As an employer, it's natural to want to know exactly who you're hiring. This is one reason why it's commonplace to run background checks or pull credit reports for potential employees.

Before you order that report, though, there's something you have to consider first: FCRA guidelines.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) exists to protect consumers from the misuse of their personal information. And before your business is eligible to run reports, you first need to ensure that your business meets FCRA requirements.

The first step to doing this is ordering a physical or virtual site inspection of your business. Keep reading to learn what you'll need to do to meet the FCRA requirements.

What Are the FCRA Guidelines for Site Inspections?

Simply put, you need to prove that your business is legitimate and in full compliance with FCRA guidelines. Their main concern is the safety of the consumer's information on the credit reports you request.

In other words, you have to prove that the information is secure and that it can't be accessed or used for fraudulent activities.

Here are the main requirements you'll need to meet during the inspection to prove compliance with FCRA guidelines.

1. An Acceptable Office Setting

If you operate your business in a commercial setting (i.e., a store, restaurant, or warehouse), you must have a dedicated office space with a door that locks.

Until recently, it was difficult to get approval if you operate from a home office. In the wake of the pandemic, however, over 70% of Americans now work from home at least part-time. If you're running your business from home, your office must be separated from your living quarters.

To qualify, the office area must have its own entrance separate from the main area of the house. It also needs a secure, lockable door that prevents access from within the home.

2. Appropriate Office Equipment

Next, the inspector will want to see where and how you store the credit reports that you order. The two main items you'll need to have are a lockable filing cabinet and a paper shredder.

Have the key to your filing cabinet handy, as the inspector will want to verify that the lock works. If you don't have a paper shredder in the office, an alternative is to show that you actively use a paper shredding service.

3. Business Signage

This one is self-explanatory. Even if you operate your business from home, you need to have a sign on the door that clearly shows your company name and/or business logo.

4. Business Telephone Number

Finally, you'll need a dedicated business number that's separate from your personal home or cellular number. The number also needs to appear in at least one business directory, such as the Yellow Pages.

ComplyTraq: Ensuring Your Business Meets FCRA Requirements

Now that you know how to meet FCRA guidelines, the only thing left to do is set up your company's site inspection.

Our US-based company includes over 16,000 professional inspectors. For your convenience, you can choose either a physical site inspection or a virtual site inspection. We guarantee fast turnaround times and charge you only after the inspection is complete.

Are you ready to get started? Click here to contact us today and let's discuss your business needs.