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How to Dispute Errors on Your Background Check

Discovering an error on your background check can be stressful, especially when it affects your chances of employment. Fortunately, you have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) that allow you to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. Understanding the dispute process and acting promptly can help protect your reputation and ensure fair treatment during the hiring process.

At Confirmify, we ensure all background checks are FCRA-compliant, accurate, and transparent — and we fully support applicants in exercising their rights.
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Why Accuracy in Background Checks Matters

Employers use background checks to make critical hiring decisions. Any inaccuracies — whether outdated criminal records, misreported employment history, or mistaken identity — can unfairly influence those decisions.

When errors go unchallenged, job seekers may face:

  • Lost job opportunities
  • Damaged professional reputation
  • Delays in the hiring process
  • Misunderstandings with potential employers

     

That’s why it’s essential to verify that your background report is accurate and up-to-date before or during the hiring process.

How to Spot an Error on Your Background Report

You’ll typically learn about a background check issue if:

  • You are denied employment after undergoing a background check
  • You receive a pre-adverse action notice from a prospective employer
  • You proactively request a copy of your background report for review

Once you receive the report, check for:

  • Incorrect names, aliases, or Social Security numbers
  • Criminal records that don’t belong to you
  • Expunged or sealed records being reported
  • Employment or education history mistakes
  • Inaccurate credit information (for roles that involve financial responsibility)

Confirmify encourages individuals to review their reports carefully and reach out if something doesn’t look right.

Steps to Dispute an Error on Your Background Check

If you identify an error, take the following steps to dispute it:

  1. Request a Copy of Your Report
     If you haven’t already, request your full report from the screening company that performed the check. Confirmify provides easy access to reports upon request, in compliance with FCRA guidelines.

  2. Identify the Inaccurate Information
     Highlight the specific item(s) that are incorrect and gather any documentation that supports your dispute (e.g., court records, letters from past employers, or school transcripts).

  3. Submit a Formal Dispute
     Contact the screening provider in writing (or through the provided dispute portal) with:

    • Your full name and contact information
    • A description of the error
    • Supporting documents
    • A clear request to investigate and correct the issue

  4. Confirmify accepts and investigates all disputes promptly, typically resolving them within 30 days or sooner.

  5. Wait for the Reinvestigation
     The screening company must investigate and respond within 30 days (or 45 days if additional information is provided). If the error is confirmed, it must be corrected and a revised report sent to both you and the employer.

Follow Up as Needed
 After the investigation, ensure that the corrected report was received by the employer. If the error persists or the dispute is rejected without cause, you may escalate the issue to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Your Rights Under the FCRA

The Fair Credit Reporting Act provides several key protections when it comes to background checks:

  • You have the right to know if information in a background report has been used against you.
  • You have the right to access your own report and dispute inaccurate information.
  • You have the right to receive a copy of your report, including the name of the agency that provided it.
  • You can request corrections and expect a fair and timely investigation.

Confirmify ensures all candidate communications and processes align with these requirements.

Why Choose Confirmify?

At Confirmify, we prioritize accuracy, fairness, and transparency in every background check we deliver. Most reports are completed in just 8 hours to 3 days — and we back that speed with FCRA-compliant procedures designed to protect both employers and candidates. Our dispute resolution process is clear, responsive, and respectful of your rights. Whether you’re an applicant or employer, Confirmify is committed to delivering trusted results without compromise.

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