If you’ve discovered errors in your background check report, it’s important to take immediate action to correct them. Inaccurate information can impact your ability to get a job, rent a home, or obtain credit. At Jaffer Law, we help consumers like you dispute and correct errors in background check reports to protect your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The FCRA ensures that background check reports are accurate and fairly used. You have the right to:
- Access your background check report.
- Dispute incorrect or outdated information.
- Have errors investigated and corrected in a timely manner.
- Seek legal remedies if background check companies or employers fail to comply with the law.
Steps to Dispute Errors in a Background Check Report
Follow these steps to correct mistakes in your background check report:
1. Obtain a Copy of Your Report
Before disputing an error, request a copy of your background check report from the company that provided it. If an employer or landlord used the report to make a decision against you, they must provide you with the contact details of the reporting agency.
2. Identify the Errors
Carefully review your report and highlight incorrect, outdated, or misleading information. Common errors include:
- Incorrect criminal records.
- Outdated or expunged records appearing on the report.
- Mistaken identity (someone else’s records appearing on your report).
- Inaccurate employment or education history.
3. Submit a Dispute to the Background Check Company
You have the right to dispute errors directly with the background check company that created the report. Your dispute should include:
- A written statement explaining the errors.
- Supporting documents proving the correct information.
- A request for correction or removal of inaccurate data.
4. Follow Up on the Investigation
The background check company has 30 days to investigate your dispute and correct any errors. They must notify you of the outcome and provide a revised report if changes are made.
5. Notify the Employer or Landlord
If the error affected an employment or housing decision, inform the employer or landlord that you have disputed the report. They may reconsider their decision based on the corrected report.
What If the Errors Are Not Fixed?
If the background check company refuses to correct the mistakes or fails to investigate properly, you may have a claim under the FCRA. You could be entitled to damages, legal fees, and other remedies.
How Jaffer Law Can Help
At Jaffer Law, we fight for consumers who have been harmed by inaccurate background checks. If your dispute is ignored or mishandled, our experienced attorneys can take legal action to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Contact Jaffer Law for a Free Consultation
Don’t let errors in a background check report stand in your way. Contact Jaffer Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you fix inaccuracies and protect your rights.