A SmartLinx search generates an easy-to-read "intelligent" report. The technology employs a computerized analysis of public records and nonpublic data that determines if the entities named are actually the same regardless of variations in spelling or record formatting.

An attorney or investigator can receive a formatted report to help verify or locate with a high degree of certainty a business, address, or individual by linking every piece of information back to the original source document. For instance, a report may show that three addresses are associated with a business. The investigator can click on any of the addresses to view the underlying public record.

The SmartLinx feature fully complies with the nonpublic information provisions of the Gramm Leach Biley Act that went into effect July 1. It also complies with all other applicable laws and principles respecting privacy and the responsible use of public records.

"The SmartLinx feature will be available on a restricted basis to skilled professionals in law enforcement, business, and the legal profession to detect and investigate financial and identity fraud; locate witnesses and parties to legal actions; help locate missing people; enforce child-support and other court orders; and perform due diligence in corporate mergers and acquisitions," said Tammy S. Wright, vice president and general director of LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

"As part of its stringent privacy practices, LexisNexis pre-qualifies all subscribers using SmartLinx, who in turn agree to abide by strict LexisNexis privacy guidelines. LexisNexis also continues to provide consumer access to products containing nonpublic, personally identifiable information," said Wright.

A subscriber could use a SmartLinx report to do the following:

• Detect fraud or locate victims of fraud schemes
  
  
• Locate heirs to estates who have moved or changed their names through marriage
  
  
• Find witnesses
  
  
• Locate pension-fund beneficiaries who have left a company
  
  
• Find victims of environmental hazards
  
  
• Protect consumers from unlicensed professionals and sham businesses
  
  
• Locate blood, organ, and bone-marrow donors
  
  
• Improve the transparency of the campaign contribution process by providing easy-to-search information on individuals' campaign donations