How do you know if you passed USPS background check when there might be errors?

Question

I applied for a job with the United States Postal Service and completed all the steps they asked for. They told me a background check was required, so I gave them my information and waited. It's been over a month now and I haven't heard anything back. I don't know if that means I passed or if something came up. I'm worried because a friend told me that sometimes background checks mix people up, and I've heard stories about people losing USPS jobs because someone else's record showed up under their name. I've never been arrested and have a clean record, but now I'm anxious that there could be a mistake on my report that I don't even know about. How do I find out if I actually passed the USPS background check, and what should I do if there's an error I didn't cause?

Consumer Attorneys · Accepted Answer

The USPS background check process can feel uncertain, especially when you're waiting for results without clear communication. Typically, if you passed the background check, USPS will contact you to move forward with the hiring process. If there's an issue, they're required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to send you a pre-adverse action notice before making a final decision. This notice must include a copy of the background report and information about your right to dispute any errors.

If you suspect there might be a problem or you've received notice of an issue with your background check, here's what to do:

Request your background report immediately
You have the right to obtain a free copy of any background report used in an employment decision. Contact the screening company listed in any notice you received, or request it directly from USPS if you haven't received formal notification.
Review the report carefully for errors
Look for any criminal records, addresses, employment history, or personal information that doesn't belong to you. Mixed files - where someone else's information appears on your report - are more common than people realize, especially when screening companies rely heavily on name matching without sufficient verification.
Dispute errors in writing
If you find incorrect information, dispute it immediately with the background check company. Include documentation such as your ID, proof of address, and any evidence that the information doesn't belong to you (such as a different date of birth or middle name on the criminal record).
Send us the report and any denial notice
If you've been denied a USPS position because of inaccurate information, we can help you move quickly. We escalate disputes properly, demand proof of identity matching, and push for a corrected report to be sent to USPS.

Under the FCRA, background check companies must use reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy. If they reported someone else's criminal record under your name, or if they failed to properly investigate your dispute, you may have legal grounds for a claim - including lost wages if the error cost you the job.

If you're still waiting to hear back and want peace of mind, you can also proactively check your own background by ordering reports from the major screening companies. This way, you'll know if there are any errors before USPS makes a decision.

Don't let someone else's record derail your career. If you've lost a USPS opportunity due to a background check error, or if you're concerned about potential mistakes on your report, contact us today for a free consultation.