Consumer FAQs
Background Runner is a leading provider of background screening services credentialed by the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA). We support companies who make informed decisions about applicants.
Please note: Background Runner does not make decisions about applicant suitability and does not establish eligibility criteria for any client.
Here are answers to questions about background screening frequently asked by consumers:
How can I dispute information on my report that I think is wrong?
If you believe any public or credit records in your Background Runner report was inaccurate or incomplete as of the date of the report, you can initiate a dispute by providing the following information to Background Runner:
- Full name
- Social Security Number
- Daytime contact phone number
- Email Address
- Provide the specific item on your report that is incorrect or incomplete
- Any additional information you are able to provide may help us expedite the reinvestigation, but is not a requirement to initiate a dispute. This includes, but is not limited to:
- A copy of your driver license or photo ID (please enlarge and ensure the copy is clear and legible).
- Documents to support your dispute.
How long does it take to process a dispute?
Once Background Runner receives your dispute, we will begin processing it as soon as possible. In some cases, we can resolve disputes in 2-3 business days. In most cases, Background Runner must submit the dispute on your behalf to the company that furnished the disputed information to us. With a few exceptions, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires that these companies complete their investigations within 30 days. Background Runner will notify you that your dispute is underway and will notify you again as soon as the dispute has been completed.
How can I contact one of the three major credit bureaus - Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax - about my consumer report?
If credit information was requested as part of your screening report, your tenant screening report will indicate which credit bureau provided Background Runner with your credit information.
Background Runner only generates screening reports, and cannot provide you with a copy of your stand-alone Experian®, Equifax® or TransUnion® credit report. For information on how to obtain a free copy of your most current credit report directly from the credit bureaus, please contact them directly or visit the Federal Trade Commission website for more information.
The contact information for each of the credit bureaus is:
Experian –www.experian.com
P.O. Box 2002 Allen, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742
Equifax –www.equifax.com
P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
(800) 685-1111
TransUnion –www.transunion.com
P.O. Box 800 Woodlyn, PA 19094
(800) 916-8800
What are my rights under the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act?
Background Runner is required to make certain disclosures available to you about your rights under the FCRA. Current versions of these disclosures are below and may be updated from time to time as needed:
- The revised Summary of Consumer Rights is at: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/bcfp_consumer-rights-summary_2018-09.docx
- The revised Summary of Consumer Rights in Spanish is at: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/bcfp_consumer-rights-summary_2018-09_es.docx
- The revised Summary of Consumer Identity Theft Rights is at: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/bcfp_consumer-identity-theft-rights-summary_2018-09.docx
- The revised Summary of Consumer Identity Theft Rights in Spanish is at: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/bcfp_consumer-identity-theft-rights-summary_2018-09_es.docx
I am a victim of identity theft and I wish to block adverse information from further reporting. What should I do?
Identify the adverse item(s) of information that resulted from identity theft in your report prepared by Background Runner, then submit a copy of that report along with an identity theft complaint made to the police, FTC, or similar agency with appropriate proof of identity to:
Background Runner c/o Dispute Department
21021 Ventura Blvd., Suite 410
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Or you may email us at: dispute@backgroundrunner.com
I am a victim of human trafficking and I wish to block adverse information from further reporting. What should I do?
If you are a victim of human trafficking, you may request Background Runner to block adverse information on your consumer report as long as it resulted from human trafficking.
How do I submit a request?
- Write a letter to Background Runner stating that you are a victim of human trafficking.
- Identify the adverse items of information that resulted from human trafficking that should not appear on your consumer report.
- Include acceptable proof of identity (see below for list).
- Provide a photocopy of documentation showing the victim is a victim of human trafficking. Please provide one or more of the following documents:
- Documentation issued by a Federal, State, or Tribal governmental entity.
- Documentation issued by a non-governmental organization or a human trafficking task force, including victim service providers affiliated with the organization or task force, authorized by a Federal, State, or Tribal government entity to make such a determination.
- Documentation issued by a court or accepted as a piece of evidence filed in court.
- A statement made by the consumer who identifies as a victim of human trafficking accompanied by a signed or certified document by a Federal, State, or Tribal government entity, a court, or an authorized representative of these entities.
- Specify your preferred method for Background Runner to contact you (electronic or postal) and provide your email address or postal address.
Please mail with enclosures to:
Background Runner c/o Dispute Department
21021 Ventura Blvd., Suite 410
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Or email us at:
dispute@backgroundrunner.com
TIP: You may use this sample letter provided by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) directly from their website at: https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Ffiles.consumerfinance.gov%2Ff%2Fdocuments%2Fcfpb_letter-for-trafficing-vicitims_2022-06.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK
What are examples of an acceptable proof of identity?
- Driver’s License
- Government issued ID
- Passport
- Utility bill showing your name and address
- Birth Certificate
What type of proof do I need to provide Background Runner?
- Certification letter issued by the Department of Health and Human Services
- Police report
- Court decision related to human trafficking
- U Visa with form I-918 supplemental B indicating the victim experienced human trafficking
- T Visa issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services
If you have any questions, please call (800) 322-2850 or email dispute@backgroundrunner.com
How do I contact Background Runner for help or answers to other questions?
If you need help or have any other questions about your report, please send an email to info@backgroundrunner.com. You can also reach the Background Runner Consumer Relations team at (800) 322-2850 Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time (hours subject to change).