Frequently Asked Questions
About Background Checks
Here are some frequently asked questions, concerning background checks:
What is a background check?
A background check is a process of compiling criminal, commercial and financial records of an individual or an organization. Employees often request it during employment screening.
Who performs the background check?
The CRA (Consumer Reporting Agency) majorly performs the background check in most cases. They, in turn, submit the consumer report to an employer. This agency specializes in conducting background checks on employees as requested by the employer. They are asked to make a reasonable effort by the FRCA to make sure that the employer has the right to carry out this research.
Do employees need to approve a background check before being carried out?
The answer is Yes. The employer must have the employee's written consent before carrying out a background check on him or her.
Do employees have any rights as regards the background checks?
Yes. The FRCA requires that people who approve a background check be given documents which states their rights with the title, "A Summary of your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act." This document says that the employee has to know if the information found about him has been used against him. It explains how such a person can get their copy of the report, dispute the result of the story and carry out actions against any agencies that violate the requirements of FRCA.
What does a background check report include?
It contains information which ranges from simple verification of identity to criminal records, educational experience, driving history, employment history and some other personal information.
What happens when a background check report contains false information?
Many reasons can lead to a background check report having false information. The employee involved has the right to know all the data reported in their file and to ask for it to be corrected if they find it to be false.
How can a job applicant contest the report?
The employee involved in the report has the right to check if the report contains accuracy and or is completed. The CRA must also reinvestigate within 30 days to verify this. If part or the whole information is used in an adverse action, the employer must notify the CRA of this and the send a copy of the consumer's report and the consumer's right to the consumer under FRCA.
