Business Information Group (BIG) Background Check Error

About Business Information Group (BIG) Company

Business Information Group, commonly known as BIG, is a background screening company based in the United States. Employers, landlords, and sometimes even financial institutions use BIG to gather detailed background information about individuals before making decisions like hiring, renting, or loan approvals. BIG compiles background reports that include criminal history, employment verification, credit checks, and other personal records.

The company works as a third-party agency, meaning it collects information from different sources—such as public records, government databases, and previous employers—to provide a complete report. These reports are used to judge whether a person is trustworthy, honest, or suitable for a certain role or responsibility.

What is Business Information Group (BIG) Under the Law?

Under U.S. law, Business Information Group is considered a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA). This classification comes from the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)—a federal law designed to protect people whose personal information is being collected and shared.

As a CRA, BIG must follow strict legal rules when creating and delivering background check reports. The FCRA requires companies like BIG to ensure that the information they provide is accurate, up-to-date, and fair. If they make a mistake that harms someone—like costing them a job—they could be held legally responsible.

How Does Business Information Group (BIG) Conduct Background Checks?

BIG collects data from many sources to prepare a person’s background report. Here’s how the process usually works:

1. Information Gathering – When a company requests a background check, BIG starts by collecting personal details about the individual: name, date of birth, Social Security Number, addresses, and sometimes fingerprints.

2. Database Searches – BIG then accesses a range of databases to pull information. These may include:
   • Criminal court records
     
   • State and federal databases
     
   • Driving records (DMV)
     
   • Credit history
     
   • Employment and education history

3. Cross-Referencing – The data collected is matched and cross-checked to avoid errors. But mistakes can still happen if records are outdated or if two people have similar names.

4. Report Creation – Once the information is collected, BIG creates a report and sends it to the employer or requesting organization.

How Long Does a Business Information Group (BIG) Background Check Take?

The time it takes to complete a BIG background check depends on the level of detail required. In general:

• Basic checks (like credit or identity verification) can take 1 to 3 business days.
  
• More complex checks involving criminal or employment history may take 5 to 10 business days.
  
• International checks or investigations involving multiple jurisdictions may take even longer.
  

However, delays can occur if the requested information is not available electronically or if manual verification is needed. If a courthouse is slow in responding or an old employer is hard to reach, the report might be delayed.

What Information Does Business Information Group (BIG) Include in Its Background Checks?

BIG background checks can include a variety of information depending on what the employer or client requests. Here’s a breakdown of what may be included:

• Identity Verification – Confirms name, date of birth, address history, and Social Security Number.
  
• Criminal Records – Includes arrests, charges, convictions, and sometimes dismissed cases.
  
• Employment History – Lists current and previous employers, job titles, and dates of employment.
  
• Education Verification – Confirms degrees, institutions, and graduation dates.
  
• Credit Reports – Shows credit history, outstanding debts, bankruptcies, and payment behavior.
  
• Driving Records – Reveals past traffic violations, license suspensions, and DUIs.
  
• Professional Licenses – Verifies certifications or licenses for certain professions.
  

Business Information Group (BIG): Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check by BIG looks at a person’s criminal history across different counties, states, and federal databases. This check can include:

• Arrest records
  
• Charges and indictments
  
• Convictions (both misdemeanours and felonies)
  
• Probation or parole status
  
• Outstanding warrants
  

Employers rely heavily on this information to determine if an individual might pose a risk to their business or other employees. However, this also means that any errors in the criminal background section—such as listing the wrong person’s record—can have serious consequences.

Business Information Group (BIG) Background Checks for Employment

Many employers in the U.S. use BIG to screen job applicants before hiring them. These checks help employers verify if the candidate has the qualifications, experience, and legal standing to perform the job.

Employment background checks may include:

• Identity and Social Security validation
  
• Past employment verification
  
• Education and degree confirmation
  
• Criminal record checks
  
• Drug testing and medical records (in some cases)
  
• Professional license checks (if relevant)
  

The employer must get the applicant’s written consent before ordering a background check. If something negative appears in the report, the employer is legally required to notify the candidate and give them a chance to explain or dispute the information.

What Are Your Rights During a Background Check?

Every person undergoing a background check has important rights under federal law. These include:

• The Right to Know – You must be informed when a background check is being requested about you.
  
• The Right to Consent – No one can run a background check on you without your written permission.
  
• The Right to Review – You can ask to see your background report.
  
• The Right to Dispute – If there’s an error in your report, you can challenge it and have it corrected.
  
• The Right to Notice – If a decision (like job denial) is made based on the report, you must be informed.
  

These rights help protect your privacy and ensure fairness in employment and other opportunities.

Your Rights Under the FCRA

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is the main federal law that regulates background checks and consumer reports. Here are key rights you have under this law:

• You must be told if information in your background report was used against you.
  
• You have the right to a free copy of your report once every 12 months.
  
• You can dispute incomplete or incorrect information.
  
• The background check agency (like BIG) must investigate and correct errors within 30 days.
  
• You can sue for damages if your rights are violated or if errors in your report cause harm.
  

The FCRA puts the responsibility on CRAs like BIG to maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date reports.

Which Companies Use Business Information Group (BIG) for Background Checks?

While BIG does not publish a list of all its clients, the company primarily serves:

• Large corporations (especially in financial, tech, and insurance sectors)
  
• Staffing and recruitment agencies
  
• Real estate agencies and landlords
  
• Government contractors
  
• Healthcare organizations
  
• Schools and educational institutions
  

Companies use BIG to reduce risk and ensure that they are hiring trustworthy, qualified individuals.

