Fix Errors in Your Check and Bank Screening Report
Have you been denied a new checking account or faced problems opening a bank account due to a negative report? You might be dealing with errors in your check or bank screening report.
Bank screening reports are meant to protect financial institutions from risk but when they contain inaccurate or outdated information, they can unfairly damage your financial reputation and limit your access to essential banking services.
What Is a Check or Bank Screening Report?
Bank screening companies like ChexSystems, Early Warning Services, and Tele Check collect and share information about your banking history, including:
- Overdrafts and unpaid fees
- Account closures or charge-offs
- Bounced checks
- Suspected fraud alerts
- Negative balance history
Banks use these reports to decide whether to approve new accounts or offer financial products. Unfortunately, even minor or mistaken entries can lead to denials that affect your financial stability.
Common Errors Found in Bank Screening Reports
Just like credit reports, bank screening reports often contain inaccuracies that can harm consumers. Common mistakes include:
- Incorrect account closures or unpaid balance listings
- Outdated or duplicate records that should have been removed
- Fraudulent activity reported under your name
- Mixed files (information from another person with a similar name)
- Errors caused by identity theft
These mistakes can prevent you from opening a checking account, cashing checks, or even qualifying for housing or employment that requires financial verification.
Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects consumers from inaccurate or unfair reporting by companies that collect financial data including bank screening agencies.
Under the FCRA, you have the right to:
- Access a free copy of your report every 12 months.
- Dispute inaccurate information directly with the screening company.
- Receive a timely response to your dispute (typically within 30 days).
- Seek legal remedies if your rights are violated or ignored.
If a bank or screening company fails to correct false information, you may be entitled to compensation for financial loss and emotional distress.
How to Fix Errors in Your Bank Screening Report
If you suspect your report is wrong, follow these steps:
1. Request your report from the bank screening company (such as ChexSystems or TeleCheck).
2. Review all entries for errors, duplicates, or unfamiliar accounts.
3. File a written dispute with the company listing the inaccuracies.
4. Include documentation to support your claim (bank letters, receipts, statements, etc.).
5. Keep detailed records of all communications.
6. Contact Sanders Law Group if your dispute isn’t resolved quickly or fairly.
Our legal team can intervene to ensure your dispute is handled correctly and your rights are fully protected.
How Sanders Law Group Can Help
At Sanders Law Group, we specialize in consumer protection and FCRA cases. We can:
- Review your bank screening or check report for legal violations.
- File disputes and ensure corrections are made promptly.
- Challenge wrongful account closures and fraud designations.
- Pursue legal action for damages if screening companies fail to act responsibly.
We understand how devastating financial exclusion can be and we’re here to make sure a reporting mistake doesn’t define your future.