How to Fight Shoddy Background Checks

How toFight ShoddyBackground Checks

Denied!More and more employers are running backgroundchecks on potential hires. But many of these reports,which include credit and criminal histories, are riddledwith errors.In fact, 70 percent ofU.S. businesses dobackground checks onpotential hires. Andaccording to the NationalConsumer LawCenter, that informationis often wrong. © 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All RightsMay 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential 2

Believe It or NotChances are there’s someone inthe U.S. with your name and asimilar birth date. You betterhope that person isn’t a criminal.For some backgroundscreeners, sadly, “close enough”is enough. © 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All RightsMay 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential 3

No OversightOne troubling fact the NationalConsumer Law Center brought tolight: There is virtually no oversight ofthe background check industry.Nearly anyone with an Internetconnection can open up shop as abackground checker. © 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All RightsMay 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential 4

Misleading Facts Sometimes even the facts are distorted. A shoddy background check might: • cite an arrest, but not mention that the case was dropped or you were found innocent; • list a single charge multiple times; • report a misdemeanor as a felony or make other category mistakes. © 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All RightsMay 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential 5

Uncovering Identity TheftBackground checksoften bring identity theftto light. That soundsgood in theory, butidentity theft discoveredduring an employmentprocess can cost youthat job. © 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All RightsMay 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential 6

Bad CreditCriminal background checks aren’t the only cause for concern. Many employers check credit histories. Unresolved disputes or poor scores—more often than not due to unemployment—can lead to more unemployment. © 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights May 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential 7

Surprise!Unlike clowns andkindergartners, employers don’t likesurprises. If there is something onyour record, explain thecircumstances up front. It’s better tostart the conversation than to have aprospective employer believe they“caught” you being dishonest ormanipulative. © 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All RightsMay 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential 8

Credit Check YourselfFind out what’s in your credit file. Everyonecan check their reportonce a yearfor free.Also, if you’ve been denied credit oremployment because of a credit check, you areentitled to that free report as well. © 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All RightsMay 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential 9

Correct YourselfBy law, all consumer reporting agenciesmust allow you to correct outdated orinaccurate information. But there’s a timewindow, usually 30 days after requestingthat report—so act fast. © 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All RightsMay 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential 10

Pick Up the Phone Your bank, credit union, insurer, financial planner or attorney may offer identity theft protection, which often covers shoddy background checks. If they don’t, give us a call at1-888- 682-5911. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. © 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All RightsMay 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential 11

Help Is Out ThereBe proactive—don’t wait to become a victim of identity theft before finding a company you’re comfortable with.Help is just a phone call away. © 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights May 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential 12

How to Fight Shoddy Background Checks

by IDT911 on May 29, 2012

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