LS Screening Client Notice: Changes in Report Format

LS Screening Client Notice: Changes in Report Format

On December 10, 2012, we sent a Client Notice via email telling everyone that the address history reports would be removed from the final report effective January 1, 2013. That date was postponed to February 4, 2013. A more detailed explanation as to “how and why” is below.

On February 4th, the results of the Address History report will no longer be available on the final reports emailed from the system to end users or when viewed online. The address history results will still be available when viewing the results of the search from within the client module. The Address History Report information is obtained via proprietary databases and is not obtained directly via credit header or the Social Security Administration. Therefore, it is only to be used as a verification tool to point you in the appropriate direction for counties to search. You should not assume that this is a Social Security Number Verification which, by sending this with a FCRA report, can happen

Fair Credit Reporting Act Definitions

The Address History Report Services provided pursuant to our Agreement are not provided by ‘consumer reporting agencies,’ as that term is defined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681, et seq.) (‘FCRA’), and do not constitute ‘consumer reports,’ as that term is defined in the FCRA. Accordingly, the Address History Report Services may not be used in whole or in part as a factor in determining eligibility for credit, insurance, employment or another purpose in connection with how a consumer report may be used under the FCRA. Additionally, FCRA and non-FCRA reports should be separated because consumers have certain rights with respect to consumer reports (including the dispute process, requiring a Consumer Reporting Agency to investigate) that do not apply to Person Search reports.

Overview

I don’t believe this change will be that disruptive to your process. I do believe it will address some of the confusion your applicants have when they view copies of their report. The Address History reports are, in my opinion, one of the more valuable tools we (and you) have in this process so I will be monitoring the transition closely to minimize any adverse impact on our process. As always, I am available to discuss any or all of this at your convenience.

– John