BACKGROUND CHECK LAWYERS IN MICHIGAN
Has a background check error cost you a job or housing?
You have the right to dispute background check errors and background check lawyers may be able to help you recover monetary compensation for damages caused by an erroneous background check report.
You have the right to dispute background check errors and background check lawyers may be able to help you recover monetary compensation for damages caused by an erroneous background check report.
HOW TO DISPUTE BACKGROUND CHECK ERRORS
Disputing a background check report can seem daunting, but there are steps that you can take to fix background check errors to ensure the accuracy of the information presented about you. The first step in disputing a background check report is to obtain the erroneous background check report so that you can carefully review the report for any inaccuracies or discrepancies.
You should take note of any errors or outdated information that may be impacting your background report.
You should take note of any errors or outdated information that may be impacting your background report.
GATHER EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR BACKGROUND CHECK DISPUTE
Once you have identified inaccuracies in your background check report, you should gather evidence to support your dispute. This may include personal information, court, criminal or other official records that prove that the information in the report is incorrect. Providing concrete evidence will strengthen your dispute.
For instance, if the background report associates you with a crime that you were not involved in, then you can provide documentary proof that you are not associated with the record that is listed in your background report and that this is mistaken identity. There may be discrepancies in the associated names such as a middle name, date of birth or residence history that you can substantiate.
If the background check error is not an instance of mistaken identity, and you are being associated with a felony, instead of a misdemeanor, then you should obtain court records to substantiate the background check error.
For instance, if the background report associates you with a crime that you were not involved in, then you can provide documentary proof that you are not associated with the record that is listed in your background report and that this is mistaken identity. There may be discrepancies in the associated names such as a middle name, date of birth or residence history that you can substantiate.
If the background check error is not an instance of mistaken identity, and you are being associated with a felony, instead of a misdemeanor, then you should obtain court records to substantiate the background check error.
CONTACT THE REPORTING AGENCY TO DISPUTE THE BACKGROUND CHECK ERROR
Once you have gathered evidence to substantiate your background check dispute, you can reach out to the consumer reporting agency that is responsible for the background check report to submit a formal dispute. Some of the companies that provide background reports are Checkr, Inc., HireRight, BeenVerified, GoodHire, Intelius, and others.
Be sure to provide details with your dispute and to explain the inaccuracies. You should also provide supporting evidence to substantiate your dispute. You should request that the background check reporting agency investigate the discrepancies and correct your background check report. Be sure to include your contact information for the reporting agency, and it is a good idea to send the dispute with tracking or delivery confirmation to keep a record that you submitted the dispute.
The reporting agency typically has 30 days (unless an extension of up to 15 days is sought) to perform a thorough reinvestigation of the disputed background report information. The reinvestigation process may often require you to provide additional information. During the reinvestigation, the agency must determine whether the reported information is, in fact, inaccurate/incomplete, or if the dispute is frivolous or irrelevant.
Be sure to provide details with your dispute and to explain the inaccuracies. You should also provide supporting evidence to substantiate your dispute. You should request that the background check reporting agency investigate the discrepancies and correct your background check report. Be sure to include your contact information for the reporting agency, and it is a good idea to send the dispute with tracking or delivery confirmation to keep a record that you submitted the dispute.
The reporting agency typically has 30 days (unless an extension of up to 15 days is sought) to perform a thorough reinvestigation of the disputed background report information. The reinvestigation process may often require you to provide additional information. During the reinvestigation, the agency must determine whether the reported information is, in fact, inaccurate/incomplete, or if the dispute is frivolous or irrelevant.
WHEN A BACKGROUND CHECK LAWYER CAN HELP YOU
If the consumer reporting agency fails to correct the inaccuracies in the background check report, you may need to speak to a background check lawyer. A background check attorney can help you pursue a civil action for damages based on the background check errors. For instance, if the reporting agency failed to reasonably reinvestigate, or did not follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy, you may be able to recover damages. Each case is unique and the extent of your damages can vary based on the harm suffered, such as denial of employment, loss of employment, denial of housing, and all resultant harm such as financial loss, emotional distress, humiliation, or out-of-pocket losses.
SPEAK TO A KNOWLEDGEABLE BACKGROUND CHECK ATTORNEY
Background check errors can be costly and devastating. However, consumers have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and other consumer protection statutes that are intended to ensure the fair and accurate reporting of consumer information.
We have helped countless consumers recover damages under the FCRA for inaccurate consumer reporting. Attorney Nick Hadous is an accomplished litigator who serves on the Litigation Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) where he is a content contributor and author in consumer protection litigation. If a background check error has caused you harm, please contact us for a free phone or Zoom consultation by using the contact form below.
We have helped countless consumers recover damages under the FCRA for inaccurate consumer reporting. Attorney Nick Hadous is an accomplished litigator who serves on the Litigation Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) where he is a content contributor and author in consumer protection litigation. If a background check error has caused you harm, please contact us for a free phone or Zoom consultation by using the contact form below.