The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires a specific two-step process before you can deny a volunteer based on a background check. Miss a step and you're exposed to civil liability. VolunteerBadge walks you through every requirement, generates both required notices, and tracks the mandatory waiting period — all included with every account.
Why it matters
When a background check returns a reportable record, we generate a pre-adverse action letter that includes a copy of the report and a summary of rights — exactly what FCRA requires. You review and send.
FCRA requires at least five business days between the pre-adverse notice and the final adverse action. We track the waiting period and unlock the final notice only when the clock has run. No guessing.
Once the waiting period passes, we generate the final adverse action letter — again including all legally required language and a summary of the applicant's dispute rights.
During the waiting period, the applicant may dispute the record with the consumer reporting agency. We surface this right clearly in both notices and walk you through the process if a dispute is filed.
Every pre-adverse notice sent, every waiting period logged, every final notice sent — all timestamped and stored on the applicant's record. If a question arises, your documentation is complete.
How it works
FAQ
Adverse action is any decision that negatively affects a volunteer applicant based on information in a consumer report — including denying their application, requiring additional screening, or restricting their role. FCRA requires a specific two-notice process before taking adverse action.
Yes. We generate notice text that includes all FCRA-required elements: a description of the adverse action, the name and contact information of the consumer reporting agency, notice of the applicant's right to dispute, and a statement that the CRA did not make the adverse action decision. You review before sending.
We walk you through the process. The applicant has the right to dispute with the CRA directly. VolunteerBadge surfaces this right in the pre-adverse notice and provides guidance if a dispute is filed before the waiting period expires.
Yes. The adverse action workflow is included with every VolunteerBadge account at no extra cost. FCRA compliance is a legal requirement, not an upsell.
Free account. No credit card required. Your first background check is $5.