Failed my Background Check

[Saint Nick]

I accept an internship at a fortune 200 company here in Omaha and the hiring staff called me to tell me there was some sort of error on my application that they found during a background check. They told me that I falsified information about being convicted of a felony.

But, I've never been convicted of a felony in my life. My only run-ins with the law are 1) a skateboarding ticket and 2) a speeding ticket.

Has anyone ever had something like this happen to them? If for some reason a felony is showing up on my background check, is there any way I can get that removed?

Update:

I called them back, he said they don't physically have a copy of the background check report. He said verbatim that "Applicant falsified information concerning convictions". So it wasn't a felony, but apparently I falsified information about being convicted of something. He was very apologetic and I think he understands. I hope I don't lose my internship because of it... He also added that he did not know what the conviction was and where it was.

Can you be convicted of something and not know about it?

Update #2:

The hiring manager called me back and said that the information that was missing from the application was a $25.00 fine for something on 11/29/2004. I have no idea what it is of, but I'll find out later today when the letter comes in the mail. And in other news, apparently something came back in my health screening, so I get to call them back and figure out what the #@$! is going on.

But, on a good note, once I get these two things taken care of, I will still get my job (at least thats what the hiring guy made it sound like )

 

[spidey07]

wow, that sucks.

Maybe ask for the name of the company that did the check and contact them on what to do?

 

[mugs]

That's quite an "indiscrepency." Did you ask them what you were supposedly convicted of and where?

 

[Quasmo]

Maybe you put down that you were a felon, like thrown in jail for stealing a crap load of bologna?

 

[SoulAssassin]

Demand a copy of the record showing the felony and request your own (note the 4+ month turnaround).

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm

 

[Saint Nick]

Originally posted by: mugs
That's quite an "indiscrepency." Did you ask them what you were supposedly convicted of and where?

No, he didn't tell me and I didn't ask...

 

[r6ashih]

how long did it take for them to find the discrepency from the point of the sf86 app? I filled one out a while ago and havnt been contacted for anything yet.
from: http://www.taonline.com/securityclearances/

Can I appeal a clearance denial or revocation?

If you are denied a security clearance, or an assignment to a sensitive position or a position of trust, or your current clearance or access is revoked, you have the right to appeal the adjudicative decision. Under such circumstances you will be provided a statement on the reason(s) why you are ineligible for the clearance and the procedures for filing an appeal. If you believe the information gathered about you during the investigation is misleading or inaccurate, you will be given the opportunity to correct or clarify the situation.

DoD maintains a web site which gives a good overview about past Security Clearance Appeal Decisions for DoD contractor personnel.

 

[SoulAssassin]

Originally posted by: r6ashih
how long did it take for them to find the discrepency from the point of the sf86 app? I filled one out a while ago and havnt been contacted for anything yet.
from: http://www.taonline.com/securityclearances/

Can I appeal a clearance denial or revocation?

If you are denied a security clearance, or an assignment to a sensitive position or a position of trust, or your current clearance or access is revoked, you have the right to appeal the adjudicative decision. Under such circumstances you will be provided a statement on the reason(s) why you are ineligible for the clearance and the procedures for filing an appeal. If you believe the information gathered about you during the investigation is misleading or inaccurate, you will be given the opportunity to correct or clarify the situation.

DoD maintains a web site which gives a good overview about past Security Clearance Appeal Decisions for DoD contractor personnel.

I don't think he's talking about an SF-86...I think he's talking about a general background FBI background check for employment.

 

[Saint Nick]

Originally posted by: SoulAssassin

Originally posted by: r6ashih
how long did it take for them to find the discrepency from the point of the sf86 app? I filled one out a while ago and havnt been contacted for anything yet.
from: http://www.taonline.com/securityclearances/

Can I appeal a clearance denial or revocation?

If you are denied a security clearance, or an assignment to a sensitive position or a position of trust, or your current clearance or access is revoked, you have the right to appeal the adjudicative decision. Under such circumstances you will be provided a statement on the reason(s) why you are ineligible for the clearance and the procedures for filing an appeal. If you believe the information gathered about you during the investigation is misleading or inaccurate, you will be given the opportunity to correct or clarify the situation.

DoD maintains a web site which gives a good overview about past Security Clearance Appeal Decisions for DoD contractor personnel.

I don't think he's talking about an SF-86...I think he's talking about a general background FBI background check for employment.

