Which of the following is NOT one of the main limitations of conducting a search for public records using online databases?

The statement that public records database companies are difficult to find is NOT a limitation of using them. In fact, numerous well-known and easily accessible commercial vendors (e.g., LexisNexis, Thomson Reuters, Westlaw) specialize in providing aggregated public records data. The primary limitations are related to the quality, scope, and timeliness of the data itself, not the difficulty in locating a service provider. The other options listed are all recognized and significant limitations that fraud examiners must consider.

A. This is a major limitation. Online databases often have incomplete coverage, with certain states, counties, or municipalities being underrepresented or not included at all.
C. This is a significant limitation. The types of records (e.g., criminal, civil, property) and the historical depth of those records available online vary greatly between jurisdictions.
D. This is a critical limitation. Information in online databases can be outdated or contain errors, making it essential to verify key findings with the original source documents.

1. Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. (2023). Fraud Examiners Manual, International Edition. Section 3.203, "Sources of Information: Online Databases." This section discusses the use of online databases and notes their limitations, including issues of accuracy, completeness, and timeliness, but does not suggest that finding providers is difficult.

2. Zaslow, J. (2017). Finding Anything, Anywhere, Any Time: The Professional Investigator's Guide to Online Discovery. Facts on Demand Press. Chapter 2, "Commercial Online Information Providers," details the wide availability of these services while also cautioning about the limitations regarding data accuracy and jurisdictional coverage.