 The Reality Behind a Reality TV Star
A recent SI investigation uncovered the truth that lay behind a reality TV show's player. Newspaper articles and the show's Web site portrayed the man as a young, successful entrepreneur who had amassed a fortune through his entertainment companies. Based on the PR media, the guy was a sure bet. Unrelated to the reality show, an investment firm retained SI to conduct a background investigation of this individual for a large proposed transaction. Going beyond the PR, SI's investigation included obtaining an authorized credit report, searches for criminal records and civil litigation, and searches for property records. Our investigation uncovered two foreclosures, a repossessed car, unpaid judgments and tax liens, and a FICO score of 515. Not only that, but the subject was embroiled in a federal lawsuit filed by a financial institution that alleged fraud and breach of contract with damages of more than $4 million. Lesson learned: While this player appeared in the media as a successful businessman, the reality was that he posed a substantial risk to our client.
Stay tuned for our next News Blast where we'll relate a true story showing why criminal record searches apply to companies, not just individuals.
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