DISA Background Check Errors

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29 Jul, 2024
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Errors in DISA background checks can impact your career and reputation. Consumer Attorneys can help. Here’s how.

Facing errors in your DISA background check? Discover how Consumer Attorneys can assist in disputing inaccuracies, ensuring your report reflects the truth. Protect your job prospects, rental applications, and personal reputation from the fallout of incorrect information. Empower yourself with the knowledge and support needed to rectify and challenge erroneous DISA reports.

Employers rely heavily on background checks to make informed hiring decisions in today's competitive job market. These checks help discover and verify a job candidate’s qualifications, criminal record, employment history, drug use, and history all to foster a safe workplace and a reliable workforce. By thoroughly researching potential employees, a company can reduce its risk, protect its reputation, and maintain a productive work environment. Background checks can uncover critical information that might not be evident from resumes and interviews alone, helping employers select the most suitable candidates.

However, despite their benefits, background checks are not without flaws. A growing concern is the frequency of inaccuracies in these reports. Mistakes such as outdated information, incorrect criminal records, and misreported employment history can unjustly hinder qualified candidates from securing jobs, disrupt the hiring process, damage someone’s reputation, and put the company at risk of legal liability.

The background check attorneys at Consumer Attorneys understand the dual nature of background checks—how they can both help and hurt both the checker and the candidate being checked. In our practice, we see the damage that errors in background checks can cause and are determined to hold the companies responsible for the errors accountable.

DISA Global Solutions, Inc. (DISA) is a background check company with which you should be familiar. If you have had or will have a background check conducted by DISA, this article provides everything you need to know.

About DISA

DISA Global Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1986, is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and currently offers various services related to employee screening, compliance, and workplace safety. DISA provides a range of background checks and background check services to help employers make informed hiring decisions. Companies of all sizes from all areas and from all industries use DISA. DISA also offers screening services for current employees so companies can screen potential employees to ensure they meet the necessary standards before they’re hired and they maintain those standards during employment.

How Does DISA Conduct Background Checks?

Like most background check companies, DISA conducts background checks using various sources. While the process is generally intended to ensure that employers have access to accurate and relevant information about potential employees, the actual method a DISA screening will use to do its background check will depend on the job, the nature of the information sought, and the scope of the job candidate’s experience.

How Long Does a Background Check from DISA Take?

The DISA background check time can vary depending on the check’s complexity, the responsiveness of the people and places from whom verification i sought, and the employer’s specific requirements. How long does DISA background check take? Generally, a standard background check can take anywhere from a few days to a week. However, more detailed checks, such as those involving extensive criminal history searches or verifications of past employment overseas, can take longer.

What Information Does DISA Provide in its Background Checks?

DISA's background checks can include a wide range of information tailored to the employer's needs. Here are some of the key types of information that might be included:

DISA Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check from DISA can provide information about any past criminal activity of the subject. This can include felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrests, and other relevant criminal history information. Employers use this data to assess the potential risk posed by a candidate and ensure the safety and integrity of their workplace.

DISA Background Check for Rental Property

For landlords and property managers, DISA offers background checks specifically tailored for rental properties. These checks can include credit history, rental history, eviction records, and criminal background information. This helps property owners make informed decisions about potential tenants, reducing the risk of future problems.

DISA Background Check for Employment

DISA's employment background check is one of the most comprehensive. It can include verification of previous employment, education verification, reference checks, and checks for any professional licenses or certifications. This can include drug screening and testing. This thorough approach helps employers confirm that the candidate has the experience and qualifications they claim to have.

What DISA looks for depends on the DISA background check levels your employer or would-be employer requests.

What Are the Consumers’ Rights When Verifying Their Background Check?

Consumers have specific rights regarding verifying their background check reports. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects individuals, ensuring they can access their background check reports and dispute any inaccuracies.

Which Companies Use DISA for Background Checks?

Many companies across various industries use DISA for their background check needs. This includes employers in fields such as transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction.

What Do Companies Use DISA Background Checks For?

Companies use DISA background checks for several purposes, including:

PurposeDescription
Pre-employment ScreeningThis process ensures that candidates have the necessary qualifications and a clean background. It verifies the accuracy of resumes, confirms educational credentials, and checks for any criminal records or other red flags that might impact their suitability for the role. Thorough screening helps select the best candidates, thus enhancing overall workforce quality and reducing turnover.
Ongoing ComplianceTo regularly check current employees for any new issues that may arise. This practice helps organizations stay informed about their employees' status and ensures ongoing adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements. Regular checks can uncover new criminal activity or changes in professional standing that could affect an employee's role and the organization's safety.
Tenant ScreeningTo verify the suitability of potential tenants. This involves checking rental history, credit scores, and any criminal records to ensure that tenants are reliable and financially responsible. Proper tenant screening helps property owners reduce the risk of late payments, property damage, and legal issues, contributing to a stable and secure rental environment.
Safety and SecurityManagers must minimize risks to maintain a safe and secure workplace. Conducting background checks can reveal past behavior that might indicate a potential threat to the workplace. This helps prevent incidents related to violence, theft, or misconduct, thereby protecting employees, customers, and company assets. A secure environment promotes productivity and morale among the workforce.

What does a DISA background check look for? Anything the employer deems relevant.

Can Errors Occur in Background Checks from DISA?

Yes. Errors can and too frequently do occur in DISA background checks from DISA, as with any other background screening service. These errors can arise from various sources and can have significant consequences for individuals.

What Causes Errors in Background Checks?

