What the Latest Fines on Major Screeners Mean for the Industry

Background screening has been in the spotlight, with regulators taking action against some of the largest credit bureaus for inaccuracies and compliance failures.

The cost of non-compliance

In late 2024, regulators fined a major bureau more than $20 million for providing inaccurate rental background reports and failing to remove sealed or expunged records. This was not an isolated incident, similar fines have been levied in recent years.

Why it matters for housing providers and employers

When background reports contain outdated or incorrect data, it’s not just the provider that faces scrutiny. Landlords and employers who rely on faulty reports could also be pulled into legal disputes. That’s why it’s critical to work with a provider committed to accuracy and compliance. ACUTRAQ is built on that foundation , delivering reports that are timely, reliable, and backed by processes designed to meet federal, state, and local requirements.

A signal for the industry

These enforcement actions show regulators are raising the bar for screening providers. Accuracy, timeliness, and fairness are not just best practices , they’re legal requirements. For housing providers and employers, relying on reports that are outdated or inaccurate can lead to costly disputes and regulatory scrutiny. That’s why it’s essential to partner with a screening company that prioritizes compliance from the ground up.

We’ve built our services on that foundation. Our background checks are accurate, timely, and compliant with federal, state, and local requirements, helping landlords and employers avoid the pitfalls that have led to fines for larger bureaus. With ACUTRAQ, you can screen with confidence knowing your process meets the highest standards.