Does the same name mean the same person?
Look beyond the name and score. Compare IDs, dates and other details.
An identical or similar name is a reason to look further, not proof that you have found the listed target. People share names, and company names can resemble one another. Compare the name with other identifying information.
Why can one target have several names?
A record can include legal names, former names, aliases, and names in different scripts. A Chinese name may have several Latin-script spellings. Open the full entry rather than relying on a single result row.[02]
A weak alias is a broad or common name that can produce many false positives. It can help with identification, but should not decide a match on its own.[04]
What does a high score mean?
Exact name match
Still compare independent identifiers such as dates of birth, IDs, or registration details.
OFAC’s search score indicates name similarity, not the probability that two identities are the same. Even 100 indicates an exact name match, which still needs other information. OFAC does not prescribe one threshold for every situation.[03][16]
What should you compare?
Compare details from reliable documents, not just the name. A different birth date or registration number can help distinguish parties, but examine data errors and missing information too. Do not make the final decision from one field.[02]
Example: what follows a same-name result?
Two people share a name but have different birth dates.
This is a made-up example, not a search for a real person. If several details match but identity is still uncertain, do not treat the result as harmless. Check the remaining questions; a complex transaction may need someone familiar with the rules to assess it.[02]
When a possible match appears
- 01
Confirm the source
Check whether the result comes from an OFAC list, another government list, or a list maintained by the search provider.
- 02
Read the full entry
Confirm the target type and review available names and identifiers.
- 03
Gather the party’s details
Compare the result with the person’s documents or company details. Note what matches, what differs, and what is still missing.
- 04
Then examine the restrictions
Even after confirming the identity, check whether the transaction you have in mind is restricted.
A name search cannot confirm someone’s identity for you. Save the result and the details you compared. If questions remain, do not treat a similar name as a confirmed identity match.[02]