Advanced background checks have become an integral part of many industries and organizations today, as they provide a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s history, criminal records, and other relevant information.
With the rise in crime rates and the increasing importance of ensuring the safety and security of people, businesses, and communities, background checks have become a crucial tool in the hiring process and various other applications.
An advanced background check is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s personal and professional history that goes beyond a simple criminal record check. It involves searching for information from various sources, such as public records, credit reports, court records, and professional databases, to gather as much relevant information about the individual as possible.
However, the information in these reports is not always accurate or up-to-date, and certain items can be deleted or corrected. This article will explore what items can be deleted from an advanced background check and how to remove them.
How to Remove Items From Your Background Checks?
There are a few ways to remove items from your background check. Here are some of those ways:
Changes in Credit Report
Review Your Report: The first step in removing negative items from your credit report is to request a copy of your report from the credit bureau and review it carefully for any errors or inaccuracies.
Dispute Inaccuracies: If you find any errors or inaccuracies in your report, you can dispute them with the credit bureau. You can do this online or by sending a written dispute letter.
Update Your Information: If your credit report contains outdated information, such as an incorrect address or a previous employer, you can request that it be updated by providing the correct information to the credit bureau.
Wait for Results: Once you have submitted your dispute or request for updated information, the credit bureau will investigate and determine if changes need to be made. It may take several weeks for the results of your dispute to be updated on your credit report.
Criminal History Check
Check the Records: If you believe your criminal history report contains errors or inaccuracies, it is crucial to verify the records. You can contact the criminal justice agency that maintains the records.
File a Dispute: If you find errors or inaccuracies in your criminal history report, you can file a dispute with the criminal justice agency. The agency will then investigate your dispute and determine if changes need to be made to your record.
Provide Evidence: If you find errors in your criminal history report, you should provide evidence to support your claim. This could be court records, police reports, or other relevant documentation.
Consider Expungement: If you have a criminal record preventing you from getting a job or a rental property, you may be eligible for expungement. Expungement is the process of sealing or destroying your criminal record so it is not available to the public. You should consult an attorney to determine if expungement is an option.
Do Advanced Background Checks Contain Negative Information?
Yes, background checks can contain negative information such as criminal records, past bankruptcies, and court judgements. However, not all negative information is relevant or up-to-date; some may even be inaccurate. It is essential to review your background check and verify its accuracy to ensure that the reported negative information is accurate and relevant.
If the negative information on your background check is accurate, consider how it may impact your ability to secure employment, housing, or other opportunities. In some cases, it may be possible to have the negative information removed or corrected if it is inaccurate.
Regardless of the accuracy of the information, it is important to be transparent about any unfavourable information in your background check and to provide explanations or context when necessary. This can demonstrate your commitment to accountability and help mitigate any negative impact the information may have.
Steps to Remove Flags From Background Checks
Removing negative information from your background check can be time-consuming and challenging, but it is worth the effort if you are looking to improve your chances of securing employment, housing, or other opportunities. Here are the steps you can take to remove negative information from your background check:
1. Obtain a copy of your background check
The first step in removing items from a background check is to obtain a copy of the report. This can be done by requesting it from the company or organization that conducted the background check. Sometimes, you may need to provide a written request or pay a fee to obtain a copy.
2. Review the report for errors
Once you have a copy of the report, carefully review it to ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. Look for mistakes, such as incorrect dates, misspelled names, or other errors.
3. Gather supporting documentation
If you find any errors in the report, gather the documentation supporting your claim that the information needs to be corrected. This can include court records, letters from previous employers, or other documentation proving inaccurate information.
4. Contact the reporting agency
The next step is to contact the reporting agency that created the background check and inform them of the errors you have found. Provide them with any supporting documentation and ask that they correct the errors.
5. Dispute the errors
If the reporting agency is unwilling to correct the errors, you can dispute them through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC provides a process for disputing errors in background check reports. You can file a dispute online or by mail.
6. Wait for a response
After you file the dispute, the reporting agency is required to investigate the errors and respond within 30 days. If the reporting agency agrees that the information is incorrect, they must correct it. If they do not agree, they must provide you with an explanation.
By taking these steps, you can improve your chances of having the negative information removed from your background check and present yourself in a positive light to potential employers or landlords.
How Can You Assist in Deleting information in Background Checks?
If you feel some of the information provided is inaccurate or out of date, there are several ways you can assist in deleting that from your background check:
Identify the Source of Inaccurate Information: This may involve reviewing the background check report, contacting the background check provider, or obtaining copies of public records used in the check.
Provide Evidence of Inaccuracies: If you believe that the negative information on your background check is inaccurate, you can provide evidence to support your claim. This could include court records, police reports, or other relevant documentation.
Provide Positive Information: If your background check contains negative information, you can balance it out with positive information. For example, you can provide evidence of positive contributions to your community, good work habits, and other positive personal qualities.
Understand Your Rights: It is important to understand your rights when it comes to removing information from background checks. Laws, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), protect your privacy and ensure that the information included in background checks is accurate and relevant.
Whether it is providing evidence of inaccuracies, filing a dispute, updating your information, or presenting positive information, there are several steps you can take to improve the accuracy of your background check. Being proactive and taking control of your background check can increase your chances of success in your career and personal life.