> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/product/overview/how-it-works/data-sources.md).

# Data sources and turnaround

Where results come from and how long checks take.

## Why turnaround varies

Turnaround depends on the data source, not on Fraudcheck's own processing. Many checks query their source in real time and return in seconds. Others depend on a third party: criminal record checks depend on the South African Police Service (SAPS); matric and tertiary checks depend on Umalusi or individual institutions; and some criminal record fingerprints are captured at PostNet or Jetline stores. Where a faster turnaround exists for the same check, such as the Standard, Premium and Priority criminal record variants, it is offered as a separate variant.

## On-file and online identity checks

**On-file** checks read records held by credit bureaus and other verified third-party sources. They cover roughly 80–85% of the South African population at lower cost. **Online** checks query the Department of Home Affairs directly for maximum coverage and the most current record, at a higher cost per check. Some identity products, such as [Identity Verification - Enhanced](/product/products/verification/identity/enhanced.md), let you choose.

## Sources and typical turnaround

| Capability                                                                                   | Main sources                                                                                                     | Typical turnaround  |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- |
| [Identity and biometric verification](/product/products/verification/identity.md)            | Department of Home Affairs (live or on file), credit bureau identity data, NIIS, mobile network operators        | Seconds             |
| [Document verification](/product/products/verification/documents.md)                         | The submitted document                                                                                           | Seconds             |
| [Address verification](/product/products/verification/address.md)                            | Consumer credit databases, property deeds records                                                                | Seconds             |
| [Bank account verification](/product/products/verification/bank-account.md)                  | The account holder's bank, queried live                                                                          | Seconds             |
| [Driver's licence verification](/product/products/verification/drivers-licence.md)           | Department of Transport                                                                                          | 24–48 hours         |
| [Education and qualification verification](/product/products/verification/qualifications.md) | Umalusi, tertiary institutions                                                                                   | 2–30 business days  |
| [Business verification](/product/products/verification/business.md)                          | CIPC, commercial business database, consumer bureau                                                              | Seconds             |
| [Criminal record screening](/product/products/screening/criminal-records.md)                 | SAPS (through Afiswitch), Department of Social Development, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development | 1 hour to 6 months  |
| [Watchlist, PEP and adverse media](/product/products/screening/watchlist.md)                 | South African and international sanctions, PEP, crime and adverse media sources                                  | Seconds to a minute |
| [Credit and financial risk](/product/products/screening/credit.md)                           | Consumer and commercial credit bureaus                                                                           | Seconds             |
| [SAFPS fraud listing](/product/products/screening/fraud-listing.md)                          | South African Fraud Prevention Service                                                                           | 1–4 hours           |
| [Self-exclusion screening](/product/products/screening/self-exclusion.md)                    | The operator's own self-exclusion list                                                                           | Real-time           |

Each product page has the exact source and turnaround for that check.


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