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The story of Krishan Tucker, a single mother from Atlanta, highlights the devastating impact that errors in employment background checks can have on job seekers and their families.
Tucker, who has dedicated her career in health care consulting to building a stable life for her two sons—far different from her own challenging upbringing—faced a series of hardships, including a layoff, an abnormal mammogram result, and the end of her marriage. In late 2025, she believed she had secured a breakthrough: a high-paying contract role at $165 per hour, which she called a "miracle" opportunity.
However, during onboarding through MBO Partners, a third-party background screening firm called HireRight conducted a check that flagged discrepancies in her work history. The report noted "potential conflicts" related to her past contract and freelance consulting roles, some of which she had incorporated into her own business. As a result, the job offer was rescinded before she could start in mid-December.
Tucker described the moment as heartbreaking: "Before I could even begin, it was just ripped away. I just cried and screamed. This is not something I did wrong. It’s literally a small problem, and that was a mountain standing between me and a job that would provide a livelihood for my kids."
Upon reviewing the report, Tucker pinpointed a critical mistake: a former employer from 2017–2018 had reported that she never worked there, but the verification request had been sent under her current last name, Tucker, instead of her former name, Dawson. She had disclosed the name change on the background check form. An HR representative from the company later confirmed the error and emailed HireRight on December 17, 2025, to correct it, stating: "I have just learned that the verification request for Krishan Tucker is actually Krishan Dawson. I can confirm Krishan Dawson was on assignment [here]."
Despite the correction, HireRight continued to cite inconsistencies in employment dates—issues Tucker attributes to the initial name mismatch. Believing the offer was secure, Tucker had already arranged a new rental home with support from friends and family, adding to her financial strain when the job fell through.
This is not an isolated incident. Consumer advocates point out that background check errors are common and often costly. Estimates from groups like Consumer Justice suggest error rates as high as 50%, with the National Consumer Law Center describing the problem as "rampant." Staff attorney Ariel Nelson emphasized the need for stronger oversight: "If Congress, federal agencies and states don’t act to ensure that background screening companies are closely monitored and hold them accountable for their repeated mistakes due to poor policies and practices, consumers will continue to pay the price by forfeiting housing and job opportunities while employers and landlords will miss out on qualified employees and tenants."
Background checks are routine, used by about 95% of employers, according to the Professional Background Screening Association. HireRight is one of the largest providers, working with over 40,000 clients. However, the company faces significant criticism, averaging around one star on Google and the Better Business Bureau. Federal data reviewed by Atlanta News First Investigates shows complaints to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against HireRight nearly tripled in 2025, reaching 91 across 29 states (compared to roughly 30 per year in 2023 and 2024). Complaints often involve inaccurate information or issues with investigations.
Similar consumer complaints have surfaced, including cases of incorrect drug test flags despite prior clear results.
On December 23, 2025, MBO Partners issued a "Final Adverse Action" notice withdrawing the offer. The company stated it could not discuss individual cases due to privacy laws, but noted that candidates can review and dispute reports before decisions are made.
Tucker has since filed a lawsuit against HireRight and is piecing together part-time work while job hunting. Her case serves as a cautionary tale.
How to protect yourself from background check issues:
- Know your rights under the **Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)**: If a background report influences an adverse decision (like rescinding a job offer), employers must notify you, provide the screening company's details, and inform you of your right to dispute inaccuracies. You are entitled to a free copy of the report.
- Proactively review your reports: Check your credit report annually for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, and consider obtaining your background/consumer report in advance if possible.
- Be aware of state and local laws, which may restrict what employers can inquire about or when.
- If errors arise, dispute them directly with the reporting agency (e.g., HireRight), providing supporting documents like pay stubs or employment letters. Agencies have up to 30 days to investigate, though this can create hardship during urgent needs like rent or childcare.
- File complaints if needed: Submit issues to the CFPB for further review.
Background screening errors can derail lives, but awareness of rights and proactive steps can help mitigate risks.