The client in question has not sent us an order in 6 years, when all of the sudden they are pressuring us to get this background check in order to receive work.  Calling and e-mailing asking for the background check results. 

If you follow the link on their e-mail, the company that will help us with the background check (for a small fee of course) turns out to be the client who is requesting the background check in the first place.

I think this is simply a scam.  They want us to pay them for the chance to work for them.  I find it insulting and offensive.