Have you ever been concerned about the accuracy of a background check? If so, how can you correct a false information background check?
Millions of people every year are affected by false information on their background checks.
Consequently, it can have a real impact on job applications, credit checks, and more.
Fortunately, there are ways to help correct false information in your report.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the steps you need to take to get an inaccurate report corrected.
We’ll walk through the process of double-checking your report for accuracy, disputing incorrect information, and getting it removed from your record.
With careful action and patience, you can help ensure that all the information in your background check is accurate – and avoid any potential problems.
Let’s get started!
What is a Background Check?
Before you can correct false information on your background check, it’s essential to understand what a background check is in the first place.
A background check is an extensive review of a person’s commercial and legal records. It can include a person’s criminal history, credit history, and driving record.
Background checks serve various purposes, including pre-employment screenings and tenant screenings for rental properties.
Depending on the type of background check conducted, it may reveal more than just your criminal records.
It could include court records, social media activity, credit histories, and driving records.
Aside from employers, organizations, such as banks or landlords, use background checks to determine a person’s reliability and ability to follow through on agreements.
In either case, the information found in the report can help make or break a decision about hiring or granting access to services like housing or bank accounts.
What False Information Looks Like on a Background Check Report
Have you seen something on your background check that doesn’t look right? You’re not alone—40 million Americans have errors in their background check reports, according to the National Consumer Law Center.
So what kind of “false information” are we talking about here? It can include:
- Inaccurate personal information (incorrect name or address due to handwriting or data entry errors)
- Old or incomplete records (like arrests, convictions, or employers that no longer exist)
- Incorrect dates from transcripts or online employment applications.
- Inaccurate criminal charges attributed to you due to identity theft or data errors.
- Incorrect prior employer complaints from previous employers who had bad experiences with the applicant.
- Credit reports with inaccurate information due to data entry errors, identity theft, or other factors.
- The mischaracterization of past job performance by former employers who had negative experiences with the applicant.
- Inaccurate educational credentials due to data entry errors or fraudsters claiming fake degrees and certifications to gain employment opportunities they aren’t qualified for.
Getting a job without having false information on your background check report is hard enough.
That’s why it’s important to carefully review any report before applying for a new job or loan.
If there are inaccuracies, you must take action to clean up your record and correct such information.
Steps You Can Take to Have False Information Removed From a Background Check
If you find false information on your background check, there are several steps you can take to have the inaccurate information removed.
Contact the Reporting Agency
The first step correct false information on a background check is to contact the organization that reported the false information to the company.
Most companies will have a process for verifying or updating records, though it might vary depending on the provider.
This is usually an employee-screening agency that collects and distributes your data.
Explain why you believe the information needs to be corrected. Also, you should send a written request and proof of the inaccuracy, such as a copy of your driver’s license or social security card.
When talking with representatives from these agencies, ensure you get their names and contact number so that you can follow up or make a complaint if needed.
You should also ask for an explanation as to why the false information was there in the first place.
Follow Up with Evidence of Error Corrected
Once you’ve contacted the reporting agency, follow up with evidence showing the error has been corrected.
It’s also important to keep records of all interactions by requesting copies of any paperwork submitted or received.
Dispute With Reporting Agency or Background Check Company
You can immediately dispute any inaccuracies with either the reporting agency or the background check company.
Use any available methods, such as dispute forms, letters, or emails, to communicate corrections and provide evidence.
Make sure to provide supportive documents when making a dispute. Depending on how severe the false information is, it may be best to hire a lawyer.
You can start a legal process against the reporting agency or background check company if they need to rectify their mistake quickly enough.
Tips for Avoiding False Information in the Future
Once you’ve corrected false information on your background check, you’ll want to do what you can to avoid it in the future. Here are some tips:
Review Your Employment History Regularly
You should log your prior experience and any relevant certifications or licensures.
Consistently checking your work history will allow you to spot any changes made without your knowledge.
Also, if something doesn’t look right, you can take steps to correct it immediately.
Make Sure Job Applications Are Accurate
Be sure to double-check your job applications for accuracy. Incorrect information could lead to the wrong information being reported on a background check, so always be sure the details are accurate.
Follow Up on Reports Made About You
Be proactive and follow up with anyone who has made reports about your employment history or other activities.
This is especially important if someone has made erroneous allegations about you or provided false information about your work experience or qualifications.
You must stay in touch with such parties to ensure the correct information is being reported and no one is making inaccurate claims about you.
Conclusion
Background checks are necessary for many processes, but they can be misleading if they contain incorrect or outdated information.
It is essential to protect your rights to know what information is being reported and how to correct it if needed.
By challenging the false information, you can show its inaccuracy and help to ensure you don’t suffer any negative consequences due to incorrect information.
It might take some time and effort, but the long-term effects of ensuring your background check’s accuracy can benefit you.
After all, an inaccurate background check can seriously affect your life, from employment prospects to credit applications.
So, don’t be afraid to stand up for your rights, and make sure that background checks accurately reflect your record.
