TrueScreen Background Check Errors: What to Do When Your Background Check Goes Wrong

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8 Oct, 2024
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Failed a TrueScreen background check? Don’t panic! Here’s how you can fix the errors and protect your future.

Failing a TrueScreen background check can feel devastating. But you’re not alone. Errors happen more often than you think, and they can jeopardize your job, housing, and peace of mind. We walk you through your rights, how to correct mistakes, and the steps to take when your background check report goes wrong. Regain control and protect your future!

Whether it was for a job, a rental application, or any other significant life event, receiving a negative result on a TrueScreen background check can be utterly devastating. The shock, confusion, and fear accompanying such news are overwhelming, and feeling scared and alone is natural. Background checks hold immense power—they can determine the course of your life, shaping your career, your housing situation, and even your sense of self-worth. When that power is misused by the companies that we are supposed to trust, and errors find their way into your report, it can feel like the ground has been pulled out from under you.

If you've recently failed a TrueScreen background check, you’re likely feeling a mix of frustration, fear, confusion, anger, and helplessness. But it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and most importantly, this situation isn’t the end of the road. A lawyer for background check from Consumer Attorneys is always available to support you, guide you through the next steps, and fight for your rights. Errors in background checks happen more often than you might think, and there are legal paths you can take to correct these mistakes and move forward with confidence.

About TrueScreen

TrueScreen is a background screening company that provides comprehensive background checks for employers, property managers, and other organizations that require detailed information about an individual’s history. The company is trusted by many for its thorough screening processes, which include criminal background checks, employment verifications, education checks, and more. However, like all background screening companies, TrueScreen is not infallible, and errors can and do occur, sometimes with serious consequences for the individuals affected.

How Does TrueScreen Conduct Background Checks?

TrueScreen uses a combination of automated systems and manual processes to gather and verify information about an individual’s background. This typically involves searching through public records, contacting past employers, verifying educational credentials, and more. The goal is to provide a comprehensive report that gives employers or landlords a clear picture of who they’re dealing with.

How Long Does a Background Check from TrueScreen Take?

The length of time it takes to complete a TrueScreen background check can vary depending on the complexity of the search and the responsiveness of the sources being contacted. On average, the TrueScreen background check turnaround time ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. However, delays can occur, especially if there are complications in verifying certain information. So how long does a TrueScreen background check take? It depends.

What Information Does TrueScreen Provide in Their Background Checks?

TrueScreen background checks typically include information designed to help employers, landlords, and other decision-makers assess an individual’s suitability for a particular role or tenancy. The information provided can vary depending on the specific requirements of the company requesting the check.

TrueScreen Criminal Background Check

One key component of a TrueScreen background check is the criminal background check. This part of the process involves searching local, state, and federal criminal records to identify any past convictions, charges, or other legal issues that may be relevant to the decision-making process.

TrueScreen Background Check for Rental Property

For rental properties, TrueScreen background checks often include a review of the applicant’s rental history, credit report, and criminal record. Landlords use this information to assess whether a potential tenant is likely to pay rent on time, take care of the property, and comply with lease terms.

TrueScreen Background Check for Employment

Employers rely on TrueScreen to verify an applicant’s employment history, educational background, and criminal records. The goal is to ensure that the person they are considering hiring is trustworthy, qualified, and a good fit for the company culture. TrueScreen background check status is often a critical factor in hiring decisions, and errors in the report can have serious consequences.

What Are the Consumer Rights When Verifying Their Background Check?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers have specific rights when it comes to background checks conducted by companies like TrueScreen. You have the right to be informed if a background check is being used against you, to know what’s in your report, and to dispute any incorrect or incomplete information.

If you fail a background check, the company that requested it must provide you with a copy of the report and inform you of your rights to dispute the findings. You also have the right to request a copy of your background check directly from TrueScreen, so you can review it for accuracy and completeness.

Which Companies Use TrueScreen for Background Checks?

TrueScreen provides background checks for a wide range of clients, from healthcare and education to finance and retail and beyond. These organizations depend on TrueScreen to verify the backgrounds of employees, tenants, and volunteers. However, despite its broad reach, TrueScreen isn’t immune to errors. A mistake in your report could unfairly cost you a job or a place to live. While companies trust TrueScreen for thorough checks, it’s important to remember that errors do happen—and they can have serious consequences when they do. If you’ve been affected, you can challenge and correct these mistakes.

What Do Companies Use TrueScreen Background Checks For?

Companies use TrueScreen background checks for various purposes, including verifying employment history, assessing criminal records, checking credit histories, and confirming educational qualifications. These checks are often a key part of the hiring or rental process, as they provide valuable information that helps organizations make informed decisions.

Can Errors Occur in Background Checks from TrueScreen?

Yes, errors can and do occur in TrueScreen background checks. These errors can range from simple mistakes, like a misspelled name, to more serious issues, like incorrect criminal records or employment histories. Unfortunately, even minor errors can have significant consequences, potentially leading to lost job opportunities, denied rental applications, or other negative outcomes.

What Causes Errors in Background Checks?

Errors in background checks can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are beyond your control. Some common causes of errors include:

  • Mismatched Information: If your name or other identifying information is similar to someone else’s, it’s possible that your records could be mixed up with theirs.
  • Incomplete or Outdated Information: Sometimes, background checks include information that is no longer accurate or that has not been updated to reflect recent changes, such as expunged criminal records.
  • Data Entry Errors: Human error during the data entry process can lead to mistakes in your background check report.

Main Types of Errors

The main types of errors that can occur in TrueScreen background checks include:

  • Incorrect Criminal Records: This is one of the most serious types of errors, as it can lead to wrongful denial of employment or housing.
  • Mistaken Identity: If your background check includes information about someone else with a similar name, it can cause significant problems.
  • Outdated Information: Background checks sometimes include outdated information that should no longer be relevant, such as old addresses or jobs.
  • Misreporting of Education or Employment History: If your background check incorrectly reports your educational qualifications or work history, it could jeopardize your chances of being hired.

