Criminal 411 Background Check Error
About Criminal 411 Company
Criminal 411 is a background screening service that operates under the name 24/7 Background Check, LLC. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company provides comprehensive background screening services for employers, landlords, and other organizations that need to verify personal histories. Founded in 2005, Criminal 411 aims to deliver fast and accessible criminal background information.
They gather data from a wide range of public records and other sources to prepare detailed reports. These reports are typically used in employment decisions, tenant approvals, and sometimes even by volunteer organizations. Their goal is to help organizations make informed decisions. However, like many background screening companies, Criminal 411 can sometimes produce inaccurate or outdated reports, which may unfairly harm individuals.
What is Criminal 411 Under the Law?
Under the law, Criminal 411 functions as a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA). This means the company is legally required to follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a federal law designed to protect consumers from unfair or incorrect background reporting.
As a CRA, Criminal 411 must ensure that the information they report is accurate and up to date. They are also responsible for giving consumers the opportunity to dispute incorrect information and for correcting any mistakes found in their reports.
How Does Criminal 411 Conduct Background Checks?
Criminal 411 collects information from various public sources such as:
County and state court records
- Sex offender registries
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Employment and education verification sources
- Drug screening labs
- Social Security Number trace databases
The company uses this data to create a detailed profile of an individual. Employers or landlords can then access these reports through an online system. Often, these checks are done quickly—sometimes within minutes—which can lead to errors if data is not verified thoroughly.
How Long Does a Criminal 411 Background Check Take?
The time it takes to complete a background check with Criminal 411 can vary. In many cases, employers receive results within a few hours or one business day. However, if the check involves more in-depth data such as employment verification or checks in multiple jurisdictions, it can take up to 3–5 business days.
Quick turnaround times are convenient, but they can sometimes sacrifice accuracy, especially when databases are outdated or not properly matched to the right individual.
What Information Does Criminal 411 Include in Its Background Checks?
Criminal 411’s background checks typically include:
- Criminal records (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Sex offender registry status
- Employment history verification
- Education verification
- Motor vehicle records
- Credit reports (in some cases)
- Drug screening results
- Social Security Number (SSN) verification
Depending on the request by the employer or agency, these checks may be limited or expanded. Some reports may also include civil judgments or bankruptcies.
Criminal 411: Criminal Background Check
The criminal background check portion focuses on identifying past or current criminal records. These records include:
- Arrests
- Convictions
- Pending charges
- Warrants
Criminal 411 compiles this data from county, state, and federal court systems. However, issues may arise when data is not current or when records for individuals with similar names or dates of birth are mixed together. In such cases, individuals may find criminal records on their report that do not belong to them.
Criminal 411 Background Checks for Employment
Many employers use Criminal 411 to vet job applicants. These checks help employers understand a candidate’s criminal history, driving record, and other personal data before making hiring decisions.
Employers must first get written permission from the applicant before running a check. If the employer finds negative information and plans to reject the applicant because of it, they must first provide a copy of the report and a summary of the applicant’s rights.
What Are Your Rights During a Background Check?
As a consumer, you have several important rights when undergoing a background check:
- You must be informed if a background check is being conducted.
- You must give written consent before the background check occurs.
- You have the right to receive a copy of the report.
- You have the right to dispute incorrect information.
- You are entitled to a free copy of your report once a year.
These rights ensure transparency and protect individuals from being unfairly denied jobs, housing, or credit.
Your Rights Under the FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provides specific protections, including:
- Accuracy: Background reports must be correct and up to date.
- Notification: You must be notified if a background check is being used against you.
- Access: You are allowed to see what is in your file.
- Dispute Process: You can dispute errors and the agency must investigate.
- Timely Response: The background check company has 30 days to respond to disputes.
- Legal Recourse: If you are harmed by an error, you can sue for damages.
Which Companies Use Criminal 411 for Background Checks?
Criminal 411 is used by a wide range of companies including:
- Small and mid-sized businesses
- Staffing agencies
- Property management companies
- Educational institutions
- Volunteer organizations
Since it offers quick turnaround and online access, it is often favored by companies needing fast decisions on hiring or tenant approval.
Can Criminal 411’s Background Checks Contain Errors?
Yes, background checks from Criminal 411 can contain errors. These mistakes often occur because the service relies on automated systems and large databases, which can contain outdated or incorrect information.
In some cases, someone else’s criminal record may appear on your report simply because they have a similar name or birth date. Mistakes like these can cost people jobs or housing opportunities.
What Causes Errors in Background Checks?
Several issues can lead to errors in Criminal 411’s reports:
- Mixed files (data from people with similar names or birth dates gets combined)
- Outdated information not removed from databases
- Incorrect public records due to court errors
- Failure to update expunged or sealed records
- Typos or clerical errors during data entry
These mistakes can go unnoticed unless you actively check your report.
Main Types of Error
Here are the most common types of background check errors:
- Criminal records that belong to someone else
- Outdated or sealed records still being reported
- Incorrect employment or education history
- False positive results in drug screenings
- Errors in motor vehicle reports
- Mistyped names or Social Security numbers
These errors can make it appear as if you have a criminal history when you do not.
How Common Are Errors in Criminal 411 Background Checks?
Errors in background checks are more common than most people think. According to studies, as many as 1 in 3 background reports contain some type of mistake. Criminal 411 is no exception.
Because their checks are often automated and rely on large datasets, the risk of incorrect or outdated data is high. Even a minor error can lead to serious consequences like being denied employment or housing.
What Are the Consequences of Having Errors in Your Background Check Report?
Errors in a background check report can lead to real-life problems:
- Job offers may be withdrawn
- You may be denied housing or loans
- Your reputation could be harmed
- You may lose promotions or professional licenses
- You could face emotional stress or embarrassment
This is why it’s essential to check your background report and dispute any incorrect data.
Contact Criminal 411 to Correct Errors in Your Background Report
If you find an error in your report, the first step is to contact Criminal 411:
- Request a copy of your background check.
- Identify the errors in the report.
- Send a written dispute with evidence (court documents, ID, etc.).
- Wait for their investigation, which they must complete within 30 days.
You can usually submit disputes by mail or through their website, depending on their process.
What to Do if You Don’t Get Answers to Your Background Report Questions
If Criminal 411 does not respond or fails to fix the errors:
- Contact a consumer protection attorney
- File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Reach out to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Keep a record of all communications
Not getting answers can be frustrating, but these steps help escalate the issue.
You Can Sue Criminal 411 if Your Report Has Errors
If you suffered harm because of an inaccurate background report and Criminal 411 did not fix the mistake, you have the right to sue under the FCRA.
You may be entitled to:
- Actual damages (like lost income)
- Statutory damages (up to $1,000 per violation)
- Punitive damages (for willful violations)
- Attorney’s fees
A qualified consumer protection attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process.
Who Can Help You Correct Errors on a Criminal 411 Background Check Report?
You don’t have to handle this alone. Several legal professionals and consumer rights organizations specialize in background check errors. They can:
- Review your background report
- Help you file a dispute
- Communicate with Criminal 411 on your behalf
- Represent you in court if necessary
Law firms like Lemberg Law and Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C. offer free consultations and may take your case on contingency—meaning you don’t pay unless they win. While Criminal 411 offers essential background screening services, errors in their reports can have serious consequences. Understanding your rights under the FCRA and knowing how to respond to inaccuracies can protect your reputation, job opportunities, and peace of mind.
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.
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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.