How To Remove Items From a Background Check in the U.S.?

“How to remove items from a background check?” is a question that often pops up when people apply for jobs, rental agreements, and loans. After all, employers, landlords, and lenders must ensure they are approving an application to a law-abiding citizen.

Background checks are important for employers to screen potential employees and for landlords to screen tenants. Before landlords are able to rent out their property, they must make sure that the person has clear records. 

Even if you are not an employer or landlord, background check sites and people search sites can help you verify the identity of someone you're talking to. This can help you protect your online privacy and avoid scams. 

There are several methods that you can do to amend your background report, from contacting the company that has issued it to restricting what you share.

After all, conducting background checks may sometimes include finding inaccurate or irrelevant information that unjustly impacts your chances for a successful application.

Keep on reading to learn how to come to terms with your past!

Why Remove Anything From Your Background Check?

With the advancement of technology, finding a person on social media is easy. It is also now possible to find someone using their phone number or their name. With limited information, background check sites can provide you with results such as a person's Facebook or Instagram account. It is even possible to find someone on Twitter using an image. 

The main reason anyone would want to change their background check is to correct a factual error that affects their reputation and reduces their chances of obtaining a job, a financial product, or even a place to live.

However, some people also seek to hide certain information on their records if they went through a rather difficult period in their lives that they are ashamed of but have since been trying to build a better future for themselves.

For example, if you have ever been arrested for a DUI, that mistake can haunt you for the rest of your life, regardless of the circumstances of the incident. However, to expunge or seal your criminal record, you must meet strict criteria due to the nature of the offense.

Also, in addition to your criminal and driving record, your background check may include other information about your past, such as credit reports, employment records, social security information, personal information, and physical address.

As you can see, your sensitive information is available to people who can misuse it for nefarious purposes, so hiding it to keep it out of strangers’ hands is also a valid reason. You don’t want to fall victim to identity theft now, do you?

Therefore, to avoid the consequences of your background check data leaking, we list ten methods that help you correct and improve your background record below.

1. Get a Copy of Your Background Check

To fix an inaccurate background check, you should first get a copy of your own data and check it thoroughly. That way, you’ll see what your report contains and whether or not it should be removed because of inaccuracies or unjust treatment.

For that purpose, hire a background screening company that conducts all kinds of checks: from educational history to criminal and driving records.

2. Keep Updated Reports

The best way to ensure the information contained within your report is correct is to keep records of everything that happens in your life, from employment and salary documents to driving history reports and school and medical paperwork.

That way, you can comb for inaccuracies by comparing what you have with the information contained within the report to see whether or not it’s factual.

3. Contact the Background Check Company

You can first try contacting the background check company that issued your report and ask if they would be willing to amend it if you prove that it contains factual inaccuracies. 

In most cases, they will review your complaint and amend your information if they are satisfied with the proof you furnish.

Note: Always do business with a reputable background service company that thoroughly checks your history and compiles an exhaustive background report.

4. File a Dispute With the Credit Reporting Agency

Suppose the company providing you with the report cannot make the necessary changes. In that case, you should bring your complaints to the credit reporting agency that issued the original information or another government agency.

Your best bet is to mail in your dispute and include a detailed letter with your contact information and a thorough overview of all the mistakes in your report. Also, enclose a copy of the report showing the information you want to be removed or corrected.

5. Reach the Federal Trade Commission

The FTC is responsible for enforcing the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which stipulates that information collected by consumer reporting agencies must be protected at all times. 

Per the Act, legal entities that provide such information also have the duty to investigate any errors in the report, whereas credit, insurance, and employment companies that make an adverse decision based on the report are required to notify their candidates of the fact.

6. Seek Legal Advice

If you are having trouble correcting your background check, consider hiring a lawyer versed in such matters. In addition to advising you on the rights and options available, they can help you prepare a legal action to correct your background reports.

If you are trying to clear your criminal record, getting help from solicitors becomes a crucial step as they will help you navigate all the legal hurdles, file a petition, appear in front of a judge, and meet all other requirements that apply.

7.  Know Your Rights

Adding onto the previous method, you should also spend some time familiarizing yourself with all your rights relating to which entities can access and share your data and how and to whom they can disseminate it.

As an example, you have the right to request a copy of your background report and dispute any mistakes contained within. Also, you may be eligible for a criminal record expungement if and when you meet the corresponding criteria, and you cannot be discriminated against based on the information contained within the report.

8. Hire a Professional Service

Since expunging or correcting a background report can be a lengthy and involved process, certain legal firms and organizations offer record-clearing services.

For instance, RecordGone, a division of Higbee & Associates, claims they can remove your background information and criminal record from over 40 online databases in about 4 to 6 weeks for a fee of $215.

9. Be Careful What You Share Online

Last but not least, you should always be careful what you share on social media platforms, which have become omnipresent in this day and age and can be easily manipulated and misused to obtain your private information.

Because of that, google yourself occasionally to see what comes up. If you find something that you wish to keep private, take steps to remove it to mitigate the damage.

Bottom Line

At the of the day, most people deserve a second chance to make something out of their lives, and a permanently stained record may prevent them from doing so, regardless of how hard they try to get their lives on the right track. Thankfully, there may be something you can do to hide your past and give yourself a chance for a new beginning.