In today’s competitive job market, background checks have become a routine step in the hiring process. These checks aim to verify an applicant’s identity, education, and criminal history. A prominent player in the background check industry is General Information Services (GIS). This article delves into the details of a GIS background check, your rights regarding the information they collect, and strategies to address potential inaccuracies.
What is a GIS Background Check?
General Information Services (GIS) is a consumer reporting agency (CRA) specializing in background checks for employers, landlords, and other entities. They compile information from various sources to create a comprehensive report, what does GIS background check look for:
- Public Records: This encompasses criminal records, arrest records, civil judgments, and bankruptcies obtained from courthouses and government databases.
- Employment Verification: GIS may contact your past employers to confirm your dates of employment and job titles.
- Education Verification: They might verify educational degrees and institutions attended by contacting schools directly.
- Commercial Databases: These databases contain information like previous addresses and evictions (often used for tenant screenings).
The Impact of GIS Background Check Errors
GIS Background Check status can significantly impact various aspects of your life. Here’s how a negative report from GIS could potentially hinder you:
- Job Rejection: Employers might reject candidates based on adverse information in the report.
- Denied Housing: Landlords may choose not to rent to you based on a background check.
- Limited Opportunities: Background checks can affect professional licensing or certifications in certain fields.
Understanding Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) safeguards consumers’ rights regarding background checks. Here’s a breakdown of key points to remember:
- Access to Your Report: You have the right to obtain a free copy of your background check report from GIS every 12 months. You can request it directly from GIS or through the company that initiated the background check.
- Disputing Errors: If your report contains inaccurate or misleading information, you have the right to dispute it with GIS. They are legally obligated to investigate your claim within a reasonable timeframe (usually 30 days).
- Free Correction of Errors: If GIS verifies the error, they must correct it and notify any entities who received the inaccurate report.
How to Dispute Errors in a GIS Background Check Report
If you discover inaccuracies in your GIS background check report, follow these steps:
- Obtain a Copy of Your Report: Request a free copy of your report from GIS or the company that initiated the background check.
- Identify Errors: Carefully review the report and highlight any discrepancies.
- Submit a Dispute: File a dispute online through GIS’s website or by mail. You can also submit a dispute letter directly to the company that initiated the background check, and they will forward it to GIS.
- Provide Supporting Documentation: Include any documents that substantiate your claim, like court documents, pay stubs, or letters from past employers.
- Follow Up: Maintain copies of all communication with GIS and the company that initiated the background check. You may need to follow up if you don’t receive a response within a reasonable timeframe.
Additional Tips for Protecting Your Rights
Here are some additional pointers to ensure your rights are protected:
- Review Your Report Regularly: Be proactive by obtaining your free report annually to stay updated on the information it contains.
- Be Proactive about Public Records: Address any potential errors in public records directly with the court or agency maintaining the information.
- Consider Identity Theft Protection Services: These services can monitor your credit report and public records for suspicious activity, potentially helping to identify issues early on.
GIS Background Check Lawsuit
If you encounter difficulties disputing errors with GIS or suspect identity theft, consider seeking legal help from a consumer rights attorney. They can guide you through the dispute process, interpret complex legal aspects, and advise you on your legal options tailored to your specific situation.
Our Consumer Law Firm Can Help
Navigating background check disputes can be complex and frustrating. If you’re facing challenges with a GIS background check report, RBT’s experienced consumer law attorneys can help. We can assist you in understanding your rights under the FCRA, guide you through the dispute process, and advocate on your behalf to ensure an accurate report. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation.
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