Inaccurate Background Checks and Twins

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Twins are more likely than most people to experience inaccurate background checks because of their similar names, dates of birth, addresses, and other identifying information. When background screening companies fail to properly verify a person's identity, information belonging to one twin can mistakenly appear on the other twin's background report. These errors, often called "mixed files," can have serious consequences.

An inaccurate background check may include another person's criminal history, employment records, eviction records, or other public records that do not belong to you. Even if the mistake is quickly recognized, it can result in a lost job opportunity, denied housing, delayed professional licensing, or damage to your reputation. Because many employers and landlords rely heavily on background screening reports, even a single error can have a significant impact on your future.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires background screening companies to follow reasonable procedures to ensure the maximum possible accuracy of the information they report. If a background check company reports inaccurate information because it confused you with your twin, you may have important legal rights. In some cases, you may also be entitled to recover compensation for the harm caused by these errors.

If you believe your background check contains information that belongs to your twin or another person, don't ignore it. Contact Raburn Kaufman today for a free case review. Our experienced credit reporting attorneys help consumers nationwide fight inaccurate background checks and protect their rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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Signs Your Background Check May Have Been Mixed Up With Your Twin

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• Criminal charges or convictions that do not belong to you.

• An employer asks about jobs you never held.

• A landlord questions you about an eviction you've never had.

• Professional licenses or certifications you don't recognize.

• Aliases or alternate names that aren't yours.

• Incorrect middle name or middle initial.

• Wrong date of birth or partial date of birth.

• Addresses where only your twin has lived.

• Employment history that belongs to your twin.

• Education records from schools you never attended.

• Driving violations or traffic citations you didn't receive.

• Court records involving your twin appearing under your name.

• Your background check lists a different Social Security number or the last four digits don't match.

• You're denied employment despite having a clean record.

• You're denied housing based on information you don't recognize.

• An employer asks you to explain another person's criminal history.

• A background screening company verifies information that is clearly not yours.

• Your twin has a criminal record, eviction, or other public record, and similar information suddenly appears on your report.

• You receive an adverse action notice for information that doesn't belong to you.

• The background check contains records from a state or county where you've never lived or worked.

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