After searching through hundreds of job listings, you may be relieved to find the perfect opportunity. Not only is the pay great, but it’s close to home and offers comprehensive benefits. However, the last thing you expect after nailing your first interview is to find that information on a background check conducted by the potential employer has rendered you ineligible for the opportunity. Unfortunately, this may be a result of a background check error. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading, as the following blog explores what you should know about these difficult matters, including the importance of working with a California consumer lawyer to help you discuss your options.
What Rights Do I Have Regarding Background Checks?
It’s critical to understand that as a consumer, you have a considerable amount of rights when it comes to background checks, even for employment purposes. This is because the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates who can and cannot access this sensitive information. As such, if an employer wishes to run a background check, they must obtain your consent before doing so. You should note, however, if you decline the check, the employer reserves the right to deny your application.
In addition, you should note that you have the right to see the report after it has been created, as well as the right to dispute any inaccurate or fraudulent information on the report.
What Should I Do if a Background Check Error Makes Me Ineligible for a Job?
In the event you are denied a job opportunity as a result of an error on your background check, it’s critical to understand how to proceed. If you have not done so already, the first step you should take is to request a copy of the report. This will allow you to quickly identify the error and highlight it on the report. Next, you should gather any evidence or documentation to support your claim that the error is factually incorrect. Once you have sufficient proof of the error, you should file a formal dispute with the company running the background check, which they must investigate. Once they locate the error and check your proof, they must remedy it on the report, at which point you may request an updated copy.
If the company does not respond or refuses to remedy the error despite the sufficient evidence you have provided, it is imperative to connect with an experienced consumer defense attorney as soon as possible. Unfortunately, these errors can dramatically impact your career and livelihood, so ensuring they are handled is critical.
At Los Angeles Legal Solutions, our dedicated team of consumer attorneys is ready to assist you. We understand how complex these errors are, which is why we are committed to assisting you through these challenging times. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact our team today.
