Website Launched:  12/26/1994 Last Update:  2/14/2013 The Integrity Center, Inc. "objective risk management services" (972) 484-6140 [ Since 1984 ] HOME Reference Articles   SCREENING Check List Backgrounds TUTORIALS SERVICE MENU FCRA THIS COMPANY Our Methods Why Use Us Myths Pitfalls CHECK MYSELF CHECK NANNY USEFUL LINKS Library Statistics PRESS RELEASE Myth # 6 Criminal conviction histories can only look back 7 years. That was true as the FCRA was amended in 1996.   However, Congress passed the `Consumer Reporting Employment Clarification Act of 1998' and it was signed into law by the President on November 2, 1998.   Specifically, it strikes FCRA Section 605(a)(5), thus removing the limitation on the look-back period for criminal conviction histories. Currently, at least one state feels that the 7 year limitation is more fair.   This state passed a state law in 1999 that governs and again returns the look-back period to 7 years for that state. COMMON MYTHS MYTH # 1 The FCRA does not apply to all situations. MYTH # 2 You don't need a Release to investigate current employees. MYTH # 3 It is legal to use stored database info for employment purposes. MYTH # 4 Background checking companies don't need to be licensed. MYTH # 5 You can't ask for Date of Birth. MYTH # 6 Conviction histories can only look back seven (7) years. MYTH # 7 It is possible to buy a NATIONAL criminal history. MYTH # 8 All SSN verifications are the same.