Accurate Background Check Errors

Accurate Background is a leader of employment screening services offering global coverage since 1997. The company is headquartered in Irvine, California, and provides services to companies across many industries.

Offering background checks in over 195 countries, with an actual presence in at least 18, Accurate is HUGE and a major player in the background screening world. What does that mean for consumers? It means when you apply for a job, Accurate very well may be the background check company that conducts the screening for your prospective employer.

Sounds simple enough right? Well, not always. Sometimes a background check with Accurate doesn’t turn out as job seekers would expect. That’s because an Accurate background check may not be so “accurate” after all. In other words, Accurate background check services sometimes mess up – big time! When Accurate messes up it usually flags an applicant’s background screening as “failed”. Yes, some applicants fail background screenings for legitimate reasons,  but other times applicants fail because Accurate includes mistakes and errors in the reports it sends to prospective employers. Mistakes and errors can include anything from a felony charge being reported when in reality, a job applicant never committed a crime, to a DUI or driving offense that an applicant was never actually charged with, or any number of other things.

When mistakes are reported it can cause job seekers to lose opportunities (jobs, rentals, etc.) and suffer tremendously. That’s where we come in! We are consumer protection attorneys who provide support to people with Accurate background disputes, specifically those who have been denied opportunities because of errors contained in background check screenings. If you have concerns about errors contained in an Accurate Background screening continue reading to learn your options!

About Accurate Background Company

Accurate Background is a consumer reporting agency (CRA) that has been offering background checks and drug testing for decades to organizations and employers. Accurate provides different kinds of screenings such as Accurate employment screenings for verification of employment, criminal background checks, education and driving record checks, and so on. Accurate is partnered with over 16,000 customers worldwide and conducts over 60M background check searches each year.

How Does Accurate Background Conduct Background Checks?

Accurate checks are conducted according to the type of check that is being requested by a company. Most background checks are conducted by data collection. Accurate uses proprietary technology and automation to make the background check process faster. For instance, when checking criminal records, Accurate uses its AccurateAxis technology to check more than 2,500 records at local, state, and federal courthouses. This tool helps accelerate the background check process speed making results appear quicker and easier than before. 

Please keep in mind that even though Accurate uses sophisticated technology, it does not mean the company is without reproach. Our Accurate background report errors lawyers have helped clients win lawsuits against companies like Accurate when technological processes caused screening errors.

How long does Accurate Background Check Take

How long an Accurate background check takes depends on several factors. However, typically, most Accurate screenings are completed between 24 and 72 hours. Nevertheless, the accurate background check time can vary depending on several factors including the amount of information being checked, internal delays, delays with third parties (like courts), etc. Thus, the time may be much longer than a couple of days and extend to several weeks.

What Information Does Accurate Background Provide in Its Background Checks?

Accurate background checks provide a variety of information. The information provided will depend on the kind of screenings employers ordered. Nonetheless, what is typically included in Accurate Background checks include criminal records checks, employment verification, education verification, civil background checks, sex offender registry information, credit checks, drug screenings, and international criminal records.

Accurate Background Criminal Background Check

Accurate criminal background checks help employers mitigate risk at their places of employment by determining if applicants are criminal offenders and whether or not they would be an asset to their company. Accurate criminal background checks search records at the federal, state, and local levels. Some of what Accurate criminal searches will look for include the following records:

• Misdemeanors (disorderly conduct, trespassing, public intoxication, vandalism) 
• Felonies (rape, murder, arson, theft, kidnapping, aggravated assault)
• Sex offender registry 
• International criminal records 
• Any Pending criminal charges

Accurate Background Check for Employment

Accurate Background checks for employment are meant to confirm and verify a candidate’s information on their employment applications. These screenings are comprehensive and usually check everything from criminal records (mentioned above) to credit checks, health and drug screenings, employment and education verification, and more!

What Are Consumers’ Rights Getting a Background Check?

The FCRA, (Fair Credit Reporting Act), gives consumers rights during the background check process. These include the right to: 

1. Be informed. Applicants must be notified that Accurate will conduct a background check. This is usually in writing.
2. Give written consent. Consumers must provide their written consent before a background check is conducted.
3. Receive a copy. Consumers have a right to get a copy of the report. 
4. Right to know. Consumers have a right to know what information is included in the background report, and what specific information was used against them in the hiring decision process. 
5. Dispute errors. If there are mistakes contained in a background screening, consumers have a legal right to dispute the inaccurate information. 
6. Work with an attorney. You have the right to work with an attorney to protect your rights under the FCRA. This includes a legal right to pursue an Accurate background lawsuit against the company for violating the FCRA.

