(

a) In response to any written request by an escrow agent or by Fidelity Corporation, any bank, savings association, credit union, any other financial institution, or any other exempt person specified in

Section 17006, an escrow agent or Fidelity Corporation may provide a written employment reference that advises of the person’s involvement in a crime or act specified in

Section or subdivision (

b) of

Section 17414.1, or any theft, embezzlement, misappropriation, or other defalcation which has been reported to federal authorities pursuant to federal banking guidelines, or that has been reported to the commissioner or Fidelity Corporation, pursuant to this division. In order for the immunity provided in subdivision (

b) to apply, a copy of the written employment reference shall be sent concurrently by the Fidelity Corporation, person, entity, escrow agent, bank, savings association, credit union, any other financial institution, or exempt person specified in

Section providing the reference, to the last known address of the person concerning whom the reference is provided. (

b) No licensed escrow agent, bank, savings association, credit union, any other financial institution, exempt person specified in

Section 17006, or Fidelity Corporation shall be civilly liable for providing an employment reference as specified in subdivision (a), unless the information provided is false and the licensed escrow agent, bank, savings association, credit union, any other financial institution, or exempt person specified in

Section 17006, or Fidelity Corporation providing false information does so with knowledge and malice.