There are several potential causes of errors in background checks, including:

Main Types of Errors

IssueDescription
Inaccurate InformationClerical mistakes or outdated records can lead to incorrect data reporting. These inaccuracies might include incorrect criminal records, wrong employment history, or outdated addresses. Such errors can unjustly prevent qualified candidates from obtaining jobs or housing, causing significant stress and potentially impacting their livelihood. Employers and screening agencies must verify the accuracy of their information sources and update records regularly to minimize these issues.
Identity ConfusionCommon names or similar identifiers can lead to mix-ups between individuals. For example, two people with the same name or similar Social Security numbers might confuse their records, resulting in incorrect information being attributed to the wrong person. This can unfairly damage a candidate’s reputation and hinder their chances of employment or tenancy. Ensuring thorough verification processes and using multiple identifiers can help mitigate the risk of identity confusion.
Incomplete RecordsMissing or incomplete information can result in an inaccurate background check report. This might occur due to gaps in data collection, failure to update records, or missing key details such as arrest dispositions or employment verification. Incomplete records can lead to an incomplete picture of an individual’s background, causing employers or landlords to make decisions based on insufficient information. Comprehensive data collection and regular updates are essential to provide accurate and complete background checks.

What is a DISA background check error? Anything that is not accurate no matter how big or small.

How Often Do Errors Occur in Background Checks from DISA?

While errors are not extremely common, they do occur. And if it happens to you - if, say, DISA erroneously reports that you have an extensive criminal background and you do not get a job or home because of it - the one time that happens is enough. The exact frequency of errors in DISA background checks is not publicly available. Consumers must be aware of the possibility and know their rights if an error does occur.

What Are the Consequences of Having Errors in Your Background Check Report?

Inaccurate background checks can have severe consequences for those affected. A mistake can (and too often does) affect multiple and various aspects of their lives. Here are some of the significant impacts:

  • Employment denial. An inaccurate report can lead to a job offer being rescinded. This can significantly affect an individual's career progression and financial stability. The uncertainty and stress associated with losing a job offer can also affect mental health and self-esteem.
  • Rental denial. Errors in a report can result in housing denial. This affects one's immediate living situation and complicates future rental applications. Securing a place to live is a fundamental need, and such denials can cause significant distress and disruption.
  • Reputational damage. Incorrect information can harm an individual’s personal and professional reputation. This damage can extend to social relationships and professional networks, potentially leading to lost opportunities and a long-term struggle to rebuild trust and credibility.
  • Anxiety, Stress, Mental Health. All of the above create stress, friction in relationships, and anxiety, and can erode one’s mental health. 

Put simply, accurate background checks are important. It’s important to contact someone who can help when they're not.

You Can Contact DISA if You Need to Correct an Error in the Background Report

If you find an error in your DISA background check report, you can dispute it and request a correction. The first thing to do is contact the consumer law attorneys at Consumer Attorneys. Your approach to addressing the inaccuracy in your DISA background report will depend on the nature of the problem, the source of the inaccuracy, and the stage of the hiring or rental process you’re in.

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

If DISA does not respond to your inquiries or disputes about your background check report, you may need to seek further assistance. A background check lawyer can help you determine your DISA background check status.

You Can Sue DISA if Your Report Contains Errors

In cases where errors in your background check report from DISA cause significant harm, you may have grounds to take legal action.

Who Can You Contact to Solve the Problem With an Error in the Background Report from DISA

To resolve issues with errors in your DISA background check report, you can contact Consumer Attorneys.

Assistance in Disputing DISA Background Report

A background check attorney can provide valuable support if you need assistance disputing an error in your DISA background report. They can guide you through the dispute process, help gather evidence, and represent your interests to ensure the error is corrected.

As consumer protection lawyers, we have handled numerous cases involving errors in background checks, including those conducted by DISA. Our experience has shown that these errors can significantly impact individuals' lives, and we are dedicated to helping our clients seek justice and compensation for the damage that has already been done.

Conclusion

Understanding your rights and the processes involved in DISA background checks is crucial. Whether you are an employer looking to use DISA's services or an individual who needs to verify their background report, knowing how these checks work and what to do if there are errors can make a significant difference. If you encounter any issues with your background check, do not hesitate to seek legal advice and support to ensure your information is accurate and fair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, DISA Global Solutions, Inc. conducts hair follicle drug testing as part of its drug testing services. Hair tests can detect drug use over a longer period as compared to urine tests, typically up to 90 days, depending on the drug. Employers value this method for its accuracy and resistance to tampering. Hair follicle testing is commonly used in industries requiring stringent drug-free policies, such as transportation, construction, and manufacturing, where maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace is especially important. While employers want a safer working environment, an inaccurate DISA hair follicle test can be devastating for an employee. 

DISA Global Solutions, Inc. serves a broad and diverse client base. While the exact number of companies using DISA can vary, reflecting the company's growth and market reach.

Thousands of companies across various industries use or have used DISA. These clients range from small businesses to large international and multinational corporations, especially in business sectors that require strict compliance with safety and regulatory standards, such as oil and gas, transportation, construction, and manufacturing. DISA’s network and comprehensive solutions for drug testing, background screening, and compliance management appeal to many companies. 

The time it takes for DISA to clear a background check or drug test will vary depending on the specific services requested and the complexity of the information being verified. Typically, drug test results are available within 24 to 48 hours for negative results. On the other hand, background checks may take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the depth of the check and the responsiveness of the institutions being contacted for verification. Factors such as the type of check, geographic location, responsiveness of former employers, and the completeness of the provided information can influence the overall processing time.

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Daniel Cohen is the Founder of Consumer Attorneys. Daniel manages the firm’s branding, marketing, client intake and business development efforts. Since 2017, he is a member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates and the National Consumer Law Center. Mr. Cohen is a nationally-recognized practitioner of consumer protection law. He has a we... Read more

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