In today’s competitive job market, a background check has become a standard part of the hiring process. Background Screeners of America (BSA) is one of many companies that provide these services to employers nationwide. While background checks serve legitimate purposes for employers, errors in these reports can have devastating consequences for job seekers—leading to lost opportunities, damaged reputations, and financial hardship.
At Clanton Law Office, we’ve seen firsthand how Background Screeners of America background check mistakes can derail careers and create unnecessary stress for job applicants. These errors are more common than you might think, and they can happen to anyone, regardless of their actual history.
Understanding your rights under federal law and knowing how to address Background Screeners of America background check errors is crucial for protecting your employment prospects and ensuring fair treatment in the hiring process.
About Background Screeners of America
Background Screeners of America (BSA) is a consumer reporting agency founded in 2002 that provides background screening services primarily for employers. The company has established itself as a player in the background screening industry over the past two decades.
Company Information:
- Year Established: 2002
- Address: 9333 Melvin Ave, Northridge, CA 91324
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (866) 570-4949
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://backgroundscreenersofamerica.com/consumers/
- BBB Rating: A+
- Customer Rating: Limited public reviews available
BSA markets itself as a compliant and accurate background screening provider. According to their website: “While we understand time is of the essence, we also know that accurate results are even more important. Background Screeners of America Compliance Officers have a deep knowledge of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) both on a national and statewide level. Our 2-step quality assurance process allows us to run one of the most accurate consumer reporting agencies in the industry.”
Despite these claims of accuracy and compliance, our firm has observed numerous cases where consumers have experienced significant errors in their Background Screeners of America background check reports, leading to adverse employment decisions.
Learn more about identifying FCRA violations that may occur during background checks
Background Screeners of America’s Services and Notable Clients
BSA offers a range of background screening services that employers use during their hiring processes:
- Employment verification
- Criminal background checks
- Address history verification
- Credit history reports
- Education verification
- Professional license verification
- Drug testing
- Social media screening
The company claims to provide “results reported through our online ordering system as quickly as possible,” catering to employers’ desire for fast turnaround times in the hiring process.
Notable Clients:
- Ott Food Products, LLC
- Service Champions Heating and Air Conditioning
These and other employers across various industries rely on Background Screeners of America background check services to make hiring decisions. When BSA provides inaccurate information, these employers may make adverse hiring decisions based on faulty data, often without realizing the underlying reports contain errors.
Common Errors in Background Screeners of America Background Checks
Despite BSA’s claims of accuracy and compliance, we’ve seen numerous errors in their background check reports that have negatively impacted job seekers. Common errors include:
1. False Criminal Records
One of the most damaging errors occurs when BSA reports criminal records that:
- Belong to someone with a similar name
- Have been expunged or sealed
- Were dismissed but reported as convictions
- Include incorrect disposition information (reporting ongoing probation for cases that were dismissed)
Example: In the 2020 case Hinsley v. BSA, the company falsely reported an individual as “convicted” of an offense that had actually been dismissed over four years earlier, after the plaintiff had completed deferred adjudication.
2. Address History Errors
BSA sometimes reports inaccurate address histories, which can raise red flags for employers who may interpret numerous addresses as a sign of instability.
Example: In Alame v. BSA (2017), the company provided an inaccurate background report that listed the plaintiff as having lived at over 22 different locations since 2001, when in fact he had not. The report also incorrectly identified the employer who requested the background check in the adverse action notice.
3. Outdated Information
Background Screeners of America has been known to report outdated information that should have been removed from records, including:
- Dismissed charges still showing as pending
- Debts that have been paid or settled
- Bankruptcies beyond the seven-year reporting period
4. Incomplete or Missing Context
Sometimes BSA reports include factually correct information but fail to provide important context, such as:
- Not noting that a criminal charge was reduced
- Failing to include case disposition information
- Omitting important dates that would show the age of the information
5. Case Status Misrepresentation
A particularly harmful error involves misrepresenting the current status of legal matters.
Example: In a recent 2024 case (Woolery v. BSA), the plaintiff applied to work for Champions Heating and Air Conditioning. BSA conducted the background check and reported a criminal offense from 2021 inaccurately, stating the applicant was on probation when in fact the case had been dismissed. This error directly caused the plaintiff to be denied employment.
The frequency and impact of these errors highlight why it’s essential for job applicants to know their rights and how to dispute inaccurate information in Background Screeners of America background check reports.
