Comply
FreeA fair way to fix a mistake on a report.
Candidates can dispute an error right from their status page. The dispute goes to ScreenForge Labs, the consumer reporting agency, and an open dispute pauses any adverse-action case until it's resolved.
- Filed by the candidate from the status page
- Sent to ScreenForge Labs with the check reference
- Waiting period extends while a dispute is open
Pre-adverse notice sent
Waiting period started
Dispute opened
Sent to ScreenForge Labs
Dispute resolved
Clock extended by 4 business days
Waiting
Final notice available Nov 14, 9:00 AM
Final notice
Locked
Illustrative example with sample data.
How it works
4 steps, start to finish
- 1
Candidate signs in
The status page uses a one-time code, by email or text.
- 2
Describe the error
The candidate writes what's wrong and submits.
- 3
ScreenForge investigates
The dispute is sent with the check reference. Any open case moves to disputed.
- 4
Clock resumes
When ScreenForge resolves it, the case returns to waiting with a later end date.
Why it matters
What you get with candidate disputes
Simple for candidates
A one-time code, a text box, and a submit button on the status page. A phone number can receive the code by text.
Handled by the CRA
ScreenForge Labs, the consumer reporting agency that prepared the report, receives and resolves the dispute.
Automatic clock extension
Open disputes pause an adverse-action case and push the end date later by the business days spent disputed.
No employer override
Employers can't open or close a dispute. That keeps the process fair and defensible.
Accuracy disputes belong with the agency
Under the FCRA, a candidate who believes a report is inaccurate can dispute it with the consumer reporting agency. Employers shouldn't be the ones deciding whether a court record is correct — and they shouldn't be able to close a dispute to move a case along.
In PreHireBadge, the candidate signs in to their status page with a one-time code, writes what is wrong, and submits. The dispute is sent to ScreenForge Labs with the check reference, even before any adverse-action case exists. ScreenForge tells PreHireBadge when the dispute opens and when it is resolved.
If an adverse-action case is open, it moves from waiting to disputed, then back to waiting, and the end date moves later by the business days spent disputed. A dispute never shortens the original waiting period, and the final notice cannot be sent while one is open. Only the ScreenForge event changes dispute status — an employer cannot mark it open or closed.
FAQ
Questions employers ask about candidate disputes
Still unsure? Ask Peter, our assistant, in the bottom-right corner, or browse the help center.
How does a candidate dispute a background check?
They sign in to the PreHireBadge status page with a one-time code, describe what's wrong, and submit. The dispute is sent to ScreenForge Labs, the consumer reporting agency.
Does a dispute stop the adverse action process?
It pauses it. The case moves to disputed, the final notice cannot be sent, and the waiting period's end date moves later by the business days the dispute was open.
Can an employer close a dispute?
No. Only ScreenForge Labs' dispute event opens or resolves a dispute in PreHireBadge.
Is a dispute the same as appealing a hiring decision?
No. A dispute is about the accuracy of the report. Candidates who want to share context with the employer can send a statement or file from the status page during the waiting period.
Pairs well with candidate disputes
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