Every vehicle sale involves sensitive personal information. Customers share Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, income details, bank information, and credit applications. Your sales and finance and insurance (F&I) teams handle all of it.
That makes screening these employees especially important.
Dealerships hold valuable data
Dealerships are subject to federal rules on protecting customer financial information, including the FTC’s Safeguards Rule, which requires many dealers to maintain an information security program. Part of protecting that data is making sure the people who access it are trustworthy.
What to screen for
For sales and F&I roles, a thorough screening package may include:
- Criminal background searches in the counties and states where the applicant has lived
- Identity verification and Social Security number trace
- Employment verification to confirm prior dealership or sales experience
- Drug testing as part of your drug-free workplace policy
- Motor vehicle reports for employees who conduct test drives
Focus on job-related offenses
When reviewing criminal records, focus on offenses relevant to the role, such as fraud, identity theft, or financial crimes for F&I positions. Consider how long ago the offense occurred and the nature of the job. The EEOC encourages individualized assessments rather than blanket bans, and some states and cities have fair chance hiring laws that affect when and how you can ask about criminal history.
Follow the FCRA
Background screening for employment is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Before running a check, provide a clear standalone disclosure and get written authorization. If you plan to take adverse action based on the report, you must follow the pre-adverse and adverse action notice process.
Protect your reputation
A single data breach or fraud incident can damage customer trust and bring regulatory attention. Careful screening is a simple, proactive step to reduce that risk.
Elite Services can help
Elite Services Workplace Screening provides background searches, identity verification, and drug testing for dealerships nationwide, with electronic waiver links that make it easy for applicants to authorize their screening.
Ready to protect your workplace? Elite Services Workplace Screening provides nationwide drug testing, DOT compliance, background searches, MVRs, and E-Verify. Call 888-738-9297 or contact us online to get started.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change; consult qualified counsel about your specific situation.