FACT ACT Compliance and Consumer Information

At ESR, we recognize  that there are times when a background check can cause a consumer to have concerns.  Although ESR is not able to provide consumers with advce on background checks, we are pleased to be able to  provide the following resources to help a consumer better understand the process.  In addition ,if you are a consumer that was the subject of a pre-employment background check by ESR, you have additional and specific rights you should know about under the FCRA and the  FACT Act that are described below.

Consumer Information

The following are some resources for consumers about background checks:

1. Article:  Background Screening Can Help Boss and Applicants
2. A Summary of Rights (Prepared by the Federal Trade Commissioner for consumers) »»
3. Information for consumers is also  located at http://www.privacyrights.org/

In addition, most state or county bar associations have  low-cost or no-cost programs to give consumers advice.  If you have a question about a background report and criminal records or other topics,  a consumer may want to use a bar association program to consult with an attorney familiar with the subject.  Each state has their own rules about criminal records.  Another common questions deals with credit reports. Keep in mind that a credit score is NOT provided on an employment credit  reports.  More information about credit reports is available at:  http://www.esrcheck.com/articles/article7.php 

FACT ACT Information

The Fair And Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACT Act) of 2003 that amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), provides the ability for consumers to obtain a free copy of his or her consumer file from certain consumer reporting agencies once during a 12 month period. If you have previously had a background report run on you by ESR, you may request a free annual file disclosure pursuant to the Free Annual File Disclosure Rule, 16 C.F.R. Part 610.

Please note that Employment Screening Resources (ESR) will only have a report concerning you if you have applied for employment with an employer who performs preemployment background checks , AND the check was performed by ESR.  If you have not applied for employment with an employer that conducts preemployment background reports, then you will not have a file with ESR. In addition, even if you have applied for employment, and a background report was done, ESR will not have any information on you unless ESR was the background firm that completed the report. Generally, a Consumer will be informed of the name and identity of the background firm that was utilized by an employer on the Consent and Disclosure forms that an applicant must sign prior to a background report being requested. 

Please also be advised that ESR does not "re-use" any information that is obtained by ESR for a background report.  Each background report is a "one-time" use only.

You can obtain a copy of your consumer file from ESR if ESR has such a file in three ways:

1. Click Here to download a form. Print the form, provide the information requested , sign it and then fax it to 1-800-399-5423.
2. T o request a copy of the free annual disclosure by phone, please call ESR and ask for the Consumer Desk : 1-888-999-4474.
3. To obtain a copy of your free annual disclosure by mail, write to Employment Screening Resources, 7110 Redwood Blvd , Ste. C, Novato , CA. 94945 ATT: Consumer Desk

Consumers may check the status of their request by contacting 1-888-999-4474 and asking for the Consumer Desk.

PRIVACY:  In order to protect your personal information, ESR must take reasonable measures to confirm your identity. You will need to provide ESR with your full legal name, social security number, date of birth, drivers license information, the name of the employer who requested a screening report and the approximate date of the application with the employer, along with your daytime phone and current address. An e-mail address is also very helpful.    After confirming your identity, ESR will mail your information within 15 working days.

The information will be mailed to the address ESR has on file for you.  If  you have moved or need it sent to a different address, ESR may ask for a copy of your drivers license showing your new address or a copy of utility bill with your name and address in order to ensure that information is only provided to the consumer.