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How to Conduct a
Background Check

Background Check
Start-Up Kit

The following Start-Up Kit is a step-by-step process for getting started.

Step 1: Open a Background Check Account

Review the following before getting started:

• Notice to Users of Consumer Reports: obligations of users under the FCRA; summarizes your obligations under the FCRA. [Download]

Complete and return the following:

• Agreement: Complete, sign, and return. [Download]
  NOTE: If you expect to order CA Workers' Compensation reports, use a California Workers' Compensation Form.
  NOTE: Notify our office if you expect to order Credit Reports.
• Account Information: Complete both pages and return [Download] or
  [Download] (fill-in-the-blank version).
• FCRA Requirements: Sign and return. [Download]
• Access Security Requirements: Sign and return. [Download]

Step 2: Provide Applicant with Background Check Documents

Give a copy of the following to the applicant BEFORE you order a background check:

• A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (applicant’s rights): [Download]
• Notice Required by California Civil Code Section 1786.16(a)2: [Download]
• Applicant Authorization and Release: [Download] or
  [Download] (fill-in-the-blank version)

Step 3: Place a Background Check Order

Select the type of background check you want to perform:

• Basic Background Check: The minimum information you should obtain, even when you are limited by budget or other constraints, see Basic Background Check
• Comprehensive Background Check: When you want to be careful and have it done right, see Comprehensive Background Check: The Best Background Check

Send us each of the following to place an order:

• Employee Background Check Request: [Download] or
  [Download] (fill-in-the-blank version)
• Applicant Authorization and Release
• A copy of the Job Application and/or Resume

Step 4: If Needed, Provide Adverse Action Documents

Give the applicant the following if he/she is to be denied employment or promotion based at least in part on information provided by A Matter of Fact:

• A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (applicant’s rights): [Download]
• Sample Denial Letter: [Download]

Note: You can download all documents and forms in a compressed zip file [Download Entire Start-Up Kit].

All documents are pdf. Use Adobe® Reader® 5.0 or higher.
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Background Check Badges

We suggest you use an A Matter of Fact Background Check Badge to help get the "word out" that your organization conducts background checks. A Matter of Fact badges inform prospective employees, investors, and other stakeholders, that you are careful in your hiring process and what their benefits are for working with your organization. To learn more, see Thorough Background Check Badges. To view the page they will see when they click on the badge, go to We Conduct Thorough Background Checks.

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