investigative background check
An investigative background check is a type of employment screening in which an employer reviews an individual’s history and qualifications before making decisions about hiring, promotion, or continued employment.
Background checks may include examination of an individual’s employment history, education, criminal record, credit or financial information, medical history, and use of online and social media platforms. Employers may obtain this information directly or through third-party background reports, such as criminal background or credit reports. These reports are regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs both the activities of consumer reporting agencies (CRA) and the use of the reports themselves. Under the FCRA, employers must obtain written consent from the individual before procuring a background report and must provide notice and an opportunity to respond before taking any adverse employment action based on the report’s contents.
[Last reviewed in October of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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