Learn why you should never dispute background check errors online
Your Rights When Facing Background Check Errors
When you encounter errors in a Background Screeners of America background check, it’s crucial to understand that you have significant legal protections under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This federal law establishes your rights as a consumer and places specific obligations on both employers and background check companies.
Your Rights Under the FCRA
- Right to Notice: Before an employer can run a Background Screeners of America background check, they must:
- Provide you with a clear disclosure that a background check will be performed
- Obtain your written consent
- Provide this information in a standalone document (not buried in an employment application)
- Right to Pre-Adverse Action Notice: If an employer plans to take an “adverse action” (such as not hiring you) based on information in your BSA background check, they must first:
- Provide you with a “pre-adverse action notice”
- Include a copy of the background check report
- Provide a copy of the FCRA Summary of Rights
- Right to Dispute: You have the right to dispute inaccurate information directly with Background Screeners of America, who must:
- Conduct a reasonable investigation within 30 days
- Update or remove information that is found to be inaccurate
- Provide you with the results of their investigation
- Right to Post-Investigation Notice: After your dispute, you have the right to:
- Receive notification of the results
- Get an updated copy of your report if changes were made
- Request that BSA send the corrected report to employers who received the inaccurate version within the last two years
Understanding these rights is the first step in addressing Background Screeners of America background check errors. Many employers and background screening companies fail to fully comply with these requirements, which may provide you with grounds for legal action.
Learn more about employment background check secrets
How to Dispute Errors with Background Screeners of America
If you’ve discovered errors in your Background Screeners of America background check report, taking prompt and strategic action is crucial. Follow these steps to effectively dispute the inaccuracies:
Step 1: Request a Copy of Your Report
First, obtain a complete copy of your Background Screeners of America background check report. You should already have this, but if not you can request this from:
- The employer who ordered the report (they should provide this with any pre-adverse action notice)
- Directly from BSA by contacting:
- Background Screeners of America
- 9333 Melvin Ave, Northridge, CA 91324
- Phone: (866) 570-4949
- Email: [email protected]
Step 2: Review the Report Thoroughly
Carefully review every section of your background check report for:
- Criminal records that don’t belong to you
- Outdated information that should no longer be reported
- Inaccurate employment or address history
- Incorrect case dispositions or current status
- Any other errors or inaccuracies
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documentation
Its hard to prove a negative, and many times we see that people are mixed up with crimes that occurred out of states, so it can be difficult, if not impossible to show that you were never accused of a crime. Usullay people can find the following evidence that proves the information in your BSA report is incorrect:
- Court documents showing case dismissals or accurate dispositions
- Proof of address history
- Employment verification letters
- Identity documents (you will need to these to verify your identity in your dispute)
- Any other relevant documentation
Step 4: Submit a Formal Dispute with BSA
File your dispute with Background Screeners of America:
- In writing (always recommended for documentation purposes)
- Include your contact information and report identification number
- Clearly identify each specific error
- Attach copies (never originals) of your supporting documentation
- Request that BSA investigate the disputed items and correct the report
- Keep copies of everything you send
- Sent it by certified mai
Step 5: Follow Up on Your Dispute
After submitting your dispute:
- Note the date you submitted it (BSA has 30 days to investigate)
- Follow up if you don’t receive a response within 30 days
- Request written confirmation of any corrections made to your report
- Ask BSA to send the corrected report to any employers who received the inaccurate version in the last two years
Step 6: Consider Legal Assistance
If BSA fails to:
- Properly investigate your dispute
- Correct obvious errors
- Respond within the required timeframe
- Or if you’ve already lost a job opportunity due to their errors
It may be time to consult with a consumer rights attorney who experienced in FCRA violations. At Clanton Law Office, we have extensive experience helping consumers address background check errors and pursuing legal remedies when necessary.
Learn more about gathering documentation to support your background check dispute
Legal Remedies Available for Background Check Errors
When Background Screeners of America fails to maintain accurate reports or properly handle disputes, you may have legal remedies available under federal law. The FCRA provides powerful protections for consumers who have been harmed by background check errors.
Potential FCRA Violations by BSA
Background Screeners of America may be liable for various FCRA violations, including:
- Failure to Follow Reasonable Procedures: BSA is required to follow reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy in their reports. Evidence from cases like Woolery v. BSA (2024) and Hinsley v. BSA (2020) suggests they don’t always meet this standard.
- Failure to Properly Investigate Disputes: If BSA doesn’t conduct a reasonable investigation of your dispute or fails to correct obvious errors, this may constitute an FCRA violation.
