RELIABLE BACKGROUND SCREENING INDUSTRY NEWS AND ARTICLES

Social Media Screening has not been part of a traditional background check. This was due to compliance requirements of laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), among other laws as well. Fortunately, companies can now obtain compliant social media screening from a select number of reliable background screening companies that are also CRAs (consumer reporting agencies) to help ensure compliance with the FCRA, as well as other regulations. In today’s digital world, not only do consumer opinions spread quickly through social media, but the negative social media activity of employees, franchisees, apartment residents, [...]

The three-year anniversary of the most sweeping changes to credit reports in decades just occurred (July 1, 2017 – 2020). Yet, I continue to be amazed at the myriad of people who are in industries that use credit reports but are still unaware of the critical data that has been omitted from credit reports for now over three years. The modifications to credit reports in July of 2017 were a direct result of a lawsuit settlement against the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This settlement resulted in the creation of the National Consumer Assistance Plan (NCAP). NCAP mandated [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting devastating economic impact it has had on the U.S. (and global) economies, resulted in many employers having to furlough employees. The nation sheltered in place in an attempt to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus. Many businesses literally closed overnight – some temporarily, but sadly some permanently. However, the CARES Act and the monetary actions of the Federal Reserve Bank has pumped trillions of dollars into the U.S. economy. This has helped to stave off a total economic collapse as occurred during the “Great Depression.” As the U.S. economy begins to reopen, employers are beginning to [...]

Consumer credit reports are typically available only with consumer consent and for a permissible business purpose. One notable exception permitted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – is when a valid court order has been issued, requesting the consumer’s credit file. Law firms and attorneys often need these types of accounts. One of the more common instances where a “Credit Reports – By Order of the Court” account has to be established is for a fiduciary purpose. When an individual becomes incapacitated, a court will often appoint a guardian or conservator to safeguard the personal, medical, and fiscal matters of the [...]