FACT: Errors, inaccuracies, and misleading information shouldn’t cost you a job. Here’s how to fight for fairness, fixes, and money…the right way.
Imagine landing a job interview after months of searching. The interview goes well, the hiring manager seems impressed, and you’re told they’ll be in touch soon. Days later, instead of a job offer, you receive a vague notice saying your application is under review because of something in your background check.
Confused, you dig deeper – only to discover that a background report from First Advantage lists a criminal offense that was dismissed years ago. Or worse, it lists criminal charges that don’t belong to you at all.
At Consumer Justice Law Firm, we understand how one background check error can derail your career and impact your livelihood.
Whether you’re just realizing now that you need to file a First Advantage background check dispute, or you’ve already filed a First Advantage background check dispute that was ignored or mishandled, our legal team is here to help.
Keep reading to learn more, or check out our background check errors practice page for an in-depth dive into your legal rights.
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Employers That Use First Advantage: Why This Matters
First Advantage is one of the largest background screening companies in the U.S., serving employers across major industries. Whether you’re applying through Walgreens careers, Kaiser jobs, Kohl’s careers, or a HomeDepot application, there’s a high chance First Advantage is handling your background check.
This means that any error in your First Advantage report could cost you a job, and in many cases, you won’t even know until you receive a pre-adverse action letter. Inaccuracies can impact not only your employment but your reputation, income, mental wellness, and – your life!
Walgreens Careers and First Advantage
If you’ve applied through Walgreens careers, your background check likely goes through First Advantage. A single outdated criminal charge could cause a delay or disqualification.
Kaiser Jobs and First Advantage
In the healthcare space, Kaiser jobs often require thorough background screening. Errors in licensing or employment history could cost you a critical opportunity.
Kohl’s Careers, Walmart Checks, and HomeDepot Applications
Retail employers also rely heavily on First Advantage. Whether it’s Walmart checks or your HomeDepot application, small errors can result in major obstacles.
That’s why resolving a First Advantage background check dispute is essential for job seekers across industries.
Don’t See Your Employer? This is just a small selection of names. First Advantage background checks are used by too many companies to list. We fight for your legal rights no matter which company you applied to or already work for.
Common Problems with First Advantage Background Checks
There are several common problems that pop on these background check reports, causing a need for job applicants and employees to file a First Advantage background check dispute.
Consumer Reports with Errors
A First Advantage background check dispute often arises from inaccurate consumer reports.
In some cases, First Advantage pulls data from third-party databases that haven’t been updated in years. Other times, someone with a similar name or birth date can be mistakenly linked to your report, and that can lead to wrongful rejection.
These reports may include mistakes like
- outdated information
- sealed or expunged criminal records
- mixed files
- mistaken identity
Real-World Consequences for Consumers and Employees
Applicants for Walmart checks or other major retail employers may suddenly find themselves disqualified over mistakes that were never their fault. A simple typo or an unverified employment record can cost someone a job they’re otherwise qualified for.
For existing employees undergoing re-screenings or promotions, these errors can threaten current positions, especially in roles involving licensing, finances, or healthcare.
These aren’t just clerical errors – they have serious consequences for real people trying to support themselves and their families.
Spotting an Error in Your First Advantage Report
You have the right to request a copy of your background check report, and it’s critical that you do. If you’ve been denied a job or faced delays during hiring, request your report immediately and review it for:
- Incorrect criminal history
- Employment records you don’t recognize
- Incomplete education verification
- Inaccurate address history
- Wrong name or date of birth
Each of these issues could warrant a First Advantage background check dispute, and taking early action can help prevent unnecessary job loss or delay.
How to File a First Advantage Background Check Dispute
Filing a First Advantage background check dispute is your legal right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Here’s how to take action:
Step 1: Request Your Report
Visit the official First Advantage help site.
You can request a free copy of your report if a background check has been run within the last 12 months, especially if it led to adverse action.
Step 2: Identify the Inaccuracy
Once you have your report, identify the exact items or sections that contain the errors. Whether it’s outdated criminal data or an incorrect employment record, make note of what needs to be corrected.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documentation
To support your First Advantage background check dispute, collect:
- Court documents (if criminal records are incorrect or expunged)
- Job verification letters (if employment info is wrong)
- ID or social security documentation (to prove misidentification)
- Proof of education or licensure (if credentials are misreported)
Step 4: Submit Your Dispute
You can submit your First Advantage dispute several ways: fax, phone, or in writing – either through email or mail.
We highly suggest certified delivery. Disputing through certified mail helps preserve important rights you’ll need later in the dispute and litigation processes.
Be clear and specific about what you are disputing and include copies of your documentation. The First Advantage dispute address is:
First Advantage Consumer Center
P.O. Box 105292
Atlanta, GA 30348-5292
(Be sure to confirm the address before filing.)
What Happens After You File a First Advantage Background Check Dispute?
Once you submit your First Advantage background check dispute, the company has 30 days to investigate the claim.
During this period, they are required to notify the original source of the data, such as a court, previous employer, or educational institution – to verify the accuracy of the information in question.
They must also conduct a reasonable and thorough investigation in accordance with federal law. If the disputed information is found to be inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable, First Advantage is legally obligated to delete or correct it.
