How to Resolve Incorrect Addresses and Aliases in Your Background Check

Many job seekers have encountered instances where their background checks show addresses they never lived at or unaccustomed aliases that don't belong to them. This can be frustrating and potentially detrimental to their employment process. Here’s a detailed guide to understanding why these issues might arise and steps you can take to resolve them effectively.

Why Background Checks Show Incorrect Information

There are several reasons why your background check might display addresses you've never lived at or an alias that isn't yours:

Data Errors

Background check companies aggregate data from various public records and databases. Sometimes, these records contain inaccuracies, leading to the inclusion of incorrect addresses or names. This can happen due to a simple data entry mistake or an oversight in the database management process.

Similar Names

If you share a common name or a similar name with someone else, their information might be mistakenly included in your background check. This issue can arise from variations in last names or even similar first names. For instance, if your surname is a common one, like Smith or Johnson, the background check might pick up someone else under the same name.

Previous Residents

Addresses can be linked to individuals who previously lived at the same location. This might happen if your name or a similar name is associated with someone who used to reside at that address.

Aliases and Nicknames

If you have used a different name at some point in your life, whether informally or officially, this can appear in your background check. Additionally, if someone mistakenly associated your name with an alias, this issue can also surface.

Identity Confusion

In some cases, identity theft or confusion with another person's identity can lead to incorrect information appearing on your background check. This is particularly concerning when your name is similar to someone else's.

What to Do if Your Background Check Shows Incorrect Information

Here are the steps you can take to address these issues:

Request a Copy of the Background Check Report

First, obtain a copy of the background check report to thoroughly review the details. This will help you identify any discrepancies or inaccuracies.

Dispute Errors

If you find that the information in the report is incorrect, contact the background check company to dispute the information. Provide them with the necessary documentation to support your claims, such as your driver's license, passport, or other official identification.

Check Public Records

Look up public records to see if there are any entries that might explain the discrepancies. This can include property records, voter registration, or lease agreements. Sometimes, verifying the information directly from public records can provide clarity.

Monitor Your Credit Report

Keep an eye on your credit report for any signs of identity theft or unusual activity. A flawed credit bureau file can also contribute to incorrect background check information. Over 80% of individual credit bureau files contain errors, often due to data inputs that match names but not other identifying data.

Addressing Credit Bureau Errors

It's important to note that credit bureaus also contribute to the inaccuracies displayed in background checks. Credit bureau files are notorious for containing errors. To rectify these, follow these steps:

Get a Free Credit Report

Start by obtaining a free credit report from all three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. You can do this directly from their official websites.

Contact Credit Bureaus Individually

Once you have the reports, review them carefully for any false data. If you find inaccuracies, contact each of the credit bureaus individually to contest the false information. Provide them with a clear explanation and any relevant documentation to support your claim.

By following these steps, you can effectively address any issues that may arise in your background check, ensuring that your employment process runs smoothly.