The document discusses issues with background checks done by employers, noting that 70% of businesses conduct them but the information is often incorrect. It states that nearly anyone can operate as a background checker with little oversight. It provides tips for addressing inaccuracies on background checks, including checking your own reports annually for free, correcting outdated information within 30 days, and discussing any issues with prospective employers up front.

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.
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May 2, 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 2, 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 2, 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 2, 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 2, 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.
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May 2, 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.
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May 2, 2012 Reserved - Confidential
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9. Credit Check Yourself
Everyone can check their report
once a year for 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 2, 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 2, 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
at1.877.432.7463. Don’t be
afraid to ask lots of questions.
© 2003-2011 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights
May 2, 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 2, 2012 Reserved - Confidential
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