Yes, that is exactly what I'm talking about. Should I call the guys back at the company to see if they can tell me what I was convicted of and where and to see if I can get a copy of the report?

 

[EMPshockwave82]

Originally posted by: NightDarker

Originally posted by: SoulAssassin

Originally posted by: r6ashih
how long did it take for them to find the discrepency from the point of the sf86 app? I filled one out a while ago and havnt been contacted for anything yet.
from: http://www.taonline.com/securityclearances/

Can I appeal a clearance denial or revocation?

If you are denied a security clearance, or an assignment to a sensitive position or a position of trust, or your current clearance or access is revoked, you have the right to appeal the adjudicative decision. Under such circumstances you will be provided a statement on the reason(s) why you are ineligible for the clearance and the procedures for filing an appeal. If you believe the information gathered about you during the investigation is misleading or inaccurate, you will be given the opportunity to correct or clarify the situation.

DoD maintains a web site which gives a good overview about past Security Clearance Appeal Decisions for DoD contractor personnel.

I don't think he's talking about an SF-86...I think he's talking about a general background FBI background check for employment.

Yes, that is exactly what I'm talking about. Should I call the guys back at the company to see if they can tell me what I was convicted of and where and to see if I can get a copy of the report?

I would. And be as calm as possible yet still show that you are upset by the fact that this has cut you out of the job because you are being incorrectly accused

 

[Vic]

You have a right to receive a copy of the background check and dispute the information in it. You should have been informed of that when you applied for the position. Sadly, the position might already be filled by the time you get it all fixed, but hey... at least it will be fixed. Sorry to hear and good luck.

 

[Hyperion042]

Originally posted by: NightDarker

Originally posted by: SoulAssassin

Originally posted by: r6ashih
how long did it take for them to find the discrepency from the point of the sf86 app? I filled one out a while ago and havnt been contacted for anything yet.
from: http://www.taonline.com/securityclearances/

Can I appeal a clearance denial or revocation?

If you are denied a security clearance, or an assignment to a sensitive position or a position of trust, or your current clearance or access is revoked, you have the right to appeal the adjudicative decision. Under such circumstances you will be provided a statement on the reason(s) why you are ineligible for the clearance and the procedures for filing an appeal. If you believe the information gathered about you during the investigation is misleading or inaccurate, you will be given the opportunity to correct or clarify the situation.

DoD maintains a web site which gives a good overview about past Security Clearance Appeal Decisions for DoD contractor personnel.

I don't think he's talking about an SF-86...I think he's talking about a general background FBI background check for employment.

Yes, that is exactly what I'm talking about. Should I call the guys back at the company to see if they can tell me what I was convicted of and where and to see if I can get a copy of the report?

Um... Yes? Why would you not?

 

[Old Hippie]

Should I call the guys back at the company to see if they can tell me what I was convicted of and where and to see if I can get a copy of the report?

Surely you jest. This is something that will follow you your entire life. I would demand an explanation.

 

[EMPshockwave82]

PS. if you dont get this cleared this wont be the only job you're cut out of. And good luck renting an appartment or getting a loan

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: NightDarker

Originally posted by: mugs
That's quite an "indiscrepency." Did you ask them what you were supposedly convicted of and where?

No, he didn't tell me and I didn't ask...

That would have been a good start...

 

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: NightDarker

Originally posted by: SoulAssassin

Originally posted by: r6ashih
how long did it take for them to find the discrepency from the point of the sf86 app? I filled one out a while ago and havnt been contacted for anything yet.
from: http://www.taonline.com/securityclearances/

Can I appeal a clearance denial or revocation?

If you are denied a security clearance, or an assignment to a sensitive position or a position of trust, or your current clearance or access is revoked, you have the right to appeal the adjudicative decision. Under such circumstances you will be provided a statement on the reason(s) why you are ineligible for the clearance and the procedures for filing an appeal. If you believe the information gathered about you during the investigation is misleading or inaccurate, you will be given the opportunity to correct or clarify the situation.

DoD maintains a web site which gives a good overview about past Security Clearance Appeal Decisions for DoD contractor personnel.

I don't think he's talking about an SF-86...I think he's talking about a general background FBI background check for employment.

Yes, that is exactly what I'm talking about. Should I call the guys back at the company to see if they can tell me what I was convicted of and where and to see if I can get a copy of the report?

i would. a felony is a pretty strong thing to have on you when you didnt do anything. id not sit for that, every felon has a picture record as well, so it would be easily proven to not be you.

