At iprospectcheck, we understand how unsettling a 613 notice, also known as a “613 Letter,” can feel.
Do not worry. It is not a rejection by the employer, and you have time to respond.
Here is your complete guide on what to do if you receive a 613 notice.
What Is a 613 Notice?
A 613 Notice is a compliance requirement under Section 613 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
It informs you that a consumer reporting agency has discovered public record information, such as a criminal record or other potentially disqualifying information that may belong to you.
You receive this notice if that information is reported to an employer as part of a background check. Importantly, this notice:
- Is not a final determination or rejection
- Does not confirm the accuracy of the record
- Gives you the chance to review and dispute the information if you believe it is incorrect before the employer takes any adverse action
It Is Not a Rejection
Receiving a 613 Notice is simply a regulatory alert.
The background screening provider is required to notify you, ensuring you are aware that something potentially concerning has surfaced.
Immediate Steps to Take
1. Read the Notice Carefully
Identify which screening agency sent it. The agency will be identified in the letter. The agency may provide a copy of the report to help you identify the adverse information being reported. For most agencies, your background report will be available to you via a secure candidate portal. Log in and use this portal to see your report to determine what adverse information is being reported.
2. Gather Supporting Documentation
You may recognize the adverse information and agree that it is accurately reported. If so, you have completed the review. We do not advise disputing adverse information that you know to be accurate.
If you do not recognize the adverse information or believe it is inaccurately reported you may choose to dispute it. This is the way to ensure a successful dispute:
Prepare:
- A brief, written explanation stating why the record is inaccurate or not yours
Gather:
- A copy of your valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Anything else that supports your case, such as proof of address, court documentation, dismissal records, or another background check showing no adverse findings
3. Submit a Dispute Promptly
Contact the consumer reporting agency identified in your notice and file a consumer dispute.
The consumer reporting agency is required to:
- Re-examine the information
- Correct or remove inaccurate data
- Share any updated findings with your employer if changes occur
- The consumer reporting agency typically has 30 days to respond, but the sooner you start, the better
Here is a Sample Dispute Message:
“Hello, I received a 613 Notice concerning a public record that does not pertain to me. I am requesting a reinvestigation. Attached are my ID and documents to correct this error. Please confirm receipt and advise on next steps.”
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Timely action is essential because:
- Your employer may assume the flagged record is accurate
At iprospectcheck, we encourage candidates to take these steps immediately, and we stand ready to support fair resolution and accuracy in reporting.
How iprospectcheck Responds to 613 Notices
Unlike providers that automate 613 Notices without verifying what is actually relevant, iprospectcheck takes a more nuanced, candidate-conscious approach:
- At iprospectcheck, the link to file a Consumer Dispute is included in the 613 letter
- We make it as easy as possible to file a dispute
- We will manually review any public records that we have reported to confirm they are accurate
- We prioritize precision, not automation, before alerting employers or applicants
- We have compliance experts who handle consumer disputes professionally and personally
- We are committed to providing the most accurate information possible to the employers while safeguarding the rights of the candidates
Summary Table: What to Do When You Get a 613 Notice
| Step | Action |
| 1. Read Carefully | Identify the reporting agency and the record referenced |
| 2. Collect Evidence | Gather ID, documentation disproving the record, and a written explanation |
| 3. File a Dispute | Contact the agency, request a reinvestigation under FCRA, attach your evidence |
| 4. Monitor Outcome | Ensure the report is corrected and the employer receives any updates |
| 5. Stay Proactive | Prompt disputes protect your rights and application status |
Final Thoughts from iprospectcheck
A 613 Notice is not a roadblock. It is your opportunity to ensure accuracy and fairness in the screening process.
At iprospectcheck, we stand by fairness, accuracy, and legal compliance every step of the way.
