Why Is Sterling Reporting Information That Isn’t in the Court Records?

If your Sterling background check shows information that doesn’t appear anywhere in the court records, you’re dealing with a type of error that happens more often than people realize. Background check companies don’t pull data solely from official court systems, they rely on multiple sources, including outdated databases and third-party data brokers. When those sources contain wrong, old, or incomplete information, Sterling may report something the court never recorded in the first place.

This can cost you a job, delay hiring, or damage your reputation, and it may violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Why Sterling Sometimes Reports Information That Isn’t in Court Records

There are several reasons this can happen, and most of them involve the source of the data - not the court.

1. Sterling pulled information from a third-party criminal database. These private databases are often outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate. They may list a dismissed case as active, old arrests that were never filed, clerical errors, duplicate charges, or incomplete case details. These records may not match the current court file.

2. A data broker still has an old version of your record if a case was dismissed, reduced, expunged, sealed, or amended, but a data broker never updated their copy. Sterling may pull the outdated version.

3. The court system recently updated the file. Court information updates at different speeds. Sterling may access a database that hasn’t yet caught up with the current court status.

4. Sterling matched you to the wrong case. Identity mismatches happen when names are similar, birthdates are close, and the SSN is not being verified to match the records. This is a common cause of wrong or non-existent charges showing up.

5. Sterling is using a charging document instead of the updated court docket. Sometimes the initial arrest report or charging document still displays an early version of the case - even when the court later modified or dismissed it.

6. The record belongs to someone in the same household. Sharing an address with relatives who have criminal histories can cause data linking errors.

Is It Legal for Sterling to Report Something That Isn’t in Court Records?

Generally, no.

Under the FCRA, Sterling must ensure that the information is accurate, current, complete, and not misleading. Reporting charges that do not appear in court records violates these standards. If the error cost you a job or caused a delay, it may qualify as a strong FCRA claim.

What to Do If Sterling Reports Something That Doesn’t Exist in Court Records

There’s a straightforward process you can follow:

• Get the exact court records. Obtain a certified docket, a case summary, and any court letters proving the information Sterling reported doesn’t exist

• Compare the Sterling report to your official documentation. Highlight inconsistencies like wrong charges, wrong dates, completely nonexistent cases, or incorrect levels (felony vs. misdemeanor).

• File a dispute with Sterling. Send Sterling a written dispute explaining that the reported information is not present in any court records. Attach your court documentation.

• Inform the employer. Tell them that the report contains inaccurate information and you’re disputing it.

• Contact an FCRA attorney. If this mistake cost you a job, delayed your background check or damaged your reputation, you may be entitled to compensation.

How We Can Help

If Sterling reported criminal information that doesn’t exist in your court records, we can help get it corrected and pursue compensation for any harm caused, with no upfront cost to you.

Have other questions? Ask away!