A screening company that reports a degree as unverified, wrong employment dates, or a job you never held must use reasonable procedures for accuracy and must reinvestigate if you dispute. Send proof such as a diploma, transcript, W-2, or pay stubs.
Background checks often include more than criminal records. Employers can also ask the screening company to verify your degrees, licenses, and past jobs. Errors here can make it look like you lied on your application, which can be just as damaging as a criminal record.
Common verification errors
- A degree reported as “unable to verify” because the screener contacted the wrong school, used a different name, or got no response
- Employment dates, titles, or salaries that do not match your records
- A past employer reported as having no record of you, for example after a merger, name change, or switch in payroll vendor
- Another person’s education or work history mixed into your file
Your rights
Verification results that a screening company reports to an employer are part of a consumer report, so the FCRA applies:
- Accuracy. Under § 1681e(b), the company must follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy. Reporting “unverified” in a way that suggests a credential is false, when the company simply did not complete the check, may be misleading.
- Notice. Before rejecting you based on the report, the employer must give you a copy and a summary of your rights (§ 1681b(b)(3)).
- Dispute. Under § 1681i, the company generally must reinvestigate within 30 days, consider the documents you send, and correct or delete what it cannot verify.
What to send
- Diploma, official transcript, or a degree verification from your school
- W-2s, offer letters, pay stubs, or a letter from your former employer
- Documents showing any name change
Tell the employer at the same time, and give it copies of your proof. If your former employer or school had a name change or merger, explain that too.
If an inaccurate verification cost you a job offer, a free case review can help you understand your options, with no fee unless we win.
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Updated November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.