Consumer complaint received 2025-04-10 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Other personal consumer report
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing issue — Was not notified of investigation status or results
Company: BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
State: AZ

Complaint narrative:
During the week ending XX/XX/XXXX, I was made an offer of employment to begin on XX/XX/XXXX that was contingent upon the background check. I complied with the bank 's orders and on XX/XX/XXXX, I received a " follow up '' call in which the person stated that they needed more information about why I was terminated. I explained that it was due to one-off errors ( these errors were not repeated ) that were not repeated throughout my 2.5 years in that particular role. The person stated that they needed " details of the errors '' and I stated that I did not remember what the errors were in general as it was over 7 months ago that I was terminated. She kept pushing further and I stated that one of the errors may have been due to a misspelling of a name. She thanked me for my time, and I stated to her that I was scheduled for my XXXX, fingerprinting and backgrounds the next day, XX/XX/XXXX. At no time during this conversation did she state she was doing part of the background check. I dont believe that legally the bank can ask me for specific examples of what the errors where, and that they just needed to know that I was terminated due to errors and that is it. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I completed my XXXX and fingerprinting as requested and that I was still waiting for the backgrounds to be completed. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I received a phone call from the bank, and they stated that my backgrounds came back " unsatisfactory and that it was due to my employment history ''. When I pressed for more info, I was told that I would get a call from the background department and could ask them at that time. After the phone call, I received the only email ( never received a 2nd email confirming the rescinding of my employment offer, the reason behind it, and copies of the backgrounds showing what led to their decision ) that the bank sent to me stating that my offer was being rescinded based on the background check results, but no further info on what it was, and did I receive a copy of the background check report nor who conducted it. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I received the call from the bank 's background department, and they did confirm that it was unsatisfactory due to employment history and that the person I spoke to on XX/XX/XXXX was unable to " gather further information '' about my termination. I asked who did the background checks and they stated that Bank of America did and XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, however, they still did not offer a copy of the report. They also told me when I pressed for details, that the person I spoke to on XX/XX/XXXX, did not disclose/record my answer regarding the possibility of one of the errors being a misspelling of a name, but that " they could not gather any further information '', which the bank falsely and knowingly did not disclose my answer. I asked when the backgrounds were completed, and they stated that they were completed on XX/XX/XXXX. I had also asked if the employment history was the only deciding factor on the backgrounds that was unsatisfactory, and they stated " yes '' and that no other factors contributed to their decision to rescind the offer of employment. Once the call disconnected, I tried to call back to request copies of the background reports but found out that the number they called me on does not connect to anyone nor does it have voicemail, so I sent an email back to the recruiter and they stated to contact the background department, which is what I did to begin with. Again, no help from Bank of America. 

I believe that the bank was not truthful/transparent because the person I spoke to on XX/XX/XXXX determined that the background was unsatisfactory because I could not give specifics/examples of the errors that caused my termination and that their decision to rescind my offer was done on XX/XX/XXXX and not on XX/XX/XXXX as they stated the backgrounds were completed. 

I don't think the bank was being transparent as they did not disclose the reason for the decision other than they could not gather further information ( from me ), did not provide a copy of the background check reports from Bank of America and XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( I got this one on my own which was satisfactory no negative marks ), and who conducted the background check reports with contact info ( I obtained who conducted the background through my call with the bank on XX/XX/XXXX ), which I believe is also an FCRA violation. Also, I don't think that it may be legal for a prospective employer to ask for examples of my errors that led to my termination. 

I do not think that I was treated fairly by Bank of America and its employees involved in my backgrounds and so forth. I am a XXXX female, and I am currently still pursuing other employment opportunities since I am no longer collecting unemployment insurance since XXXX. This incident did propel me back into a depressive state and a bleak outlook on my employable status because of what I believe to be negligence on Bank of Americas part. They took away hope and a positive outlook from me which caused me great doubt and fear from applying for many other jobs that do require background checks, and with not knowing what was really found, I have no way to follow up to dispute and/or try to correct any possible errors on the background check. 

I am reaching out as I don't think I was treated fairly. I have done nothing but work hard all my life, in which my employment history/tenure shows. My interviews went well and was given the offer of employment with the background check contingency, only to have it yanked away with what I believe, Bank of America 's and its employees non-transparency, non-disclosure, violations, and possible unethical treatment and decision-making. I also wonder how many others have been in this same situation as I am.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation