Learn about
Consumer Information
CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCY
GroupOne Services is a “consumer reporting agency” operating under the legal authority of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This provides employers the ability to share information on former employees through a third party reporting agency such as GroupOne.
Under the FCRA, employers who furnish such information are immune from “any action or proceeding in the nature of defamation, invasion of privacy, or negligence…except as to false information furnished with malice or willful intent to injure” the former employee.
Additionally, GroupOne retains an attorney whose specialty is the Fair Credit Reporting Act. He is available to complement and support our clients’ employment law counsel. Contact GroupOne to learn about the differences between state employment law and provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
CONSUMER REPORTING FOR EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) offers legal protection for the Consumer Reporting Agency, the recipient of agency information, or any person who furnishes information to a consumer reporting agency if full compliance is adhered to by all involved parties.
GroupOne provides complete, accurate, and meaningful information to the employer and applicant. We believe accurate information leads to honest discussions and enhanced hiring decisions.
QUALITY CONTROL
GroupOne gathers and reports information for use by employers in making employment decisions. The collection and dissemination of information in this manner is defined by the FCRA as a “consumer reporting agency.” GroupOne acknowledges responsibility to both clients and consumers. We pledge to exercise fairness, impartiality, and respect for the consumer’s privacy. GroupOne utilizes extensive quality control measures to ensure the accuracy of information from any and all sources and see that such information is reported only to employers with a permissible purpose.
GroupOne reserves the right to deny participation privileges to any employer who would use the information for unlawful purposes, unlawful discrimination, or would fail to follow all provisions detailed by the FCRA or employment law.
CERTIFICATION OF FCRA COMPLIANCE
Those who utilize Consumer Reports must certify to the Consumer Report Agency that they are in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). GroupOne is committed to providing the tools and information necessary to maintain a complaint.
Contractual and Electronic Certification procedures ensure employers will obtain authorization from each applicant, in writing, and disclose the intent of procuring a consumer report. Additionally, before any adverse action, based in whole or in part on the GroupOne Report, can be taken, that employers will provide the consumer to whom the report relates written notification. The employer also certifies that information from the consumer report will not be used in violation of any applicable Federal or State equal opportunity law or regulation.
FCRA Rights
How to Dispute Info on a Consumer Report
Request for Consumer Report Disclosure
AGENCY OBLIGATIONS
GroupOne’s obligations center around customer service. We function like a library, storing and retrieving accurate and complete information upon request. In some cases, our turnaround time is contingent upon another entity (the courts, an employer, registrars office, etc.). But you can count on GroupOne’s commitment to fast results, and each piece of information is forwarded to the requester on the day of completion.
Our obligations also extend to the consumer. The federal government established the FCRA to ensure the rights of consumer. GroupOne’s role in the hiring process is to provide acurate information and ensure the requirements of the FCRA are fulfilled by all parties. Failure to adhere to any facet of this Federal Law can result in severe penalties. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) operates as the enforcement body to the FCRA. At the request of the consumer, the FTC will investigate any questionable actions of the reporting agency, supplier of information or user of information.
FCRA PROCEDURES
- CERTIFICATION OF FCRA COMPLIANCE
- OBTAIN AUTHORIZATION AND DISCLOSE THE INTENT TO PROCURE A CONSUMER REPORT
- KNOW AND COMPLY WITH ADVERSE ACTION PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES
FCRA COMPLIANCE
- CONSUMER REPORTING FOR EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES
- QUALITY CONTROL
- AGENCY OBLIGATIONS