By Dave Katzenmeyer
President, Genesis Background Screening Services
In the ever-changing background checking industry, the main focus should always be accuracy and compliance. Accuracy to be sure you are getting the information your company needs to make the right hiring decisions and compliance to reduce your risk of liability.
First and foremost, don’t go the cheap route by using the quickie background checkers that have proliferated on the internet. Using these sites does a disservice to both your company and your candidates. Releasing applicant information, i.e. Social Security number, D.O.B., Driver’s License number, addresses, etc, to an iffy company is unethical and can get you and your company in trouble. Furthermore, the information you get from this type of source is unlikely to have the accuracy and information you need to really know the applicant you are considering for hire, thus leaving your company unprotected. You aren’t saving money if you put your company or your candidates at risk of litigation or worse.
The legitimate background screening industry is highly regulated and is subject to scrutiny among government agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Professional Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) screeners are held to a high standard with regards to compliance and the procedures that ensure maximum accuracy. Large monetary penalties are placed on companies when regulators and courts believe that these compliance requirements have not been met. Just because you hire someone else to do your screening doesn’t mean you aren’t accountable! This is why it so important for you to choose a background screening company that is an experienced CRA that will help you get and stay in compliance.
It is now recommended that all CRA’s thoroughly review CFPB case findings and assess their own internal policies and evaluate whether changes need to be made in order to avoid negligent lawsuits. One of the ways to greatly increase accuracy and reduce investigation time is to include a middle name as an added identifier. If your applicant does not have a middle name, validate that with your screening company. According to the NAPBS (National Association of Professional Background Screeners), the FTC’s main focus for 2016 will be on matching criteria and ensuring accurate identifiers are used for applicant processing.
Be sure to check your background screening company is staying on top of the screening industry changes and helping you stay compliant. If you have any questions or would like a consultation on best hiring practices and background screening, you can call 866 944-0041 ext 101, email getstarted@gbsspro.com or visit www.genesisbackgroundscreening.com
