Correcting mistakes in a background check varies depending upon which type of background check you are referring to. Correcting mistakes in a consumer credit report involves filing a dispute with the reporting credit bureau. Correcting mistakes in a criminal report will likely involve contacting the law enforcement department or court responsible for reporting the information. Correcting mistakes on a medical or employment record involves files a dispute with the reporting company directly.

As far as correcting mistakes in a background check, the law is the most clear as it pertains to consumer credit reports. Credit bureaus are required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to ensure that all information on a consumer background report is accurate and within the seven-year time-frame for most items, such as payment delinquencies. If negative information on your credit report is inaccurate or exceeds the seven-year maximum, you can write a dispute letter to the credit bureau to request the item’s removal. Unless they can verify otherwise, they are required to remove the negative item.

For any mistakes that appear on governmental records such as driving and criminal records, you’ll need to contact the responsible governmental agency directly. In such a case, disputing negative information reported by law enforcement or a court may require advanced legal action. The same pertains to mistakes made by previous employers or medical practitioners on your respective employment and medical records.

If you’re concerned you may have mistakes on your background checks, you should strongly consider conducting a complete background check yourself. Conducting a background check online is quick and easy and can save you a lot of trouble in the future.