June 4, 2024
In San Diego, a woman underwent a routine background check that delivered surprising results. According to the woman, this background check happened because her company merged with another. This merge required updated background reports. According to her report, she had charges of possession of a controlled substance, burglary, and identity theft from 2014.
She shared the story on social media in reaction to this discovery. In the video, she sarcastically commented, “So I have three felony counts on my background check. That’s great. That’s great for me, right?” The woman added that these charges never appeared in previous background checks. As such, she felt embarrassed that her future employer would see the false charges and inevitably inquire about them.
A detective from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) explained that such results happen more often than the public would expect. According to the detective, individuals regularly discover criminal records on their reports that belong to someone else. Finding another person’s criminal records in your background report means the identity thief acquired crucial personal information. Such information includes a person’s birth date, place of birth, Social Security Number, and driver’s license number. The LAPD urged the public not to share personal information with anyone who does not need it.
Another reason one could find someone else’s criminal charges on one’s record is due to similar personal information. For example, sharing birth dates, names, or other details can mix up their records. In the San Diego woman’s case, the company that provided the background check verified that the charges did not belong on her report. The woman felt lucky to have the misinformation clarified, as she thought she would face unemployment otherwise.
Employers should carefully verify the information they obtain in a background check; however, this does not always happen. Employers must also notify individuals when a background check influenced their decision to retain or hire someone. As such, affected individuals can explain the inaccuracies. This process allows them to contact the company that provided the report and request that they correct the information. The individual must act quickly to resolve these errors.
One way individuals can stay proactive and avoid the stress of misinformation is by running a self-background check. Periodic self-checks allow them to review their information and ensure their employers receive accurate reports. Self-checks also provide individuals opportunities to make corrections when necessary and prepare themselves to explain their background.
Protect and guard your personal information and your identity with a seamless self background check. Try it today.