Disputing the results of a background check can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. Whether you’ve been denied a job or noticed an error while checking a report on yourself, it’s important to know how you can fix mistakes. If you dispute a background check and still find errors, you may need an experienced attorney to fight on your behalf.
The Dispute Process
Here is an outline of the steps you will need to complete when attempting to fix a background check:
- Request a copy of your background check. If an employer took adverse action against you as a result of the background check, they are required to inform you of this and provide a copy to you upon request.
- Carefully review the report to identify any errors or discrepancies.
- Contact the company or agency that issued the background check to dispute the errors. Each background check service will have a unique form for disputes. However, the company will likely ask for contact and identifying information, the information you are disputing, and the address to which you want the results sent.
- Wait 30 days for the company to investigate your claims. If the company does not conduct an investigation, takes too long to produce results, or denies your claims, you may need to take legal action.
Sample Dispute Letter
Some of the top background check services provide a link to dispute information within their online portals. In the event that you must mail or email a staff member, you can use the following templates as a guide.
[Date]
[Name of Person or Company]
[Address] Re: Dispute Errors on Background Check
Dear [Name of Person or Company],
This letter is in reference to a background check that you recently conducted on me. I am writing to dispute some of the information found in my background check. The information in question is [list the inaccurate information], which needs to be corrected. [Provide a brief explanation of why the information is wrong]. I want to request that you update this information in my background check. Please get in touch with me at [your phone number] or [your email address] if you have any questions or need more information. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Dispute Processes for Common Agencies
The following are the dispute processes for a few of the top background check companies: