My background check confused me with someone else. How do I dispute and clear my name?

Question

I opened my background report expecting something boring and predictable. Instead, I was staring at a life that clearly wasn’t mine. A criminal record I’ve never had. A history that doesn’t match my age, my middle name, or anywhere I’ve lived. But on paper, it was presented as me.

Consumer Attorneys · Accepted Answer

What makes it worse is the silence that follows. The employer doesn’t accuse you outright, but you can feel the shift. Conversations get colder. Timelines stretch. Suddenly, you’re not being evaluated on your qualifications anymore. You’re being quietly judged against a record that belongs to someone else, and you’re expected to explain why it shouldn’t count.

This is called a mixed file, and it’s a serious violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Background check companies are legally required to report only information that actually belongs to you and to use reasonable procedures to verify identity.

To clear your name:

Get a complete copy of the background report.
Dispute the incorrect records in writing.
Submit identifying documents that clearly distinguish you.
Request written confirmation once the report is corrected.

The screening company must send an updated report to the employer. If the error caused harm, you may also have legal remedies beyond just correction.