Resolving an Incorrect Background Check

If you have a copy of an incorrect background check, take the time to find the source of the incorrect information. Fraudulent information does not always mean you are a victim of identity theft. Some background check companies/software will confuse people with similar names or birthdates or will accidentally lump information from different people together in one file.

CREDIT HISTORY ERRORS

Check your credit reports with the three credit reporting agencies. These will tell you what credit/lending accounts and addresses are affiliated with you.

If you find accounts on your report that were not opened by you, or you find your existing accounts have been compromised, read our Action Plan on Resolving Financial Identity Theft.

CRIMINAL CHARGES

If there are criminal charges in your background check that do not belong to you, follow the ITRC’s recommended remediation steps for criminal identity theft.

FRAUDULENT EMPLOYMENT

If you find employers listed that you never worked for, review our Action Plan for Resolving Government Identity Theft.

FOLLOW UP

Once you have cleared all fraudulent information, contact the background check company that provided the report to show the steps that were taken and provide any letters of clearance. Ask what steps need to be taken to update the background check company’s records, if any, and how long it will take to update their records of your incorrect background check.

If you are looking for direct assistance and a personalized plan regarding an incorrect background check, call an expert advisor for no-cost at 888.400.5530 or LiveChat with us.

This information should not be used in lieu of legal advice. Any requests to reproduce this material, other than by individual victims for their own use, should be directed to [email protected].

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