Background Check Restrictions

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets national standards for employment screening. The law applies to background checks performed by an outside company, such as PeopleCheck, called a "consumer reporting agency" under the FCRA. 

Under the FCRA, a background check report is called a "consumer report." This is the same "official" name given to your credit report, and the same limits on disclosure apply. The FCRA says the following cannot be reported:

• Bankruptcies after 10 years.
• Civil suits, civil judgments, and records of arrest, from date of entry, after seven years.
• Paid tax liens after seven years.
• Accounts placed for collection after seven years.
• Any other negative information (except criminal convictions) after seven years.