**Imagine losing a job, an apartment, or your peace of mind—all because of a mistake you didn’t make.** Welcome to the world of background check errors. From criminal record mix-ups to credit inaccuracies and mistaken identities, these errors are more common—and more harmful—than you might think.

At R23 Law, our California Background Check Lawyers help clients take swift, strategic legal action to correct background check mistakes and hold the responsible parties accountable. Whether you’ve been denied employment, housing, or licensing, we’re here to help you protect your future.

🔎 What Kind of Errors Are We Talking About?

Background reports are supposed to tell the truth—but sometimes they tell the wrong story. Common types of errors include:

• Wrong criminal history – Outdated or expunged records, or charges that belong to someone else entirely.

• Personal data mix-ups – Wrong name, address, Social Security number, or birthdate.

• Credit inaccuracies – Accounts that aren’t yours, outdated delinquencies, or misreported debt.

• Duplicate entries – The same offense or item showing up multiple times.

Even a single mistake can have devastating consequences: a lost job offer, a rejected lease, or reputational damage that’s hard to shake.

⚖️ Know Your Rights Under the FCRA (and ICRAA, if You’re in California)

Thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute background check inaccuracies and demand a timely correction. If you’re in California, you have even more protection under the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (ICRAA), which imposes stricter guidelines on what can be reported—and how.

Key protections include:

• The right to a free copy of your report.

• The right to dispute and correct errors within 30 days.

• Limits on how far back certain negative information can be reported.

• Statutory damages up to $10,000 per violation under ICRAA—even without proving actual harm.

✍️ How to Dispute Background Check Errors in 5 Steps

Step 1: Get Your Report

Request a copy of the background check from the employer, landlord, or screening company.

Step 2: Spot the Errors

Review the report thoroughly. Highlight anything inaccurate, outdated, or unfamiliar.

Step 3: Document Your Proof

Gather evidence to support your claims. This might include court records, credit reports, or ID theft reports.

Step 4: Send a Dispute Letter (Certified Mail Only!)

File your dispute in writing and mail it via certified U.S. Mail with return receipt. Be clear and include:

• Your full name and contact info

• A detailed explanation of the errors

• Supporting documentation

• A request for correction

Step 5: Follow Up—or Lawyer Up

The screening agency has 30 days to respond. If they don’t fix the problem, or if you’re still facing fallout, it’s time to contact a lawyer.

👩‍⚖️ Why Hire a Background Check Lawyer Early?

At R23 Law, we believe early legal intervention makes all the difference. Here’s why:

• ✅ We preserve your rights under FCRA and ICRAA

• ✅ We handle the paperwork, stress, and follow-up

• ✅ We file lawsuits when necessary to recover damages

• ✅ We help restore your reputation—and your future

Don’t wait for an error to cost you another opportunity.

💬 Real Talk: These Mistakes Are Not Just “Clerical”

Background check errors can:

• Cost you jobs and housing

• Damage your credit and finances

• Trigger anxiety, stress, and depression

• Follow you for years unless you take action

You don’t have to accept a system that gets your story wrong. With the right legal team, you can fix the mistake—and fight for compensation.

🧠 Final Takeaway

Errors in your background check are more than an inconvenience—they’re a threat to your livelihood and dignity. Whether it’s a criminal record that isn’t yours or a credit blemish from identity theft, you have rights, and you don’t have to face the dispute process alone.

R23 Law’s Attorneys are ready to guide you every step of the way—from dispute letters to courtroom battles.

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation

💼 Serving clients statewide

BAD DATA, WORSE OUTCOMES — Fixing Background Check Mistakes in California