Compliant Screening for Better Hiring
Stay Compliant and Save Time with Automation
VeriFirst offers a free online applicant portal to simplify background compliance for employers.
- Get digital consent from applicants for faster turnaround
- Filter screening results to focus on what matters
- Apply workflows to automatically start the adverse action process
What Employers Need to Know About the FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how employers and other entities handle consumer reports, including background checks and credit reports. If you're an employer, here's what you need to know about the FCRA:
Key Employer Obligations
-
Notify and Obtain Consent:
- Inform applicants or employees in writing (separate from other documents) before obtaining a consumer report.
- Obtain their written consent.
-
Pre-Adverse Action Process:
- If you might take adverse action (e.g., not hiring, termination), provide:
- A copy of the report.
- A summary of FCRA rights.
- Allow time (5-7 days) for the individual to dispute errors.
- If you might take adverse action (e.g., not hiring, termination), provide:
-
Adverse Action Notice:
- If adverse action is taken, notify the individual, including:
- The CRA’s contact info.
- A statement that the CRA didn’t make the decision.
- Their right to dispute the report and get a free copy.
- If adverse action is taken, notify the individual, including:
-
Certify Compliance:
- Certify to the CRA that you’ll follow FCRA rules and use reports appropriately.
Penalties for Violations
Non-compliance can lead to civil penalties, damages, class-action lawsuits, and legal costs.
Best Practices
- Use reputable CRAs.
- Be transparent about background checks.
- Avoid discrimination in decision-making.
By following the FCRA, employers ensure a fair and lawful hiring process.
What Makes VeriFirst Different
As a member of the Professional Background Screeners Association, VeriFirst maintains Accreditation through the BSAAP standards.
Since its inception, the Professional Background Screeners Association "PBSA" (formerly known as the NAPBS) has maintained that there is a strong need for a singular, cohesive industry standard and, therefore, created the Background Screening Agency Accreditation Program "BSAAP".
Governed by a strict professional standard of specified requirements and measurements, the BSAAP is becoming a widely recognized seal of achievement that brings national recognition to background screening organizations (also referred to as Consumer Reporting Agencies).
Employers partnering with VeriFirst can trust that their background screening reports will adhere to the strict BSAAP standards and will maintain FCRA compliance.
To become Accredited, VeriFirst Background Screening, LLC was required to pass a rigorous onsite audit, conducted by an independent auditing firm, of its policies and procedures as they relate to six critical areas: Consumer Protection, Legal Compliance, Client Education, Product Standards, Service Standards, and General Business Practices.
PBSA-accredited background screening companies must also commit to best practices, training and guidance to continue adhering to the compliance, integrity and service values of the organization.