New Client Resource Center

Welcome to ADB’s Resource Center for new clients.

First of all, thank you for choosing ADB for your background screening needs. As a customer-driven business, we understand the importance of providing each new client with all of the tools you need to succeed. We aim to make getting started a quick and simple process. Below you will find important legal compliance information, educational/training tools, sample forms, and more.

*Please note that most criminal searches will be completed within 48 hours. For exceptions, please view our Extras and Exceptions document at the bottom of this page.

FCRA Compliance Information

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the activities of consumer reporting agencies (CRAs), as well as the users of the information procured from a CRA. A consumer report contains information on a job applicant or employee’s character, reputation, and other personal data; and when that report is provided by a CRA, the end user (That’s You) is required to comply with the FCRA.

As an employer, how do I comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act?

American DataBank is a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Our clients have certain legal responsibilities when using the information we provide for employment purposes.

In the Customer Service Agreement (CSA) executed with American DataBank, your organization certified the following:

Permissible Purpose

That it is requesting American DataBank to provide screening services only for the permissible purposes of considering an individual for employment, promotion, reassignment or retention as an employee, and for no other purposes.

Disclosure and Authorization

That prior to requesting American DataBank to provide screening services for employment purposes on an applicant/employee, it has provided the applicant/employee with a clear and conspicuous written disclosure, in a document consisting solely of the disclosure, that a consumer report is being requested for employment purposes, and it has obtained the written authorization from the applicant/employer to obtain a consumer report for employment purposes. Please see our sample disclosure and authorization form in the Forms and Documents section below.

Adverse Action

That before taking adverse action (e.g., refusing to hire or promote an applicant/employee), based in whole or part on information contained in the consumer report, it will first:

1) Provide the applicant/employee with a copy of the consumer report;

2) Provide the applicant/employee with a copy of the Consumer Rights, in the format approved by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (found here); and

3) Provide the applicant with ample time to dispute any information contained in the consumer report.

Dispute Process

That after providing the applicant/employee with the Pre-Adverse Action information contained above, and after it has given the applicant/employee “ample time” to dispute the information, the Subscriber will send the applicant a follow-up notification that the Subscriber is taking adverse action (e.g., denying employment or promotion) based on the information contained in the consumer report.

Sensitive Information

That it acknowledges the sensitivity and confidentiality of the information contained in the consumer report and Subscriber agrees that information obtained from a consumer report will not be used in violation of any applicable state or federal equal employment opportunity laws.

Fair Credit Reporting Act

That it has read and understands the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The subscriber agrees that it will comply with all such requirements.

American DataBank urges all employers to review the restrictions and requirements of the FCRA. The Act’s citation is Public Law 91-508, Title 15, U.S.C. Sections 1681, et seq. You can view the FCRA in full by clicking the link on the right.

Fair Credit Reporting Act

Training Materials:

We have included a Stargate User Guide (pdf) and some training videos to teach you the basic functionality of our system. Still have questions? Contact our customer support team by email — support@americandatabank.com or phone — 1-800-200-0853. Our customer support team is available Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm (MT).

New User Training Request

The following StarGate User Guide provides step-by-step instructions for ordering. However, please know that we provide unlimited, complimentary live support training throughout the client relationship, so please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.

StarGate User Guide

Tutorial Videos

Stargate Overview

Ordering Process

Forms & Documents

Download any of the following forms to help you stay in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Sample documents should NOT be construed as legal advice. Employers should consult their own attorney about their compliance responsibilities under the FCRA and applicable state law. ADB expressly disclaims any warranties or responsibility arising out of information provided in these forms.

1. California Credit Report Release Form

Credit reports for California require a separate Release Form. Download PDF Version

2. Disclosure & Authorization Form

FCRA sample form. ALL Applicants must sign this form before processing a background check.

Sample Disclosure Form (PDF) | Sample Authorization Form (PDF)

3. New York Article 23-A

To be provided to NY applicants / employees. Download PDF Version

4. Pre-Adverse Action Letter

FCRA sample form. Download PDF Version

5. Adverse Action Notification (Employment)

FCRA sample form. Download PDF Version

6. Adverse Action Notification (Non-Employment)

FCRA sample form. Download PDF Version

7. EVS Terms and Conditions

Equifax required form. Employment Verification Services (EVS) Terms and Conditions must be signed by all users of Equifax services. Download PDF Version

8. Extras and Exceptions Document

A great resource for new clients that offers detailed information on compliance requirements, access to specific services, and tips to help you get the most out of our services. Download PDF Version