- Reporting Outdated Information: The FCRA prohibits reporting certain negative information after specific time periods (typically seven years for most adverse information).
- Failure to Provide Required Notices: Background screening companies must provide specific notices to consumers under various circumstances.
Legal Remedies You May Pursue
If Background Screeners of America has violated your rights under the FCRA, you may be entitled to:
- Actual Damages: Compensation for specific harm you suffered, such as:
- Lost wages if you were denied employment
- Damage to your reputation
- Emotional distress
- Statutory Damages: You may be eligible for damages between $100 and $1,000 per violation, even if you can’t prove specific financial harm.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of willful noncompliance, courts may award additional damages to punish particularly egregious behavior.
- Attorney’s Fees and Costs: If your case is successful, the FCRA allows for recovery of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, making it possible to pursue these cases without upfront legal fees.
- Injunctive Relief: Courts may order BSA to correct their practices and your report.
Recent Cases Against Background Screeners of America
Several cases illustrate how BSA has been held accountable for background check errors:
- Alame v. BSA (2017): BSA provided an inaccurate background report that listed the plaintiff as having lived at over 22 different locations since 2001 when he had not. The adverse action notice also incorrectly listed the employer who requested the report.
- Hinsley v. BSA (2020): BSA falsely reported the plaintiff as “convicted” of an offense that was actually dismissed over four years before, after the plaintiff had completed deferred adjudication.
- Woolery v. BSA (2024): BSA conducted a background check for Champions Heating and Air Conditioning and reported a criminal offense from 2021 inaccurately, stating the plaintiff was on probation when the case had been dismissed. This error directly caused the plaintiff to be denied employment.
These cases demonstrate that courts recognize the serious harm that can result from Background Screeners of America background check errors and are willing to hold the company accountable for FCRA violations.
Learn more about incorrect background check lawsuits
Take Action: Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’ve been harmed by errors in a Background Screeners of America background check, don’t face this challenge alone. At Clanton Law Office, our experienced consumer rights attorneys understand the devastating impact these errors can have on your career and financial well-being.
We offer:
- Free initial consultations to evaluate your case
- Contingency fee arrangements (you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you)
- Personalized attention from attorneys who specialize in FCRA violations
- Proven results in cases against background screening companies
Taking prompt action is crucial in these cases. The law limits the time you have to pursue legal remedies for Background Screeners of America background check errors.
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Don’t let Background Screeners of America’s mistakes determine your future. Contact us today to learn how we can help you clear your record, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Learn more about your rights and taking action regarding employment background checks
Frequently Asked Questions About Background Screeners of America Background Checks
How can I get a copy of my Background Screeners of America background check?
You can obtain a copy of your BSA background check report in several ways:
- Request it directly from the employer who ordered the report
- Contact BSA directly at (866) 570-4949 or [email protected]
- Visit their consumer portal at https://backgroundscreenersofamerica.com/consumers/
- If you received an adverse action notice, a copy of the report should have been included
Remember, under the FCRA, you’re entitled to a free copy of your report if you’ve been subject to an adverse action based on information it contains.
How long does Background Screeners of America take to investigate disputes?
Under the FCRA, Background Screeners of America must complete investigations of disputed information within 30 days of receiving your dispute. This period may be extended by 15 days in certain circumstances if you provide additional relevant information during the initial investigation period.
Our experience shows that BSA typically takes the full 30 days to complete investigations. However, failure to respond within this timeframe is a potential FCRA violation that may provide grounds for legal action.
Can Background Screeners of America report dismissed criminal charges?
While BSA can technically report dismissed criminal charges, they must report them accurately as dismissed—not as convictions or ongoing cases. The report must clearly indicate the current status of the case as dismissed to avoid misleading potential employers.
As seen in cases like Hinsley v. BSA (2020) and Woolery v. BSA (2024), BSA has incorrectly reported dismissed charges as convictions or ongoing probation, leading to adverse employment decisions. These inaccuracies can form the basis for FCRA claims.
What should I do if I lost a job due to a Background Screeners of America background check error?
If you’ve lost a job opportunity due to errors in a BSA background check, take these steps immediately:
- Request copies of your background check report and any adverse action notices
- Gather evidence proving the information in the report is incorrect
- Dispute the errors directly with BSA in writing
- Contact the potential employer to explain the situation and provide correct information
- Consult with an FCRA attorney to understand your legal options
The sooner you take action, the better your chances of correcting the record and potentially recovering compensation for lost wages and other damages caused by Background Screeners of America background check errors.