If your background check or credit report has errors, such as someone else’s information, you will likely find out at the worst of times. Whether you are looking for a new job, applying for a loan, or hoping to purchase a house, an error in your documentation can set you back five steps and leave you wondering how it happened and what you should do next. Thankfully, you are not alone in this battle. While incorrect information can be annoying, it does happen to many of us, which means there are ways to remedy it.
So, here is everything you need to know if you’ve found someone else’s information on your credit report or background check.
How Someone Else’s Info Got on Your Credit Report or Background Check
It might seem outrageous that someone else’s information got onto your personal documentation, but it is far more likely than we might think. There are many avenues for this to happen, from simple mistakes to illegal thievery.
Some Examples Are:
- You Have the Same or Similar Name as Someone Else
- There Was a Data Entry Inputted Incorrectly (DOB, Spelling, Address, etc.)
- You Share an Address With The Individual
- Identity Theft
What to Do if Your Background Check Info Is Someone Else’s
If your background check contains information from both you and someone else, here is what you must do to remedy it.
Gather Up the Right and Wrong Information
If there is someone else’s criminal information, addresses, or general information on your background check, gather that data along with proof that it is, in fact, incorrect.
Contact the Background Check Company
Once you have evidence of the false information and proof of your true identity, report the error to the company that provides the background check. Many times, it is their mistake that it happened, and they can get it resolved quickly.
Notify Those Involved
If you were in the midst of applying for a job, house, or other large purchase, keep them updated on what is happening and let them know that certain information is false. Be aware that this might not change the outcome, but it does help to communicate.
Follow Up and Ensure It’s Revised
Don’t simply report the issue and assume it’s been remedied. Keep checking in on the report and ensuring the incorrect information is removed. If it is not and the background check company did not remedy the situation, it could be time to contact a Consumer Attorney to help push your case.
What to Do if Your Credit Report Info Is Someone Else’s
If you find errors on your credit report, it is essential to resolve them as soon as possible. Errors on your credit report could mean a possible identity theft, so it could be wise to check your bank accounts and take the proper steps to protect yourself from continued theft.
Identify the Errors
You’ll want to pinpoint the exact errors in the report and then gather information to prove that they are wrong. This could include addresses, credit accounts, newly opened loans, or other identification information.
Contact the Three Main Credit Bureaus
After gathering your information, you can dispute the incorrect data to the three main credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You’ll want to outline what is wrong and what correct information should be there.
Protect Your Accounts
If you find incorrect information on your credit report, it could be wise to look into your bank accounts and set up fraud alerts or freeze the accounts while you sort out the information so nothing more can occur.
Report to the Federal Trade Commission
If you believe you have been the victim of identity theft, you must report the findings to the FTC. You will be given a recovery plan and information to help you through the process.
Follow Up and Ensure t’s Revised
Once again, you don’t want to simply report and walk away. Keep up with the recovery process and ensure your credit report is remedied. If it is not, it could be wise to connect with a Consumer Attorney to help push your case.
Finding someone else’s information on your personal documentation can be confusing, alarming, and possibly harmful. Don’t let it shake you up too much. If you have further questions or have not seen any movement in your claim, contact the team at Stecklein Robertson Law.