What is the FCRA — and Why Does It Matter? | Truthed
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What is the FCRA — and Why Does It Matter?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law designed to protect individuals from the misuse of public records that could negatively impact important areas of their lives. Whether applying for a job, renting a home, or seeking insurance, the FCRA requires that anyone accessing your personal records for such decisions must notify you and disclose the source of the information used.

Companies that provide records for decisions related to employment, credit, insurance, or housing are known as Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) and are strictly regulated under the FCRA.

Important: Truthed is Not a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA)

Because Truthed is not a CRA, our platform cannot be used for any of the following purposes. Doing so violates both the law and our Terms of Use:

Employment or Job Screening

Truthed cannot be used to:

  • Screen potential employees
  • Make promotion or reassignment decisions
  • Make employee retention decisions

Employment screening must be conducted through an official CRA.

Business Transactions Involving a Customer or Client

You may not use Truthed to review customer accounts, verify ongoing contract terms, or conduct business-related background checks. These actions require a CRA.

Credit or Insurance Qualification

Truthed may not be used to determine someone’s eligibility for a credit line or insurance policy. For these purposes, you must use a certified CRA, such as TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax.

Tenant Screening

Screening potential tenants, whether for residential or commercial properties, must be done through a CRA. Truthed is not authorized for this use.

Hiring Household Workers

Background checks for household workers — such as babysitters, landscapers, home health aides, or personal chefs — must be handled by a CRA. Using Truthed for this purpose is strictly prohibited.

Educational Qualifications and Admissions

Truthed may not be used to evaluate someone’s eligibility for academic programs, admissions, or scholarships.

Misuse Has Serious Consequences

Violating these guidelines may result in:

  • Immediate termination of your Truthed account
  • Reporting to law enforcement authorities
  • Possible civil or criminal penalties

We strongly encourage you to use Truthed responsibly and in accordance with these guidelines.

What Is Truthed Intended For?

Truthed is designed for personal and informational use only — reconnecting with people, verifying general public records, or satisfying curiosity within legal limits.

If You Need a CRA, Contact One of These Resources:

For official background checks, contact a certified CRA directly:

Credit Reporting Agencies:

  • TransUnion
  • Equifax
  • Experian

Employment Screening Services:

  • Sterling Infosystems
  • Integrascan
  • SentryLink

Note: Truthed is not affiliated with the above organizations. They are listed here for your convenience.

Still Unsure About Your Intended Use?

If you’re uncertain about whether your intended use is legal or compliant, we are here to help.
 Please review our complete Terms of Use or contact us directly for guidance. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions.