Privacy

CONSUMER & CLIENT INFORMATION

The Fair Credit Reporting Act prohibits unauthorized dissemination of any employment screening information with criminal and civil penalties to enforce this federal law. All screening services require a compliance certification from the business organization be on file with ABS Screening. Additionally, ABS clients must obtain written permission from the applicant (consumer) before ordering background checks

ABS Screening is a Consumer Reporting Agency and does not disclose or sell any consumer or client information to any outside person, company or organization for any reason.

SECURITY

ABS Screening utilizes the latest security technology available to ensure system integrity and protect all consumer and client information. Multiple layers of security include password protection, consumer authorization certification, network security protection, encryption, document right protection and internal audits are used to provide the highest security. Only authorized representatives of organizations with permissible purpose have access to their screening reports.

PRIVACY OR SECURITY CONCERNS

For questions or additional information on ABS Screening's privacy or security, please contact Information Services & Security.

FCRA

ABOUT THE FCRA

The first major revision of the Fair Credit Reporting Act became federal law on October 1, 1997. This new legislation titled "Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act of 1996" now regulates not only credit reporting, but also employment screening, public record information for employment purposes, insurance screening and underwriting, medical history reporting and professional licensing evaluation.

Responsibilities for all parties involved in the employment screening process are clearly stated in the FCRA. Summarized, they are as follows:

Consumer Reporting Agencies must:
  1. Obtain, maintain and report information within the guidelines of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
  2. Have a written certification agreement with every Consumer Report User, agreeing that all parties will comply with the FCRA.
  3. Have a procedure in place to re-verify, confirm or correct any reported information a Consumer disputes.
Consumer Report Users must:
  1. Make a clear and conspicuous written declaration to the Consumer (applicant) that a Consumer Report or an Investigative Consumer Report may be requested on them.
  2. Obtain the Consumer's written permission to order the Consumer Report.
  3. If Adverse Action is taken based on information contained in a Consumer Report, advise the Consumer of this situation, give the Consumer a copy of their Consumer Report and a copy of a summary of the Consumer's rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
  4. Notify the Consumer that the Consumer Reporting Agency did not make the decision to take adverse action and is unable to provide them with specific reasons for the adverse action.
  5. If the Consumer wishes to dispute accuracy of the Consumer Report, provide them with the Consumer Reporting Agency's procedure for disputing Consumer Report information.

A copy of the Fair Credit Reporting Act may be obtained at FCRA

Special Note

The Fair Credit Reporting Act provides that any person who knowingly and willfully obtains information on a Consumer from a Consumer Reporting Agency under false pretenses shall be fined up to a $1,000 under Title 18, or imprisoned no more than two years or both.

Download your FCRA Documents

FCRA Introduction Updated 11/20/2002
Memo to all ABS Clients from the President of ABS, Steve Neal
FCRA Release Form Updated 3/16/2005
Generic authorization form for ALL clients
FCRA Dispute Policy Updated 11/20/2002
Request ABS to check for reporting accuracy and/or re-verify information reported on a Consumer Screening Repor
FCRA Consumer Rights Updated 10/8/2003

Summary of a Consumer's Rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

FCRA Subscriber Certificate Updated 1/13/2005

SUBSCRIBER CERTIFICATION OF USE FOR EMPLOYMENT SCREENING CONSUMER REPORTS

FCRA Consumer Disclosure Report Notification Updated 3/2/2005
NEW Form required by applicant before the Authorization Form is completed
FCRA & FACTA Legislative Changes Memo Updated 3/16/2005
Memo to all ABS Clients from the President of ABS, Steve Neal regarding new legislative changes