Today it's possible to obtain hundreds of records about a person's background for a hundred dollars or less using one's personal computer. Many public records have been placed on the Internet in recent years as information brokers have linked with public agencies, governments and businesses for computer access that enables them to compile virtual dossiers on anyone, including data like Social Security numbers, property ownership, driving records, and nearest relatives. Unfortunately, available on-line investigative services range from those offered by blue chip investigative corporations to those available from startup Web sites. Therefore, it is hard for anyone who is the subject of a background check to know what has been searched and the data quality of the search results. According to the Times , background checks are more critical than ever because of increased employer liability for criminal acts committed by employees with previous criminal records.
Groups concerned with privacy rights say that mistakes in reporting personal data happen routinely.
Under recent amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, job applicants have the right to see and correct credit reports. And an applicant must sign a document giving an employer permission to conduct a background check. According to the Times , when a person finds inaccurate personal information about him or her, the only recourse is to go back to the original source of the information. At times, that can be a lengthy process. The report was written by Susan Wells and appears on page E1.