Can Business Information Group (BIG)’s Background Checks Contain Errors?

Yes. Background checks from BIG—or any other CRA—can contain errors. Despite their efforts to be accurate, mistakes happen more often than most people realize. These errors can result from:

• Outdated or incorrect public records
  
• Confusion between people with similar names
  
• Data entry mistakes
  
• Missing updates to criminal or employment records
  

Even a small error can have serious consequences, like losing a job opportunity or being denied housing.

What Causes Errors in Background Checks?

Several factors can lead to errors in a background check report:

1. Name Confusion – If someone has a common name or shares a name with a criminal, records can get mixed up.
   
2. Incomplete Data – Sometimes, only partial information is available, leading to incorrect assumptions.
   
3. Outdated Records – Court systems and other sources may not update their databases quickly.
   
4. Clerical Mistakes – Typos, wrong dates, or incorrect addresses can trigger errors.
   
5. Mismatched Social Security Numbers – Even one wrong digit can cause someone else’s record to appear in your report.
   

Main Types of Error

The most common background check errors include:

• Listing criminal records that belong to someone else
  
• Reporting charges that were dismissed or expunged
  
• Incorrect job titles or dates of employment
  
• Showing bankruptcies or debts that were already resolved
  
• Misspelled names or wrong birthdates
  
• Incorrect education information
  

These mistakes can make it look like you’ve lied or have a troubled past, even when that’s not true.

How Common Are Errors in Business Information Group (BIG) Background Checks?

While exact numbers are not public, legal experts say errors in background checks are not rare. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), one in five people have found mistakes in their credit or background reports. And with background screening becoming more automated, the chances of error due to data mismatch have increased.

Law firms across the country have handled hundreds of cases where BIG and other CRAs provided inaccurate reports that led to job loss or reputational damage.

What Are the Consequences of Having Errors in Your Background Check Report?

Errors in your background report can negatively affect your life in many ways:

• Job Denial – You may be rejected for a job you were otherwise qualified for.
  
• Lost Promotion – A current employer may withhold promotions due to incorrect info.
  
• Housing Denial – Landlords may reject rental applications.
  
• Emotional Stress – Dealing with false information about yourself can be distressing.
  
• Financial Impact – Being unemployed or unable to rent affects your finances.
  

In short, a background check error can disrupt your life in very real ways.

Contact Business Information Group (BIG) to Correct Errors in Your Background Report

If you find an error in your background report from BIG, the first step is to contact them directly. You can:

• Request a free copy of your background report.
  
• File a dispute explaining the error in detail.
  
• Provide supporting documents (e.g., court papers, pay stubs).
  
• Keep records of all your communication with BIG.
  

BIG is required by law to investigate your complaint and correct the error within 30 days.

What to Do If You Don’t Get Answers to Your Background Report Questions

If BIG does not respond to your concerns or refuses to correct errors:

1. Follow Up – Send a formal follow-up request in writing.
   
2. File a Complaint – Report them to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
   
3. Seek Legal Help – If your dispute goes unresolved or you suffer damage because of the error, a consumer rights attorney can help.
   

You don’t have to fight this battle alone.

You Can Sue Business Information Group (BIG) If Your Report Has Errors

Yes, you can sue BIG if the errors in your background report caused you harm and they failed to fix them in a reasonable time. Under the FCRA, you may be eligible to receive:

• Actual damages (lost wages, emotional distress)
  
• Statutory damages (up to $1,000 per violation)
  
• Punitive damages (in some cases)
  
• Legal costs (your attorney fees may be covered)
  

Filing a lawsuit also puts pressure on companies like BIG to improve their processes and avoid harming others in the future.

Who Can Help You Correct Errors on a Business Information Group (BIG) Background Check Report?

You can take action on your own, but having an experienced FCRA attorney makes a big difference. These lawyers specialize in:

• Reviewing your report
  
• Communicating with BIG
  
• Gathering proof of the mistake
  
• Filing a legal claim if needed
  

Many consumer protection law firms offer free consultations and work on a no-win, no-fee basis—so you don’t pay unless they recover compensation for you.

Conclusion: Sanders Law Group Can Help

Navigating the complexities of background check errors can be daunting, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. At Sanders Law Group, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that your background check report is accurate and error-free. With over $14 million in settlements recovered, our track record speaks for itself.

At Sanders Law Group, we understand the significant impact that background check errors can have on your career and personal life. That’s why we offer our services at no cost to you. Our Google 5-star rated and BBB A+ rated lawyers can fix background reports and seek compensation for damages caused by these errors. If your employment or other opportunities have been adversely affected due to inaccuracies in your background check, we will work tirelessly to correct these mistakes and recover the damages you deserve.

We believe in transparency and client satisfaction, which is why we provide a free instant case review. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and ensure that your background check reflects your true history. If you’ve been denied a job or housing due to an inaccurate background check, contact Sanders Law Group today to get started on getting you compensation for inaccurate background checks and reclaim your future.

We’ll Sue For Damages & We Fix Your Report, At No Out-of-Pocket Cost to You. 

Get Your Free Instant Case Review Today!

Don’t let background check errors stand in the way of your success. Trust Sanders Law Group to provide the knowledge and dedication needed to clean up your background check report and protect your rights. With our experienced team by your side, you can confidently move forward, knowing that your background is accurately represented and your future is secure.