Denied an Employment Opportunity Due to False Information on Your Credit Report?
 

To schedule your FREE Consultation, contact consumer advocate Amy Wells.

Access to gainful employment is even more critical in this tough economic time. More and more potential employers are using employment background checks to screen potential employees.

Unfortunately, for a whole host of reasons, the information that finds its way onto your consumer background report may be riddled with error, or too old for the reporting agencies to legally report about you.

Did you know that the consumer reporting agencies make billions of dollars a year from the sale of the information on consumer reports? And federal law protects you from inaccurate information being reported about you on employment background reports.  

Consumer advocate Amy Wells helps consumers affected by inaccurate reporting protect their good name. She has assisted many consumers balance the harm they have suffered as a result of inaccurate reporting in both state and federal court.

Ms. Wells has published articles about the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and has talked to a variety of audiences on this topic on a state and national basis.

If you incorrect or outdated information on your background check has blocked your access to employment, contact our office today. You may be entitled to money damages.

Actions You Should Take to Protect Your Good Name
 

• Check your credit report at least once per year to ensure it is accurate.  Consumer advocate Amy Wells suggests consumers take advantage of their right to a free annual credit report from each of the "Big Three" bureaus (Experian, Trans Union and Equifax). Review your report once every 4 months, alternating between each of the three major credit bureaus. To obtain a truly free copy of your credit report, click here. (You can skip all of the sales ploys and go right for the free reports!)
  
• If do not have access to the Internet, or would like assistance through this process, please contact us and we'll be happy to help you.

• Anytime  you are turned down for credit or insurance based on your credit standing, you are entitled to a copy of your credit report. And it makes good sense to ensure that the informatin that led to the adverse action belongs on your credit report.
  
• If you are denied a job because of information in your background report, the potential employer is required to supply you with a free copy of the report they relied upon.

Signs of Inaccurate Credit Reporting & Identity Theft 

• Your credit report lists an account that does not belong to you.
  
• Debt collectors are hounding you about accounts that you know nothing about.

• Your credit report lists names, addresses or employment history that does not belong to you. (Pay close attention to the spelling of your name, date of birth, etc.)
  
• A background check reports a criminal record that does not belong to you.
  
• An account on your credit history reports a past due or delinquent status, and it should reflect that is in good standing
  
• Outdated information is being reported on your credit report

• An account discharged in bankruptcy is being reported showing a balance owed.

You Have Rights  

• You must be told if information in your credit file has been used against you.

• In the employment context, the potential employer is required to provide you with a copy of the report or background check the relied on to deny you employment.

• You have the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information on your report.
  
• You have the right to a free copy of your credit report once each year, in addition to anytime that you are denied credit.  And you have the right to learn your credit score (the scores come with a fee, however).
  
• Consumer bureaus and background check companies must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information.
  
• Consumer bureaus may not report outdated negative information about you.
  
• Consumer bureaus may provide information about you only to people with a valid need.
  
• You may seek money damages from those who violate your rights.

Things You Will be Asked to Bring to Your Free Consultation with Our Office

• Your credit reports from each of the "Big Three." If you are unable to access these reports, let us know when you schedule your consultation and we'll be happy to help.
• A copy of the employment turn down letter.
• A copy of the background check report.
• Credit denial letters, employment turn down letters, or insurance denial letters based on inaccurate reporting.
• Evidence of interest rates that are higher than you would have paid had the false information not appeared on your credit report.
• Proof of proper payment if the account is yours, but the status is being falsely reported as late or in default.
• Bankruptcy discharge paperwork if a discharged account is being inaccurately reported.
  
  We look forward to assisting you!