10 Ways an Inaccurate Background Report Can Hurt You

Background report errors are more than inconvenient—they can make living the good life feel next to impossible.

As trusted consumer protection attorneys in Seattle, we specialize in fighting for the rights of consumers who’ve been misled or harmed by unscrupulous companies. When you need an advocate who’s not afraid to take on the big guys, we’re here for you. Contact us online to schedule a free consultation .


Everyone knows what it’s like to be fooled by false advertising: You buy a product or service expecting it to perform the way you were told it would, but it doesn’t. Most of the time it isn’t a big deal and you’re only out a few bucks.


But what happens when it
is a big deal? What happens when a company’s actions cause you real, lasting harm?


The reality is that some businesses hurt consumers in ways that not only jeopardize their finances but their personal and professional lives as well. This mistreatment often takes the form of abusive collection practices, consumer fraud and false credit reporting.


Although any type of maltreatment at the hands of a company is unacceptable, some abuses create longer-lasting negative repercussions than others. One of the most notable examples is inaccurate background reporting. If you’ve suffered serious losses because of an inaccurate background report, you may be eligible to receive compensation.


Ready to learn more? This article will explore 10 ways that incorrect background checks hurt consumers and how a top
consumer protection attorney can help.


At By Design Law, we understand that every client is more than a case—they are an individual with unique experiences, concerns and goals. That’s why we provide custom-tailored legal solutions to fit those unique details.
Schedule a consultation with us today .


1. Trouble Securing Employment

When you submit an application for employment, your prospective employer will (more than likely) run a background check. They do this for several reasons, including to verify your employment history and make sure you’re not a threat to other employees.


If your background report contains false or inaccurate information—such as a criminal record that doesn’t belong to you—it can tank your application and jeopardize your ability to secure employment. Unfortunately, most victims of inaccurate background reporting never know the reason their application was rejected.


2. Loss of Current Job

Some employers conduct periodic re-screening of their current employees or employees who are up for a job promotion. If an inaccurate background report surfaces during this period, you not only won’t get the promotion but may also face demotion or termination.


3. Housing Difficulties

Almost all landlords and rental agencies require applicants to consent to a background check before processing their applications. An inaccurate background report—particularly one that classifies you as a high-risk tenant—may lead to rejection. Finding suitable housing in these circumstances can prove extremely difficult, forcing some people to settle for less-than-desirable housing situations and even homelessness.


4. Loan Denials

Most people need to secure loans in order to make big purchases, such as buying a car or a home. As financial institutions rely heavily on background reports when evaluating loan applicants, an inaccurate report can have disastrous consequences for you to secure the credit you need.


5. Damage to Your Reputation

Inaccurate background checks don’t just hinder your ability to secure credit, housing and employment—they can also damage your reputation in personal and professional spheres. Whether it’s a false criminal record, inaccurate credit history or other erroneous details, the damage to your reputation can be long-lasting and take years to repair.


6. Licensing and Certification Issues

Professionals across sectors often require specific licenses and certifications to practice legally. Unfortunately, misleading reporting can jeopardize your ability to obtain and maintain the necessary credentials, preventing you from achieving the professional goals you’ve worked so hard to obtain.


7. Challenges Volunteering

For many people, giving back to the community is a necessary component of a productive, fulfilling life. Believe it or not, an inaccurate background report can even hinder your ability to participate in a volunteer capacity. That’s because most large nonprofits and volunteer organizations require their workers to undergo a background check and are typically hesitant to accept individuals with criminal backgrounds, even if that information isn’t correct.


8. Strain on Personal Relationships

One of the most tragic effects of inaccurate background reporting is the negative impact it can have on personal relationships, including those with family, friends and romantic partners. False information can precipitate misunderstandings, mistrust and resentment, causing emotional distress and possibly even rupturing relationships.


9. Immigration and Travel Complications

For both immigrants and individuals planning on traveling internationally, inaccurate background checks are more than a nuisance—they create a dangerous uncertainty. False information can create complications in obtaining visas and dealing with immigration authorities, both of which can be traumatic experiences. An inaccurate report may also lead to travel delays, rejections and, most tragically, deportation.


10. Legal Consequences

Depending on the inaccuracies contained in your report, you may be subjected to unfair legal consequences. However, the same is true for the reporting agency. If the inaccurate information contained in your report results in discrimination against you, lost job opportunities or financial harm, you may have grounds to pursue a lawsuit against that agency. An experienced consumer protection lawyer with intimate knowledge of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other consumer protection laws can help explore your eligibility for legal action.


By Design Law: Leading Consumer Advocates in Seattle

As you can see, an inaccurate background report doesn’t just carry financial consequences—it can wreak havoc on your personal and professional life as well. At By Design Law , that just doesn’t sit right with us. You shouldn’t be subjected to such drastic, life-upending repercussions because of their inaccuracies and mistakes. Luckily, you don’t have to.


When you partner with a compassionate consumer protection attorney, you give yourself the best chance to overcome the adversity of reporting falsehoods. In addition to helping correct your report, a talented attorney may be able to help you pursue a
lawsuit against the reporting agency and recover damages.


Ready to take back control of your life? It all starts with finding the right legal advocate. Contact By Design Law online to
schedule a free consultation with a top consumer protection lawyer today.

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