On the back of reports by consumer advocacy groups, the Associated Press has published several articles recently that are critical of the background screening industry. The most recent article Job hunters being hurt by shoddy background checks, consumer advocated conclude in report was published Wednesday, April 11, 2012 and refers to a report the National Consumer Law Center is releasing today that claims to be the first in-depth survey of consumer abuse by companies selling inaccurate or incomplete consumer reports. This dialog is elevating the issue to a national level with many state and federal regulatory bodies focusing on increasing consumer protection related to the preparation and use of consumer reports.
The adverse impacts that the AP and NCLC have been focusing on are almost exclusively the result of End-Users and Consumer Reporting Agencies(CRAs) who don’t understand and/or choose to adhere to existing regulations and best practices for the preparation and use of consumer reports. Background screening is critical component of your organization’s risk management program and over regulation could pose a real risk to you if the type of information you have access to is rigidly restricted without regard for the unique risks you face. By choosing a reputable, responsible CRA who provides you with comprehensive information in a compliant manner you send the message to our regulators that additional enforcement actions are not required.
If you have any questions about the information you are receiving or about your obligations as an End-User of consumer reports contact your knowledgible team at Advanced Reporting. Advanced Reporting is proud to be a member of the National Association of Profession Background Screeners (NAPBS) and to have our full team of investigators achieve the NAPBS FCRA Basic Certification.