My background report lists a record that belongs to my twin brother. How do I correct it and appeal a denial?

Question

My background check shows a criminal record that isn’t mine. It belongs to my twin brother. The screening company mixed us up, and I was denied. I need the report corrected and I want to appeal the decision quickly.

Consumer Attorneys · Accepted Answer

Twins commonly experience mixed files because screening companies rely too heavily on overlapping identifiers. But under the FCRA:

The screening company must separate your identity from your twin’s.
You have the right to dispute the error and demand correction.
Send us the report and the employer’s notice. We can escalate the dispute with the screening company, demand the source record and matching basis, and push for a corrected report to be sent to the employer so you can request reconsideration quickly.

If the incorrect report cost you a job offer, delayed your start date, or damaged your reputation, you may also have a compensation claim.