 

[yowolabi]

For starters, you can stop committing felonies.

 

[James Bond]

Something very similar happened to me when I applied for an internship.

I had gotten an MIP (minor in possession of alcohol). My probation officer somehow "accidentally" put a warrant out for my arrest months later because she "forgot" to take notes when I had a meeting with her, and thought that I wasn't doing what I was supposed to.

The warrant showed up on my background check, and cost me the internship. I got a signed letter FROM the court, saying that it was all a mistake... but it was too late.

Once they see something like that, you're screwed, even if it was a mix up.

 

[DaWhim]

under the FCRA, you should be able to request a copy for yourself. don't quote me on that, that's how credit card denial works

 

[Saint Nick]

I called them back, he said they don't physically have a copy of the background check report. He said verbatim that "Applicant falsified information concerning convictions". So it wasn't a felony, but apparently I falsified information about being convicted of something. He was very apologetic and I think he understands. I hope I don't lose my internship because of it... He also added that he did not know what the conviction was and where it was.

Can you be convicted of something and not know about it?

 

[Kev]

Originally posted by: NightDarker

Originally posted by: mugs
That's quite an "indiscrepency." Did you ask them what you were supposedly convicted of and where?

No, he didn't tell me and I didn't ask...

Right... Why would you? :roll:

 

[NogginBoink]

Originally posted by: SoulAssassin

Originally posted by: r6ashih
how long did it take for them to find the discrepency from the point of the sf86 app? I filled one out a while ago and havnt been contacted for anything yet.
from: http://www.taonline.com/securityclearances/

Can I appeal a clearance denial or revocation?

If you are denied a security clearance, or an assignment to a sensitive position or a position of trust, or your current clearance or access is revoked, you have the right to appeal the adjudicative decision. Under such circumstances you will be provided a statement on the reason(s) why you are ineligible for the clearance and the procedures for filing an appeal. If you believe the information gathered about you during the investigation is misleading or inaccurate, you will be given the opportunity to correct or clarify the situation.

DoD maintains a web site which gives a good overview about past Security Clearance Appeal Decisions for DoD contractor personnel.

I don't think he's talking about an SF-86...I think he's talking about a general background FBI background check for employment.

Unless this is a government job you're applying for, I highly doubt this is an "FBI background check." More likely the employer is hiring an independent investigation company to do pre-employment checks.

 

[compuwiz1]

Originally posted by: NightDarker
I called them back, he said they don't physically have a copy of the background check report. He said verbatim that "Applicant falsified information concerning convictions". So it wasn't a felony, but apparently I falsified information about being convicted of something. He was very apologetic and I think he understands. I hope I don't lose my internship because of it... He also added that he did not know what the conviction was and where it was.

Can you be convicted of something and not know about it?

Yes. Fail to appear in court and there is a conviction by default. Miss any court dates in your lifetime?

 

[SoulAssassin]

Originally posted by: NogginBoink

Originally posted by: SoulAssassin

Originally posted by: r6ashih
how long did it take for them to find the discrepency from the point of the sf86 app? I filled one out a while ago and havnt been contacted for anything yet.
from: http://www.taonline.com/securityclearances/

Can I appeal a clearance denial or revocation?

If you are denied a security clearance, or an assignment to a sensitive position or a position of trust, or your current clearance or access is revoked, you have the right to appeal the adjudicative decision. Under such circumstances you will be provided a statement on the reason(s) why you are ineligible for the clearance and the procedures for filing an appeal. If you believe the information gathered about you during the investigation is misleading or inaccurate, you will be given the opportunity to correct or clarify the situation.

DoD maintains a web site which gives a good overview about past Security Clearance Appeal Decisions for DoD contractor personnel.

I don't think he's talking about an SF-86...I think he's talking about a general background FBI background check for employment.

Unless this is a government job you're applying for, I highly doubt this is an "FBI background check." More likely the employer is hiring an independent investigation company to do pre-employment checks.

Possible but a large financial firm I worked for in the past did actual FBI background checks because all employees were bonded. Either way, it doesn't sound like an SF-86.

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: NightDarker

Originally posted by: mugs
That's quite an "indiscrepency." Did you ask them what you were supposedly convicted of and where?

No, he didn't tell me and I didn't ask...

Well...now it looks like you knew about it and that you'd just hoped they wouldn't do a background check on you.

What kind of speeding ticket? My friend tried and failed to outrun the cops and got a felony on his record for it.