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What is a First Advantage Background Check, and How Does It Work?

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When you apply for work or housing, one of the first steps that occur is a background check. This screening process can include everything from verifying your identification and criminal record to your employment history and educational background. However, in some cases, individuals discover an unexpected obstacle: A First Advantage background check fail.

So what should you do if you discover that your background check failed a First Advantage screening? Well, first off, don’t panic. A First Advantage dispute is possible. If you disagree with your background check results, you can dispute inaccurate information on your report. In fact, there may be situations when you can file a First Advantage lawsuit to protect your rights. Read on to learn more!

What is First Advantage?

First Advantage is a leading global background check company that provides an interactive hiring and screening process. Their services are designed to give employers and housing providers the insights they need to make confident decisions about their applicants.

First Advantage is committed to helping employers and housing providers make informed decisions regarding their applicant selection process. With their comprehensive background check solutions and insights, they can ensure that they are making the right choice for their organization.

As an employee, it’s crucial to understand how the background check process works and how you can handle a First Advantage background check dispute. Let’s look closer at the first advantage background check process – and what to do if you’re denied a job due to background check.

How Does First Advantage Verify Employment?

One of the primary services offered by First Advantage is employment verification. The First Advantage employment screening process involves verifying past and present employment history and checking for discrepancies.

The information gathered during the verification process includes details such as job title, dates of employment, salary, and other data points provided voluntarily by the employer. The employer’s HR department will then verify the accuracy of this information and provide First Advantage with the results.

What Are My Disclosure Rights and Consent to Background Checks?

As an applicant, you have certain rights regarding background checks. You must agree to the check beforehand, and in some states, employers must give you a copy of your background report or at least tell you what’s on it. 

First Advantage is committed to respecting the rights of employees and applicants. This includes their right to know why they are being screened, which information will be checked, and what might happen if something is found. They also allow applicants to dispute any inaccurate information on their background report.

How Long Does A First Advantage Background Check Take?

Generally, First Advantage can provide results within 24 hours for basic searches such as criminal records, education verification, and employment history. More complex investigations, such as international checks or drug screenings, may take longer.

Sometimes, you may face a First Advantage background check delay. This can occur when the employer or financial institution orders the check but doesn’t provide all of the required information. If this is the case, you should contact your future employer and inquire about what needs to be done to speed up the process.

Do Arrests Without Conviction Show Up On Background Check?

The answer depends on the type of background check being performed. Generally speaking, First Advantage will not show arrests without convictions in their standard screening process. 

However, some employers may go beyond a basic background check and request a “lifestyle” or “suitability” criminal record search. This type of search will include not only convictions but arrests and charges that did not end in convictions. It’s important to know what type of first advantage background check results to expect when you apply.

What Is The Definition Of “Decisional” On A First Advantage Background Check?

“Decisional” is a term used in background checks to refer to the process of making a decision about an individual based on the information gathered. This can include criminal record checks, credit history, and other factors.

It is important to note that the decisional process is not always based solely on the results of a background check; other factors, such as references or interviews, may also be considered.

If you find that your background check comes back as “decisional,” it could mean that the employer or financial institution has decided not to hire you based on the information gathered. In this case, it is important to review documents carefully and dispute any inaccurate information.

I Was Denied a Job Due to My Background Check Information- What Should I Do?

In some cases, employers may deny you a job based on the results of your background check. This may be due to issues that arise on your report but often can occur due to misreported information or mistakes in the background check process.

If this happens to you, you have the right to dispute any errors or inaccuracies that are affecting your ability to get a job. There have been thousands of  background check lawsuit settlements over the years due to inaccurate information being reported.

If This Is The Case, First Advantage Provides Advice And Guidance For The Next Steps:

1. Review your background check report and dispute any inaccurate information.

The first step is to review your background check report and dispute any inaccurate information. This process can be done by contacting First Advantage (FADV) directly or requesting a copy of the report from the employer.

2. Contact customer service

You can also contact customer service if you have additional questions or need more information about your background check results. Customer service representatives are available via phone and email to answer any questions you may have. 

3. Understand the Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects consumers from inaccurate reporting by requiring employers to provide a copy of the background check results, as well as an explanation of why it was denied. It is essential to understand your rights under this law in order to ensure your rights are being respected. 

4. File a complaint

If you believe your rights were violated, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or contact an attorney for assistance. It is important to note that filing a complaint does not guarantee a successful outcome, but it may help protect your rights and require employers to provide a valid reason for denying your application. 

5. Dispute the report

Finally, you can dispute the background check directly with First Advantage. The process requires you to submit evidence to support your claim, which can take several weeks to complete. Once a decision has been made, both parties will be notified of the outcome. There have been very many FADV settlement successes in the past after individuals disputed their background checks.

Can I Sue First Advantage if My Background Report is Wrong?

If you believe that your background report from First Advantage contains errors, you may be able to take legal action. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects consumers from inaccurate or incomplete information in their credit reports. If First Advantage has violated the FCRA, you may be entitled to statutory damages plus attorney’s fees and court costs. 

You have the right to dispute any errors on your background report with First Advantage. You can contact them directly or use a consumer protection lawyer to help you navigate the process. If First Advantage does not correct the errors after being notified of them, then you may be able to sue for damages.

It is important to note that if your background report contains expunged or sealed records, they should not appear on your report, according to the FCRA. If they do appear, this could also be grounds for a lawsuit against First Advantage.

The Bottom Line

If you have had a job application denied due to your background check results, it is essential to review your report and dispute any inaccurate information. 

Understanding how First Advantage background checks work – and what may trigger a denial – can help you protect your legal rights and avoid future problems. Don’t be afraid to dispute your background check results if you suspect inaccuracies or errors.

With the right knowledge, you can ensure your background check is correct and accurate. Take the time to understand your protections, and contact First Advantage if you have any questions or concerns. With the right resources and legal advice, you can ensure your background check is accurate and fairly evaluated by employers.

*The information provided here is purely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal counsel. It is advised to seek guidance from Consumer Attorneys for further clarification on your rights concerning background checks conducted by First Advantage. You can reach us by calling 877-615-1725 or by sending an email to info@consumerattorneys.com

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