Discovering errors in your background check report can be stressful, especially if it affects your ability to secure employment, housing, or credit. Fortunately, you have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to dispute and correct inaccurate information. At Jaffer Law, we help consumers navigate this process and fight back against wrongful reporting.
Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The FCRA provides essential protections to ensure that background check reports are accurate and fairly used. Your rights include:
- Accessing your background check report.
- Disputing incorrect, outdated, or misleading information.
- Ensuring errors are investigated and corrected promptly.
- Taking legal action if the background check company or employer fails to comply with the law.
Steps to Take If Your Background Check Report Is Wrong
If you notice an error in your background check, take these steps immediately:
1. Request a Copy of Your Report
You have the right to obtain a copy of your background check report. If an employer, landlord, or other entity used it to make a decision against you, they must provide details on how to access the report and the reporting agency.
2. Review the Report for Errors
Examine your report carefully and highlight inaccuracies, such as:
- Criminal records that do not belong to you.
- Expunged or outdated criminal history appearing on the report.
- Incorrect employment or education details.
- Mistaken identity issues (someone else’s information showing up on your report).
3. File a Dispute with the Background Check Company
Under the FCRA, you can dispute errors directly with the background check company. Your dispute should include:
- A written explanation of the inaccuracies.
- Supporting documentation proving the correct information.
- A request for correction or removal of incorrect data.
4. Monitor the Investigation Process
The background check company must investigate your dispute within 30 days and provide an updated report if corrections are made. They are legally required to inform you of the outcome.
5. Inform the Employer or Landlord
If the background check report influenced an employment or housing decision, notify the employer or landlord about the dispute. A corrected report could change their decision.
What If the Background Check Company Doesn’t Fix the Errors?
If the errors remain unresolved or the company fails to investigate properly, you may have legal grounds to file a claim under the FCRA. You could be entitled to compensation for damages, attorney fees, and more.
How Jaffer Law Can Help
At Jaffer Law, we specialize in protecting consumers from the consequences of inaccurate background check reports. If your dispute is ignored or mishandled, we will take legal action to ensure your rights are upheld.
Contact Jaffer Law for a Free Consultation
Don’t let errors in a background check report hold you back. Contact Jaffer Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
WE CAN GET YOU COMPENSATION FOR YOUR EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK ERRORS