Applicant
Background Check
Resources
Under normal circumstances, an employer should tell you if a background check is to be conducted and get your written consent first.
If an employer is considering adverse action because of information found in a background check, you should
receive a copy of the report, have an opportunity to dispute any incorrect information,
and receive a copy of your rights under federal and state laws (as applicable).
A Matter of Fact FAQs:
FAQ: How do I pass a background check?A: Give a frank and honest explanation during the job interview of any past problem. Check your records, check your references, and check your web footprints. For more information, see How to Pass a Background Check.
FAQ: What if there are mistakes in my background check?
A: Mistakes do occur in background checks. The information in a background check was created, compiled, maintained, searched, and reported by fallible individuals. This is why it is important that employers give you the opportunity to review negative information before any adverse action is taken. If you identify information in a report that is incomplete or inaccurate, you should promptly inform the employer. When the employer notifies us about the discrepancies, we will re-investigate and furnish the required reports, notifications, etc., at no further charge.
FAQ: I am a victim of identity theft, what should I do?
A: Visit the Identity Theft Resource Center's website (see link below). The ITRC is a nonprofit organization that provides many resources for identity theft victims.
FAQ: Does A Matter of Fact maintain Consumer Information such as a Criminal Record Database? Does A Matter of Fact reuse information from old background checks?
A: No! The only files we maintain are archived copies of background check files as required by law. No information from a prior background check is used in a subsequent background check. Each report is compiled separately from fresh research.
FAQ: Can I get a copy of my file?
A: A Matter of Fact will only have a "file" for you if we have recently conducted a background check at the request of an employer. If you were denied employment due at least in part to the information contained in the background check we conducted, you should have received a full copy of your report from the employer. You should have also received a letter from the employer explaining your rights and providing details on how to obtain a copy of your file from us. The background check report that you will receive from us will be another copy of the same report we gave the employer.
Note: Some employers routinely request that all applicants complete a background check release form as part of the application process, but only order background checks on final candidates. At times, this causes applicants to believe we have conducted a background check when we have not. We only conduct background checks when ordered by approved employers. Usually, an employer will tell you when they have actually ordered a background check.
FAQ: How do I get my FREE annual copy of my file?
A: There is some confusion here. The FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) gives consumers the right to annually obtain a free copy of their files from each national consumer reporting agency. A Matter of Fact is NOT a national consumer reporting agency. This section of the law applies primarily to the National Credit Bureaus. For national credit bureau contact information, see "National Credit Bureau Contact Information" listed below.
FAQ: Does A Matter of Fact respect a consumer's privacy?
A: A Matter of Fact recognizes its obligation to support and implement policies that protect the confidential nature of the information we handle and to ensure respect for consumers’ rights to privacy. For more, see A Matter of Fact Privacy Policy and Access Security Requirements.
FAQ: How Do I Get My Own Work History?
A: The Social Security Administration has several reports that may help you reconstruct your own Work History. See below, Social Security Work History and Earnings History Reports.
Applicant Resources:
The following resources may be of use to you as an applicant (or "consumer" as you are called in the law).FTC:
- A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
- FTC Fair Credit Reporting Act Information and Notices
Social Security Work History and Earnings History Reports:
- Detailed Earnings Information: Provides periods of employment or self-employment and the names and addresses of employers.
- Social Security Statement: A yearly record of the earnings on which you have paid Social Security taxes and a summary of estimated benefits.
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse:
Identity Theft Resource Center:
Other:
- National Credit Bureau Contact Information
- California Background Check Law and FCRA Employer Requirements Summary
- A Matter of Fact Background Check FAQ
- Background Check Articles by Industry Sources
- Restrictions on Criminal Record Checks by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- State Laws for Credit Checks by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
