Vett Entity
Check
Free Vett screening against 12 global watchlist and sanctions databases. Instant plain-English results.
Free · No signup · 3 checks per day · Results in <2s
What sanctions screening is — and why it matters
Sanctions screening is the process of checking a person or organization against government-maintained lists of parties subject to legal, financial, or trade restrictions. Governments use these lists to enforce foreign policy and national security objectives — freezing assets, blocking transactions, and prohibiting dealings with designated individuals, companies, and vessels.
For businesses, screening is not optional. Transacting with a sanctioned party — even unknowingly — can trigger civil penalties, criminal liability, and reputational damage. U.S. sanctions enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) carry strict liability, meaning intent is not required for a violation. A single missed match can cost a small business far more than the screening that would have caught it.
Which databases this tool checks
This free tool screens a name against twelve global watchlists in a single search:
- OFAC SDN — the U.S. Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals list, the core U.S. sanctions list.
- UN Security Council — consolidated list binding on all UN member states.
- UK OFSI — the United Kingdom's consolidated financial sanctions list.
- EU Sanctions — the European Union's consolidated restrictive-measures list.
- US CSL — the Consolidated Screening List spanning Commerce, State, and Treasury.
- Canada SEMA and Australia DFAT — Five Eyes partner sanctions lists.
- PEP Database — politically exposed persons who warrant enhanced due diligence.
- FBI Most Wanted and US Watchlist — law-enforcement wanted and watch records.
- World Bank Debarred — firms barred from World Bank–financed contracts.
- Product Recalls — consumer-safety enforcement records.
Who uses sanctions screening
Compliance officers at banks and fintechs screen every customer and counterparty as part of their AML program. But the need extends well beyond finance: small businesses vetting a new supplier, HR teams checking contractors, real-estate professionals confirming a buyer's source of funds, and freelancers verifying an overseas client all benefit from a quick check before money or goods change hands.
What to do if you find a match
A name match is a starting point, not a verdict — common names produce false positives. If this tool flags a potential match, do not proceed with the transaction until you have resolved it. Compare identifiers such as date of birth, nationality, and address against the listed entry, document your review, and escalate genuine matches to a qualified compliance professional. In the United States, apparent matches against OFAC lists should be reported to OFAC, and you should not tip off the subject.
Frequently asked questions
Is this tool really free?
Yes. The name check is free with no signup, limited to a few searches per day per visitor. For a documented, shareable result you can purchase a $9.99 compliance report that screens all databases and includes a plain-English risk narrative and PDF.
How current is the data?
The underlying watchlists are refreshed from their official government sources on a regular cycle. Sanctions lists can change daily, so a clear result reflects the data as of the most recent refresh, not a permanent guarantee.
Can I use this for employment screening?
No. This tool is for sanctions and watchlist awareness only. It is not a consumer report and must not be used to make hiring, firing, or other employment decisions. Background checks for employment are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and require an FCRA-compliant consumer reporting agency.
This tool provides informational screening results and is not legal advice. Verify all potential matches against official government sources before taking action.