Employment Screening Companies: Understanding Errors and Your Rights
When you apply for a new job, most employers rely on employment screening companies to run background checks. These reports may include your credit history, criminal record, education, and employment verification. While they are designed to help employers make informed hiring decisions, errors in employment screening reports are common and they can cost you a job opportunity unfairly.
What Are Employment Screening Companies?
Employment screening companies are third-party agencies that gather and report information about job applicants. Employers rely on these reports to evaluate candidates. Common details in an employment background check may include:
- Criminal history (convictions, arrests, pending charges)
- Credit reports (depending on state laws and employer policies)
- Employment history verification
- Education records verification
- Professional licenses or certifications
Common Errors in Employment Screening Reports
Even small mistakes can have a big impact on your career. Common issues include:
- Mixed files: Your report includes information from another person with a similar name.
- Outdated or incorrect criminal records still being reported.
- Errors in credit history or debt information.
- Incorrect employment or education history.
- Failure to update cleared or dismissed charges.
These errors can lead to wrongful denials of employment and damage your professional reputation.
Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The FCRA is a federal law that protects you from inaccurate or unfair reporting by employment screening companies. Under the FCRA, you have the right to:
- Receive notice if a background check is being used for employment purposes.
- Consent to the background check before it is conducted.
- Get a copy of your report if information in it is used against you.
- Dispute inaccuracies directly with the screening company.
- Seek damages if errors cause harm and the company fails to correct them.
How to Dispute Errors in Employment Screening Reports
If you believe there’s an error in your employment screening report:
1. Request a copy of your background check.
2. Review the report carefully for inaccuracies.
3. File a written dispute with the screening company, providing proof where possible.
4. Keep detailed records of all communications.
5. Seek legal support if your dispute is ignored or your rights are violated.
How Sanders Law Group Can Help
At Sanders Law Group, we focus on protecting consumers from unfair reporting practices. Our legal team can:
- Investigate the source of errors in your employment screening report.
- File disputes and demand timely corrections.
- Enforce your FCRA rights through negotiation or litigation.
- Help recover compensation if errors have cost you employment opportunities.
We are committed to ensuring your career isn’t derailed by someone else’s mistake.