How Often Do Errors Occur in Background Checks from TrueScreen?

While it’s difficult to say exactly how often errors occur in TrueScreen background checks, it’s clear that mistakes happen more frequently than most people realize. According to various studies, as many as one in four background checks contain errors. This means that millions of people each year are affected by mistakes in their background reports, often without even knowing it.

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

The consequences of errors in your background check report can be severe. If an employer, landlord, or other organization relies on incorrect information in your report, it could lead to:

  • Loss of Job Opportunities: A negative background check result could result in you losing out on a job offer, a promotion, or even getting fired from a current job.
  • Denied Rental Applications: If your background check incorrectly reports criminal history or other negative information, you could be denied housing.
  • Damage to Reputation: Even if you’re eventually able to correct the errors in your report, the damage to your reputation can be long-lasting.

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

If you discover an error in your TrueScreen background check, it’s important to take immediate action to correct it. The first step is to contact TrueScreen directly and request that they investigate the error. Be sure to provide any supporting documentation that can help prove the correct information, such as court records, employment verification letters, or credit reports.

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

If you do not receive a satisfactory response from TrueScreen or if they refuse to correct the error, you have the right to take further action. You can file a dispute with the consumer reporting agencies, and if necessary, seek legal assistance to ensure that your rights are protected.

You Can Sue TrueScreen if Your Report Contains Errors

If TrueScreen fails to correct errors in your background check report, or if their mistakes have caused you significant harm, you may have the right to sue them. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives consumers the right to take legal action against companies that fail to meet their obligations under the law.

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

If you’re struggling to resolve an error in your TrueScreen background check report, it’s important to seek legal assistance from a consumer lawyer who is not afraid to fight for you when you become the victim of background check errors. At Consumer Attorneys, we have extensive experience helping individuals correct mistakes in their background reports and hold companies like TrueScreen accountable for their errors.

Assistance in Disputing TrueScreen Background Report

Our team of consumer lawyers can help you navigate the dispute process, gather the necessary evidence to support your case, and take legal action if necessary. We understand how stressful and frustrating it can be to deal with background check errors, and we’re here to provide the support and guidance you need to resolve the situation.

Lawsuits Against TrueScreen (Some of Our Cases)

At Consumer Attorneys, we have successfully represented clients in lawsuits against TrueScreen and other background screening companies. Our cases have included situations where individuals were wrongfully denied employment, housing, or other opportunities due to errors in their background check reports.

Take, for example, K.S., an insurance salesman in Georgia who applied to become an approved reseller of a national insurance carrier but was denied due to an inaccurate TrueScreen background check. TrueScreen falsely listed three misdemeanors as felonies and included a dismissed charge from decades earlier. Despite K.S.’s dispute and the defendant’s eventual correction of the report, the insurance carrier refused to reconsider his application. As a result, K.S. lost a promising job opportunity and suffered financial, emotional, and reputational harm. K.S. contacted Consumer Attorneys, and we filed a lawsuit on his behalf. We settled a few months later for a sum K.S. found favorable.

Final Thoughts

Discovering that you’ve failed a TrueScreen background check can be a devastating experience, but it’s important to remember that you have rights and options. Errors in background checks are more common than you might think, and you don’t have to accept the results without a fight. At Consumer Attorneys, we’re here to help you correct mistakes, protect your rights, and confidently move forward.

If you’ve been affected by a TrueScreen background check error, we encourage you to take action today. Request your background report, review it carefully for any mistakes, and don’t hesitate to contact a consumer lawyer for assistance. With the right support, you can overcome this challenge and get your life back on track. Everything may seem uncertain right now, but with our help, you can find clarity, justice, and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, TrueScreen.com is a legitimate company that provides background screening services for employers, landlords, and other organizations. They conduct thorough background checks to help companies make informed decisions about potential employees or tenants. However, while the company itself is legitimate, it’s important to recognize that mistakes can and do happen in the background check process. You're not alone if you’ve experienced an issue with your TrueScreen report. Errors can occur, and they can be incredibly frustrating, especially when your future is at stake. Stay informed. And if you need help, contacting a consumer protection lawyer can provide you with the guidance you need to navigate the situation.

Yes, TrueScreen often contacts previous employers as part of their background check process. This is a standard procedure to verify your work history, confirm your employment dates, and sometimes even ask about your job performance. It’s understandable if this makes you feel anxious—your employment history is deeply personal, and having someone scrutinize it can be unsettling. However, you're not powerless if you’re concerned about what might be said or how it’s being reported. You have the right to review your background check and to dispute any inaccurate or misleading information. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a consumer lawyer who can help you protect your rights and your professional reputation.

When you see the term “review” on a TrueScreen background check, it generally means that the company is taking a closer look at certain aspects of your report before making a final decision. This could be due to various reasons, such as a criminal record, employment history discrepancies, or credit report issues. While this can be nerve-wracking, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be denied the opportunity. It’s a normal part of the process where employers or landlords might need to verify or clarify details. If something on your report doesn’t seem right, contacting a consumer lawyer can help you understand the situation better and ensure your rights are protected.

Errors in your TrueScreen background check report can happen for various reasons, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated or even scared when they do. Common causes include data entry mistakes, outdated information, or cases of mistaken identity, where your records might be mixed up with someone else’s due to similar names or other details. These errors can seriously affect your job prospects, housing applications, or reputation. But it’s important to know that these mistakes are not your fault, and you can challenge them. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you can dispute any incorrect information in your background check, and the reporting agency is required to investigate and correct the error. 

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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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