Cross-border applicants can be legitimate but still fail traditional identity checks because they may have thin U.S. credit files, different address formats, foreign identification numbers, or phone and email records that do not match domestic systems. Instead of relying on one data source, you should use layered verification that compares multiple identity and contact signals to reduce false positives while still identifying suspicious inconsistencies.

Tools such as Searchbug’s AML API can add an international layer to your screening process by checking individuals against 24 global watchlists and providing details such as names, aliases, dates of birth, passport information, and listing sources. Combining global AML screening with address validation, phone intelligence, email analysis, and other identity checks gives you broader visibility when applicants have limited U.S. records.

With a more flexible, layered approach, you can make verification easier for legitimate international applicants while maintaining strong compliance and fraud controls. 

Read our blog Why Identity Verification Fails in Cross-Border Financial Applications or watch the video below to learn more.