Protecting workplace culture
- Building client and stakeholder trust
🔗 Want to know if you really need this type of search? Read our next post: Why Watchlist Searches Should Be Part of Every Pre-Employment Screening
Choosing the Right Partner
At National Crime Search (NCS), we help you go beyond the basics with advanced watchlist screening included in our customizable background check packages.
With NCS, you get:
✅ OFAC/SDN List checks
✅ Global Sanctions Lists (SWLs)
✅ Fast turnaround times
✅ Human support when you need it
Fast, compliant, and affordable background checks—powered by real people who care.
