A failed background check can be frustrating, especially if the information reported is inaccurate. For many jobseekers and individuals applying for various services, a First Advantage background check failure may be based on incorrect or outdated data. If you find yourself in this situation, you must understand the steps you need to take to dispute the error and have it corrected. Here’s how to handle a First Advantage background check failure and clear up any inaccuracies that may be affecting your chances.
What Is a First Advantage Background Check?
First Advantage is a widely used background screening service. It helps companies assess the criminal history, employment record, credit history, and other relevant factors of potential employees or customers. When you apply for a job, rental property, or loan, a First Advantage background check may be performed to help organizations verify your history.
Sometimes, these checks contain errors, either because of inaccurate information or a clerical mistake. A First Advantage background check failure can occur if discrepancies between what is reported and the facts are significant enough to raise concerns for the company conducting the background check.
Common Causes of Inaccurate Information in First Advantage Background Checks
Several issues can lead to inaccurate reporting in a First Advantage background check. Some common reasons include:
- Incorrect Personal Information: A mix-up between individuals with similar names or birthdates can lead to inaccurate reporting.
- Missed or Outdated Records: If your background contains past addresses or employment that was not reported properly, it could lead to discrepancies.
- Criminal Record Errors: A report of a criminal offense that is not yours may cause issues.
- Employment History Mistakes: If your past employment is reported inaccurately or is missing entirely, it can impact your background check results.
- Mismatched Social Security Number: Sometimes, your Social Security number may be reported incorrectly, causing confusion with other individuals’ information.
If any of these errors occur during a First Advantage background check, you may fail the screening. Understanding the type of mistake is the first step toward resolving the issue.
Steps to Dispute a First Advantage Background Check Failure
If you find that your background check with First Advantage has failed due to inaccurate information, follow these steps to dispute the error.
- Request a Copy of the Background Check Report: The first step is to get a copy of your background check from First Advantage. This copy will show the specific reasons for the failure and allow you to spot inaccuracies.
Contact First Advantage directly to request your report if it wasn’t given to you initially. Make sure you ask for a full report, including any criminal, credit, or employment history information.
- Review the Report for Errors: Once you have your report, carefully review all the information. Look for any discrepancies or incorrect data. Pay close attention to:
- Your personal details (name, date of birth, address, etc.)
- Criminal records or charges that do not belong to you
- Employment records that are missing or incorrect
- Address history that doesn’t match your past addresses
- Any financial or credit-related information that seems incorrect
It’s important to be thorough and organized as you go through the report. Keep a list of any errors you find.
- Gather Supporting Documents: If you find errors in your background check, gather any supporting documentation that can prove the information is inaccurate. This could include:
- Court records, if a criminal charge was incorrectly listed or a charge was expunged
- Pay stubs, tax documents, or old job records, if your employment history is incorrect
- Bank statements or credit reports, if your financial information was wrong
- Utility bills or lease agreements, if there is an issue with your address history
These documents will help support your dispute and show that the information provided by First Advantage is incorrect.
- Contact First Advantage to Dispute the Information: After reviewing your report and gathering necessary documentation, it’s time to dispute the error with First Advantage. You can file a dispute through the mail. Be sure to include:
- A clear explanation of the error you believe is present in the report
- Any supporting documents that prove the information is wrong
- Your contact information and any necessary identification numbers related to your background check
Keep a copy of your dispute request and any correspondence for your records. You should receive a response from First Advantage within 30 days as they investigate the issue.
If your dispute is not resolved in your favor, you can escalate the matter. You may want to consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or consulting with a background check attorney.
- Review the Updated Report: Once the dispute is resolved, make sure you receive an updated copy of your First Advantage background check. Review it to confirm the inaccuracies were corrected. If there are still errors, you will need to continue pursuing the dispute.
If Your Dispute Is Not Resolved: What to Do Next
If the issue isn’t resolved after following the dispute process with First Advantage, you may want to take further steps.
- Contact the Employer or Organization: If your background check was tied to an employment or rental application, you may want to speak directly with the employer or landlord. Explain the situation and provide them with documentation of your dispute and the steps you’ve taken to address the error.
- Submit a Complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): If First Advantage doesn’t resolve the dispute satisfactorily, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB, which can help resolve disputes.
- Get Legal Help: If the dispute process doesn’t lead to a resolution, consult a consumer law attorney focusing on FCRA violations. They can help you understand your legal options and potentially take legal action.
Need a Background Check Attorney in NY? Let Sherman & Ticchio PLLC Help with First Advantage Errors
A failed First Advantage background check due to inaccurate information can be frustrating, but it’s possible to correct the error. At Sherman & Ticchio, we focus on helping individuals navigate and dispute inaccurate background checks in New York. Our experienced team understands the complexities of credit and background reporting and is dedicated to helping you clear up any inaccuracies quickly.
Whether you’ve been affected by incorrect criminal records, employment history, or personal information, we can help you resolve the issue efficiently. Reach out for a free consultation, and let us assist you in protecting your rights and future opportunities. Don’t let a background check failure hold you back—contact Sherman & Ticchio now.