• I Received a DBS Certificate I didn't expect

A DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) certificate should only be issued to you after a valid application was submitted with your knowledge and consent to do so.

If, for any reason, you receive a DBS certificate you were not expecting, it's important you act promptly.

These certificates contain sensitive personal information, and receiving one unexpectedly might indicate an error, incorrect candidate details, or possible misuse of personal information. 

First things first, you should check the name and address on the document. If it's addressed to you, consider whether you have recently applied for a role or other activity which might have required a DBS check.

If you have undergone a Verifile background check and are unsure whether a DBS was included, you can contact us to confirm this (details below). We will always obtain your consent to carry this out, and would take this and advise you of the check during the process of completing your online form. 

Please note, a DBS check cannot be carried out without your personal details being submitted. If the certificate holds your information but you don't recognise the application, this could indicate an administrative mistake, an application submitted in error, or possible misuse of your information.

If you believe the certificate was sent to you by mistake, you should contact the DBS as soon as possible. You can read more about this on the DBS Service's page: Receiving an unexpected DBS certificate - GOV.UK.

If the envelope is not addressed to you, do not open it - instead, contact the DBS service and provide the information visible on the envelope. If you have already opened it, do not copy, photograph, share or record any of the information within. 

Once reported, the DBS service will investigate this and explain what it can to you about why you received it. If it was not addressed to you, the DBS will need to adhere to data protection legislation, and therefore may not be able to provide you with updates on the case. 

If you are unsure what to do, you should contact the DBS before taking any further action.

• Customer Service Helpline: 0844 579 1497 (UK)
• From abroad: +44 844 579 1497
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am–6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am–5:00pm

In most cases, there will be a genuine explanation for the certificate. However, if you believe this was carried out without your consent, you should report it to Report Fraud: UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud.