Sterling, a First Advantage company, specializes in comprehensive background check services designed to enhance the hiring process for businesses across various sectors. The company provides a range of solutions including criminal background checks, identity verification, drug screening, and post-hire monitoring. By leveraging advanced technology and extensive data, Sterling aims to help organizations make informed hiring decisions, ensuring compliance and promoting a trustworthy workplace environment. Targeting employers and human resource professionals, Sterling offers services that cater to the needs of businesses looking to streamline their pre-employment screening processes. With a focus on accuracy and efficiency, the company supports clients in mitigating identity fraud and improving onboarding procedures, thereby fostering confidence in the hiring process.
Sterling, A First Advantage Company, faces overwhelming criticism from consumers, with a staggering 98% of reviews rating it poorly. Many reviewers express frustration over the company's disorganized processes, citing repeated requests for the same information and significant delays in background checks.
Customers report waiting weeks or even months without resolution, leading to lost job opportunities and financial strain. Communication issues are rampant, with many stating that emails go unanswered and phone support is ineffective. While a few reviewers mention that they found some aspects of the service acceptable after reading through the requirements, these positives are overshadowed by the overall dissatisfaction. The consensus is clear: Sterling's operational inefficiencies and poor customer service make it a company to avoid.
Summary generated with AI from recent reviews
Each source counts by its number of reviews. Only reviews written by people are scored.
| Source | Rating | Reviews | Weight | 6-mo | Fake risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trustpilot Imported Trustpilot reviews | 1.1 | 60 | 100% | +0.2 | ● Low |
Monthly average rating from reviews written by people · latest review Aug 2025.
| Month | Average | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 24 | 1.3 | 3 |
| Jan 25 | 1.2 | 5 |
| Feb 25 | 1.0 | 3 |
| Mar 25 | 1.0 | 11 |
| Apr 25 | 1.0 | 10 |
| May 25 | 1.1 | 7 |
| Jun 25 | 1.8 | 6 |
| Jul 25 | 1.0 | 13 |
| Aug 25 | 1.0 | 2 |
Share of positive (4–5★) and negative (1–2★) reviews mentioning each topic · based on the 60 most recent reviews.
“Going through a background check like most people here, Mine took 4 weeks and had to be re sent”
Same method for every company: overall rating, legitimacy checks, the average rating of reviews mentioning each area and the 6-month trend · Electronics & Technology.
| Company | Overall | Legit | Service | Website & app | Trend | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1.1 out of 5 (poor) | 100 out of 100 | 1.1 out of 5 (poor) | 1.0 out of 5 (poor) | −5% | 60 |
| 4.1 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 4.6 out of 5 (good) | 4.1 out of 5 (good) | — | 1,060 | |
| 4.5 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 4.8 out of 5 (good) | 4.3 out of 5 (good) | — | 1,060 | |
| 4.7 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 4.6 out of 5 (good) | 3.5 out of 5 (good) | — | 1,000 | |
| 4.0 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | 3.7 out of 5 (good) | — | −1% | 1,000 |
Bottom line: Sterling, A First Advantage Company is #5 of 5 on overall rating in this group. On service, Mazuma Mobile scores higher (4.8 vs 1.1).
60 reviews of Sterling, A First Advantage Company. Filter by what matters to you.
After reading some bad reviews I was anxious but then I had a good experience as a new hire. In 2 days and half I was cleared. Even after the first day I chatted with them to check the status and they told me exactly what is remaining. I however uploaded everything during my consent to expedite it, paystubs from previous jobs, 1040 form, college degree, so I think that helped somehow
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Sterling, a First Advantage company, specializes in comprehensive background check services designed to enhance the hiring process for businesses across various sectors. The company provides a range of solutions including criminal background checks, identity verification, drug screening, and post-hire monitoring. By leveraging advanced technology and extensive data, Sterling aims to help organizations make informed hiring decisions, ensuring compliance and promoting a trustworthy workplace environment. Targeting employers and human resource professionals, Sterling offers services that cater to the needs of businesses looking to streamline their pre-employment screening processes. With a focus on accuracy and efficiency, the company supports clients in mitigating identity fraud and improving onboarding procedures, thereby fostering confidence in the hiring process.
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