Background Checks Blog – Compliance Updates, News & Opinions
Stay up to date with changes in the background checks industry. User powered news, viewpoints and most importantly, your opinion about background screening.
What is a background check?
A background check is a process in which an individual’s criminal and personal history is examined in order to verify information and assess their suitability for certain positions or activities. This can include things like checking for criminal records, reviewing educational and employment history, and conducting credit checks. Background checks are commonly used for employment, housing, and certain types of volunteer work. They can also be used for more sensitive positions such as those involving national security or working with children.
Employment screening laws
There are federal and state laws that govern employment screening, including background checks.
At the federal level, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates how consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) can provide and use background information for employment purposes. It requires that CRAs provide accurate and complete information and that employers follow certain procedures when using the information, such as obtaining written consent from the candidate and providing them with a copy of their report.
Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws against discrimination in employment, which includes background checks that have a disparate impact on certain protected groups.
At the state level, some states have laws that regulate background checks and employer access to criminal records. For example, some states have “ban the box” laws, which prohibit employers from asking about criminal history on a job application, and/or have laws that limit the types of criminal convictions that employers are allowed to consider.
It’s important for employers to be aware of the laws that apply in their state and comply with them when conducting background checks.
Do you really need criminal background checks?
In a perfect world, there would be no need for criminal background checks Let's not kid one another, there are good people and then, there are bad people. We all watch the news reports about all kinds of violence happening in places of employment,...
Compliance Guide for FCRA Employment Background Checks
Concerned about being FCRA compliant when screening employment applicants? Let's start by learning the fundamental objective of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). As the name implies, it is all about complying with fairness and accuracy set...
Giving ex-convicts a second chance in society
Should you hire an ex-convict?Oftentimes young people make mistakes whether due to socio-economical circumstances, immaturity, lack of adult mentor guidance or simple peer pressure. Sadly, most of them could have done something better if given the...
Background Checks: Damned if you do, damned if you don’t
The conundrum of background checks. A delicate balance. Traditionally, the intended purpose of doing background checks has been to verify and/or find the information you may not know about someone’s past. Doing so enables you to become better...
What you need to know when searching criminal databases
Should you rely only on a criminal database search? Despite the fact that nationwide criminal databases are often an effective background screening strategy, employers must be aware of the constraints and legal vulnerability related to utilizing...
The Magic of a Name Variation Algorithms (NVA) Background Check
The magic of doing background checks with Name Variation Algorithms (NVA) Our Name Variation Algorithms background check report helps you uncover former names and aliases that your applicant may have omitted while finding criminal past histories...
How employers can conduct background checks to avoid EEOC penalties
How employers can conduct background checks to avoid EEOC penalties Jacqueline Berrien, the Chair of the EEOC recently clarified the EEOC's position when it comes to employment screening. The guidance was not designed to give...
How to avoid an FCRA Class Action Lawsuit
As an employer, what can I do to avoid an FCRA class action lawsuit? To start, employers should immediately review their policies and procedures for conducting background checks used for obtaining investigative consumer reports to ensure...
Easy steps to check a tenant’s background
Checking up on a tenant's past is not that difficult How to Check a Background for a Tenant Verifying a tenant's past is vital for any property owner. The process can certainly help identify potential issues prior to the lease agreement being...
Learn the difference between an arrest and a conviction
Learn the difference between an arrest and a conviction Oftentimes, presently employed individuals, as well as job applicants, find themselves out of a job based on an accusation of having committed a crime. Unfortunately, arrest records do not...