As I have said before, the check is much deeper than a computer or fingerprint query. There is a form like the sf85 that has to be filled out and it is a pain in the butt to complete. The agency then sends out letters and calls the people on the form to verify all the information that you listed. IF people dont answer or ignore the requests then the agency comes back to you to see what is going on. The only difference between TSA background checks and Secret clearance is that the FBI personally comes to check references that you list. On ours its all done by mail and phone.