How do I dispute a background check that is showing someone else's information?

Question

My job offer is basically frozen. HR kept saying “something came up on the report” and that they can’t move forward until it’s resolved. I opened the report and it has criminal charges on it. They told me I have to contact the screening company myself. I did and the reply was that it will take 30 days to be reviewed. I’m scared they’re going to pull the offer while I’m stuck in a slow dispute process. I need this corrected fast.

Consumer Attorneys · Accepted Answer

When a background check is tying someone else’s records to you, it’s a mistaken-identity error, and the screening company has legal duties under the FCRA to conduct a real reinvestigation and correct or delete inaccurate information.

Here’s what to do right now:

Save everything: the report, the adverse/pre-adverse action notice (if you received one), and all emails or portal messages.
Send us the report and the case details (the county/court, case number, and the screening company’s name).
Do not wait 30 days in silence. We can escalate the dispute properly, demand proof of the match, and push for a corrected report to be sent to the employer.

If you’ve already lost the opportunity or you’re facing immediate harm, you may have an FCRA claim for damages.