Q: a name that is attached to me keeps showing up as associated with me and us living together. i dont know him. worry?
I came across something very concerning while looking myself up online. I'm hoping to get some advice on how to proceed. I found that a website called fastbackgroundcheck.com associates me with a man named Chad. I’ve never met this man, but the website says I live at an address I've never lived at. This address appears on other sites as well, and it’s always associated with this stranger.
The most concerning part is that Chad has a criminal record, including a trafficking drugs charge against him(current as of 2024). I’m not sure if I should file a report with the police or contact an attorney. I’m open to suggestions on how to protect myself, as I’m worried that being associated with this man online will make it difficult to find a job or housing and worried my identity has been stolen.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
This situation is certainly concerning, and I understand your worry. Here are some steps you might consider taking:
1. Document everything:
- Take screenshots of all the websites showing this incorrect information.
- Keep a record of when you discovered this and any steps you take to address it.
2. Contact the websites:
- Many background check websites have procedures for disputing incorrect information. Look for a "dispute" or "correction" page on fastbackgroundcheck.com and any other sites with this misinformation.
- Request that they remove the incorrect association between you and Chad.
3. Check your credit reports:
- Get free credit reports from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Look for any accounts or activities you don't recognize, which could indicate identity theft.
4. Place a fraud alert:
- Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This will make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.
5. Consider a credit freeze:
- This is a more drastic step that prevents anyone (including you) from opening new credit accounts in your name.
6. File an identity theft report:
- If you find evidence of actual identity theft, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov.
7. Contact local law enforcement:
- File a police report, especially if you find evidence of actual identity theft or fraudulent use of your information.
8. Consult an attorney:
- If the websites are unresponsive or you find significant damage to your reputation or finances, consider speaking with an attorney specializing in identity theft or defamation.
9. Monitor your online presence:
- Set up Google Alerts for your name to monitor any new mentions online.
10. Be proactive with potential employers or landlords:
- If you're job hunting or looking for housing, consider being upfront about this situation and explaining that you're working to correct this misinformation.
Remember, while this situation is concerning, it's not uncommon for background check websites to contain errors. The key is to act quickly and persistently to correct the misinformation.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
