CriminalWatchdog, Inc. is a background check provider that supplies employers, landlords, and other organizations with vital criminal and personal information. Unfortunately, errors in CriminalWatchdog background checks can have life-changing consequences, particularly when they prevent you from securing a job. If you’ve been denied employment or experienced job delays due to inaccurate information in a CriminalWatchdog report, you have legal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The experienced attorneys at Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C. are here to help you fight back and hold CriminalWatchdog accountable.
What Is In a CriminalWatchdog Background Check?
CriminalWatchdog, Inc. pulls data from multiple sources, including:
- Criminal records from local, state, and federal courts
- Sex offender registries
- Terrorist Watch List (OFAC)
- Personal identification information such as your name, birthdate, and social security number
- Employment verifications
- Education verification
What is included in your report will depend on what the employer requires to make hiring decisions. However, errors in your CriminalWatchdog background check can result in unjust job denials or costly delays, impacting your ability to secure employment.
Common Errors in Background Checks
Although CriminalWatchdog aims to provide accurate reports, mistakes still happen. Some of the most common errors found in background checks include:
- Mismatched identities: Criminal records belonging to someone else with a similar name or personal details.
- Outdated information: Criminal charges that have been expunged or sealed still appearing on your report.
- Incomplete or inaccurate data: Missing key information or incorrect details about criminal charges.
- False criminal records: Reports showing arrests or charges that were dropped, dismissed, or never led to a conviction.
These errors can severely damage your professional reputation and prevent you from getting hired for a job you’re qualified for.
How CriminalWatchdog Background Check Errors Can Affect Your Employment
Errors in CriminalWatchdog background checks can have devastating consequences for your job prospects. Employers depend on the accuracy of these reports to make critical hiring decisions. When errors occur, you could face:
- Job denials: A report with incorrect criminal information can cause an employer to reject your application outright.
- Delayed employment: Even if the error is eventually corrected, the hiring process can be stalled, costing you valuable time.
- Damage to your reputation: A false criminal history in your background check can ruin your professional standing and personal life.
- Financial loss: Missing out on job opportunities due to errors can lead to lost wages and long-term career setbacks.
How to Dispute Errors in Your CriminalWatchdog Background Check
If your CriminalWatchdog background check contains errors, you have the right to dispute the inaccurate information and demand a correction. Here’s how to get started:
1. Get a Copy of Your Background Check
If an employer denies you a job based on a background check, they are legally required to provide you with a copy of the report. This allows you to review it for any inaccuracies.
2. Review the Report for Errors
Carefully examine the report and look for:
- Criminal records that don’t belong to you
- Outdated information that should no longer appear
- Mismatched personal information, such as incorrect birthdates or addresses
- Incorrect or incomplete criminal charges
3. Submit a Dispute to CriminalWatchdog
Once you’ve identified the errors, it’s time to submit a formal dispute with CriminalWatchdog, Inc. To do this:
- Contact CriminalWatchdog: Submit your dispute through their designated channels (online or by mail). Provide detailed information about the errors.
- Provide Supporting Documentation: If possible, include documentation that supports your claim, such as court records or proof that the charges were dropped or expunged.
- Keep Records: Save copies of your dispute, correspondence, and any responses from CriminalWatchdog for future reference.
4. CriminalWatchdog’s Investigation
Under the FCRA, CriminalWatchdog must investigate your dispute within 30 days. During this period, they are obligated to:
- Verify the accuracy of the information in your report
- Correct or remove any inaccuracies
- Notify you of the results of their investigation
5. If the Error Is Not Resolved, Take Legal Action
If CriminalWatchdog fails to correct the error or if you have already suffered harm due to the mistake, you may need to escalate the situation. At Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C., we specialize in taking legal action against background check companies like CriminalWatchdog when they fail to comply with the FCRA. You could be entitled to compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
Contact Information for CriminalWatchDog
Address: 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300, Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: Toll Free Number: 800‐515‐8498
Fax: 781‐577‐2792
Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The FCRA provides critical protections for individuals affected by background check errors. Your rights under this law include:
- The right to an accurate background check: CriminalWatchdog must ensure that the information they report is correct.
- The right to dispute errors: If your report contains inaccurate information, you can dispute it, and CriminalWatchdog is required to investigate.
- The right to be informed: If an employer takes negative action against you based on a background check, they must provide a copy of the report and notify you of your rights.
- The right to sue for damages: If you lose a job or face delays in employment because of a background check error, you can take legal action and seek compensation.
How Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C. Can Help
At Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C., as a national consumer law firm we have extensive experience holding background check companies like CriminalWatchdog accountable for inaccurate reports that harm consumers. Our consumer attorneys will fight for your rights and ensure you get the justice you deserve.
We represent clients who:
- Have been denied a job due to an error in their CriminalWatchdog background check
- Experienced employment delays because of inaccurate information
- Suffered emotional or financial harm from background check mistakes
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If a CriminalWatchdog background check error has cost you a job or delayed your employment, don’t wait to take action. Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C. is here to guide you through the legal process and hold CriminalWatchdog accountable. You may be entitled to compensation under the FCRA.
Call us at 1-877-735-8600 or fill out our Free Case Review form today to schedule your free consultation.
