Identity verification failures can lead to serious consequences—from hiring delays and licensing rejections to security breaches and liability issues. These failures are often preventable. By understanding the root causes and implementing high-quality biometric systems, organizations can significantly reduce error rates and improve verification outcomes.
Below is an inside look at the most common reasons identity verification fails and how advanced fingerprinting solutions help prevent breakdowns in the process.
Common Causes of Identity Verification Failure
1. Poor Fingerprint Capture
Low-quality images remain the leading cause of background check failures. This happens when:
- Fingers are placed incorrectly
- Pressure is uneven
- Prints are smudged or distorted
- Devices lack real-time quality feedback
High-quality scanners with automated quality checks eliminate most of these issues.
2. Using Non-Certified or Outdated Hardware
Older devices fail to meet FBI Appendix F and NIST Image Quality Specifications. This leads to:
- Rejections by state agencies
- AFIS incompatibility
- Distorted images or missing ridge detail
3. Enrollment Software Limitations
Software that does not validate prints before submission increases rejection risks and rework. Without guided workflows, operators miss critical steps.
4. Inexperience or Insufficient Training
Operator skill plays a major role in identity accuracy.
Untrained personnel may:
- Capture prints at incorrect angles
- Fail to rescan poor-quality impressions
- Mislabel or misformat data
5. Data Formatting Errors
Identity data may fail transmission due to:
- Incorrect ORI numbers
- Improper EFT/EFTS formatting
- Mismatched biographic fields
These errors often originate in systems lacking compliance safeguards.
6. Environmental Challenges
Humidity, moisture, dust, and lighting can compromise fingerprint quality, especially in mobile or field environments.
The Consequences of Identity Verification Failure
Organizations face:
- Delayed hiring cycles
- Lost applicants
- Licensing postponements
- Contract delays
- Compliance risks
- Potential security threats
In regulated industries, consistent verification failure becomes a liability.
How Better Biometrics Prevent Identity Failures
Modern biometric systems address these issues directly.
1. FBI-Certified Fingerprint Scanners
Certified scanners ensure:
- High-resolution images
- Accurate ridge detail
- Fewer artifacts
- AFIS-ready output
2. Real-Time Quality Feedback
The enrollment operator receives instant alerts for:
- Smudges
- Poor ridge detail
- Improper finger placement
This prevents bad data from being submitted.
3. Software Built for Accuracy
IB Systems’ software includes:
- Automated formatting
- Operator prompts
- Rescan requirements for poor quality
- Auto-populated biographic fields
4. Training and Support
Organizations gain:
- Operator training
- Troubleshooting assistance
- Compliance guidance
5. Secure and Compliant Data Handling
This includes:
- Encrypted transmissions
- Secure storage
- Comprehensive audit logs
Conclusion
Identity verification fails for predictable reasons. With high-quality biometric capture devices, compliant enrollment software, and operator guidance, organizations can virtually eliminate the most common causes. IB Systems provides the equipment and expertise needed to ensure accuracy from the moment fingerprints are captured.