In Minnesota and across the nation, just about every endeavor requires some form of a background check. This is often perceived as an attempt on the part of an employer, a landlord or an institution to ensure that people to whom they rent a property, hire or admit are not dangerous. However, background checks can yield inaccurate information that follows a person around.
How inaccurate background checks can cause challenges
When background checks are conducted, it is possible for wrong information to crop up. People may assume that it is relatively simple to clear up these mistakes, but it may be more complicated than they think. One example is a man whose background check said he was a sex offender while he was on a waiting list to rent an apartment. He was innocent, but was still removed from the waitlist and had another application refused. Increasingly, background checks are conducted through digital information and errors can happen. Even if they are obvious, it is difficult to correct.
A lack of regulation is viewed as a problem. Companies may outsource the background check. Despite many providing accurate information, mistakes happen and it may negatively impact people who have done nothing wrong. A lack of vigilance, looking at the wrong sources and failure to verify are common stumbling blocks with background checks.
Understanding legal options after an inaccurate background check
People whose goals have been hindered because of an inaccurate or completely wrong background check should know their rights. This includes criminal records, credit reports, driver’s license information and employment history. There are legal protections regarding background checks. Those who have been subjected to incorrect information and suffered an adverse outcome should have professional guidance in how to address it.