Which Companies Use Accurate Background for Background Checks?

Accurate provides background checks for thousands of companies across many industries including energy, healthcare, finance, transportation, insurance, retail, staffing, nonprofits, and technology.

What do Companies Use Accurate Background Checks For?

Companies use Accurate background checks when they are filling positions within their companies. This allows employers to know if they want to employ a candidate based on the information that is validated during the screening. Accurate verifies each candidate’s identity and if there are any criminal history records or other red flags that may disqualify the candidate from the job. Background checks typically allow employers to make more informed hiring decisions. 

Can Errors Occur in Background Checks from Accurate Background

Yes. Unfortunately, errors occur often in Accurate background screenings. Accurate is known for conducting many checks including criminal, employment, international, credit, etc. If you find errors, don’t hesitate to seek help from a background check or credit report lawyer. Our lawyers can help you file disputes to remove errors and also file an Accurate background lawsuit when applicable.

What Causes Errors in Background Checks? 

Background check errors can be caused by everything from human errors to process problems, especially with the algorithms used to gather and sort data. Check out some of the main types of errors below.

Main Types of Errors  

Some of the main types of errors we’ve seen reported in Accurate background checks include outdated or old information, human and clerical errors (misspelled names, wrong addresses), incomplete records, data resulting from identity theft, and mixing up data (mixing up two people’s records) and reporting criminal records for the wrong applicant. In addition, sometimes even reporting accurate data can constitute a legal error. For instance, reporting an expunged arrest record is not allowed under the FCRA, even if the arrest and conviction did occur. 

How Often Do Errors Occur in Background Checks from Accurate Background?

VERY often! Errors are easy to make considering that misspelled names and inaccurate addresses and dates are all considered to be “errors.”

What are The Consequences of Having Errors in Your Background Check Report?

The consequences of having errors in your background check are often irreparable. Many people suffer from missed job opportunities and have difficulty taking care of themselves and their families. That’s why background check errors should not be taken lightly since the “smallest” errors can cost you big time!  

You Can Contact Accurate Background if You Need to Correct an Error in a Background Report

Yes, you can contact Accurate if you need to correct an error or need to inquire about your Accurate background check status.

Accurate Background Check Dispute

If you find errors contained in your Accurate background check, you have a legal right granted by the FCRA to dispute all errors and have them investigated and removed within a certain amount of time.

Assistance in Disputing Accurate Background Report

Along with contesting Accurate background check errors, you also have the right to contact one of our lawyers to assist you. We will advocate on your behalf and hold Accurate accountable for all of its mistakes! You can also file a complaint with the FTC. 

What to Do if You do not Receive Answers to Your Questions on the Background Report

If you are not receiving answers to your questions, you should prepare to dispute the errors. Accurate will have 30 days to investigate and if they do not render a decision, you have the right to file a lawsuit to have the errors removed and seek money for the harm you’ve endured.  

You Can Sue Accurate Background if Your Report Contains Errors

Yes! You can sue Accurate. The FCRA gives consumers the right to sue if errors are not removed and have caused them harm. If Accurate does not take appropriate steps to remove the damaging information after it has been presented to them, your next steps should be preparing to file a lawsuit.

Who Can You Contact to Solve the Problem with an Error in the Background Report from Accurate Background?

You should contact a background check lawyer with FCRA experience!

Lawsuits against Accurate Background

Double Larceny Case

We have successfully represented clients in cases against Accurate for false reporting. In one notable instance, our client was denied a job opportunity because Accurate mistakenly reported that he had been convicted of two misdemeanor petit larceny charges. This report was entirely false and misleading.

In reality, our client had never been charged with or convicted of any property crimes. Due to this erroneous report, our client lost out on a well-paying job, job security, and the ability to provide for himself and his family. The error was so severe that Accurate had confused our client’s records with those of another individual, despite their distinctly different Social Security numbers.

Frustrated by this injustice, our client sought our help. We were able to secure a substantial settlement for him, and we are committed to achieving the same results for others who have been wronged by such inaccuracies.