1. How to
Fight Shoddy
Background
Checks

2. Denied!
More and more employers are running background
checks on potential hires. But many of these reports,
which include credit and criminal histories, are riddled
with errors.
In fact, 70 percent of
U.S. businesses do
background checks on
potential hires. And
according to the National
Consumer Law
Center, that information
is often wrong.
© 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights
May 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential
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3. Believe It or Not
Chances are there’s someone in
the U.S. with your name and a
similar birth date. You better
hope that person isn’t a criminal.
For some background
screeners, sadly, “close enough”
is enough.
© 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights
May 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential
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4. No Oversight
One troubling fact the National
Consumer Law Center brought to
light: There is virtually no oversight of
the background check industry.
Nearly anyone with an Internet
connection can open up shop as a
background checker.
© 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights
May 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential
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5. 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 Rights
May 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential
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6. Uncovering Identity Theft
Background checks
often bring identity theft
to light. That sounds
good in theory, but
identity theft discovered
during an employment
process can cost you
that job.
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May 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential
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7. Bad Credit
Criminal 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
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8. Surprise!
Unlike clowns and
kindergartners, employers don’t like
surprises. If there is something on
your record, explain the
circumstances up front. It’s better to
start the conversation than to have a
prospective employer believe they
“caught” you being dishonest or
manipulative.
© 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights
May 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential
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9. Credit Check Yourself
Find out what’s in your credit file. Everyone
can check their reportonce a yearfor free.
Also, if you’ve been denied credit or
employment because of a credit check, you are
entitled to that free report as well.
© 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights
May 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential
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10. Correct Yourself
By law, all consumer reporting agencies
must allow you to correct outdated or
inaccurate information. But there’s a time
window, usually 30 days after requesting
that report—so act fast.
© 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights
May 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential
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11. 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 Rights
May 29, 2012 Reserved - Confidential
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12. Help Is Out There
Be 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
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