What can I do if the background check company won't tell me why I was denied employment?

Question

I received a generic rejection letter saying I didn't pass the background check, but nobody will tell me what's actually on the report. I've called the screening company multiple times, and they keep giving me vague answers about "discrepancies" without specifying what they found. The employer says they can't discuss it and told me to contact the screening company, but the screening company just sends me in circles. I have a right to know what information cost me this job, especially if it's wrong. How can I fix something if they won't even tell me what the problem is? This feels deliberately evasive, and I'm stuck in limbo without answers or the ability to move forward.

Consumer Attorneys · Accepted Answer

You absolutely have the right to know what's in your background report, and the screening company's refusal to provide clear information is a serious FCRA violation. Under federal law, when adverse action is taken based on a background check, the screening company must:

Provide you with a complete copy of the background report
Disclose all information that led to the adverse decision
Give you a written summary of your rights under the FCRA
Allow you to dispute any inaccurate information

The vague runaround you're experiencing is not only frustrating — it's illegal. Background screening companies cannot hide behind generic explanations when their reports affect your livelihood.

Your immediate next steps:

Send a written request (certified mail) demanding a complete copy of your background report
Request specific details about what "discrepancies" they found
Document every phone call, including dates, times, and what was said
Save all written correspondence from both the employer and screening company

Send us copies of all communication and rejection notices. We can force the screening company to provide full disclosure and investigate whether the information they're hiding is even accurate. If their refusal to provide information caused you to lose the job, and if the underlying information turns out to be wrong, you may have strong grounds for compensation under the FCRA.

You don't have to accept vague excuses. The law requires transparency, and we can make sure you get the answers you deserve — and hold the company accountable if they've violated your rights.