You should receive written notice detailing the results of the investigation. If the investigation results in a correction or deletion, First Advantage must send you a free updated copy of your report. If the item is verified and not changed, they must notify you in writing.
When a First Advantage Background Check Dispute Fails
If your First Advantage background check dispute is denied, but you still believe the information is incorrect, you still have options.
Administrative Solutions
One step you can take is to file a statement of dispute, which will appear alongside your background report whenever it is shared with employers. This allows you to provide context and explain your side of the issue.
You can also request documentation showing how the information was verified during the reinvestigation.
If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you may choose to file a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Legal Solutions
Legal help from a background check lawyer is the simplest and most effective way to battle this type of career-crippling error.
Seek legal help if any of these has happened to you:
- Ignored: If your First Advantage background check dispute is ignored. Haven’t heard back or received a response in 30 days? This is a violation of your rights.
- Falsely “confirmed”: the information is falsely “confirmed” to be accurate. Yep- sometimes First Advantage will respond by letting you know that it they investigated the dispute, but “confirmed” that the information is correct. This is a violation of your rights.
- Errors remain: the errors remain on your background report remain or reappear after being removed. This is a violation of your rights.
- Harm occurred: you lost a job opportunity or faced financial and emotional hardship due to First Advantage background check errors. This is a violation of your rights.
You should consult a background check lawyer at Consumer Justice Law Firm who can help you explore further legal options. Your First Advantage background check dispute might need backup.
The Legal Backing Behind Your Rights
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you several important rights when it comes to your background check.
First, you have the right to know what’s in your consumer report, including who has accessed it and what information it contains.
You also have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete data, and the reporting agency is legally obligated to investigate and correct any verified errors.
If an employer plans to take adverse action, such as denying you a job – they must notify you first and give you time to respond.
Finally, if any of your rights are violated during this process, you have the right to sue for damages.
This is where an experienced background check attorney can make a big difference.
Your Dispute Was Rejected – Now What?
If you’ve done everything right, submitted your documentation, clearly outlined the error, and followed up but your First Advantage background check dispute was still rejected, don’t give up. You still have options for escalating the matter and protecting your rights.
Pro Tip 1: Don’t Accept a Vague Response
Start by requesting a full copy of the reinvestigation results. First Advantage is required to explain how they verified the disputed information, including which sources were used and what steps were taken.
If their process was flawed or if the original source didn’t actually confirm the data, this may open the door to further legal action.
Pro Tip 2: File a Complaint with Oversight Agencies
Next, consider submitting a formal complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state’s Attorney General’s office. These agencies monitor background check companies and may intervene in cases of repeated noncompliance.
Filing a complaint can also build a document trail that may support your legal claim later on.
Pro Tip 3: Call a Background Check Lawyer Sooner Than Later
Finally, consult a background check lawyer. An experienced attorney at Consumer Justice Law Firm can evaluate whether your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) have been violated, help you demand corrections from the original data source, or even file a lawsuit to recover damages for lost job opportunities or emotional distress.
Don’t wait until you’ve lost multiple jobs – if you suspect something’s off, act quickly.
Case Study: Own Your Records Moving Forward
After going through the stress and setbacks of a First Advantage background check dispute, one of the most empowering things you can do is take control of your own records.
One Consumer Justice Law Firm client, a qualified pharmacy technician who applied through Walgreens careers, had never been convicted of a crime, yet First Advantage’s background check report incorrectly listed an open case from another state.
The result? Her offer was rescinded. She had to fight to prove the information was wrong – and it cost her weeks of lost wages and unnecessary stress.
To avoid this, we recommend checking your background check report at least once a year, especially before applying for jobs at major employers like Walgreens, Kaiser, or Kohl’s.
Monitoring your consumer reports regularly can help you catch errors early. Request your background check before submitting applications, particularly for roles involving sensitive data or licensing requirements.
Keep thorough records from former employers, schools, and licensing agencies – including offer letters, termination notices, certifications, and proof of good standing.
Finally, know your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If anything on your report looks suspicious or inaccurate, don’t ignore it. You have the right to file a dispute and to seek legal help when the system fails you.
GET JUSTICE! Fight for fairness, fixes, and money.
At Consumer Justice Law Firm, help consumers just like you fight back against background check companies like First Advantage. This means protecting your reputation and pursuing justice under the FCRA.
Whether you’re fighting to get hired at Kohl’s, Walmart, Walgreens, or any other employer, we can help ensure your background report tells the truth – not a distorted version of it.
Whether you’ve already tried filing a First Advantage background check dispute, or you haven’t taken that step yet, our experienced legal team helps you:
- Review your background check report for errors and inaccuracies. Our legal insight can help you pinpoint more errors than you realized.
- Identify and gather the information and documentation to support your First Advantage background check dispute.
- File your First Advantage background check dispute. We draft a legally supported dispute letter that clearly sets forth all of the errors and requests the corrections.
- Assess the extent of the harm you’ve suffered as a result of errors, inaccuracies, and misleading information in your background report.
- File a lawsuit to enforce your legal rights, protect your career and reputation, fix the data associated with your name, and get you money for any harm you’ve suffered.
YOU HAVE RIGHTS! We enforce them. Free consultations and $0 out of pocket costs. We get paid when we win. No justice, no fee.