Background check errors can cost you a job or housing — here’s what you can do
If a private background check company reported false or outdated information that led to a job or housing denial in the past two years, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit and seek compensation.
Background checks are used for job applications, rental housing and more — but they’re not always accurate. When background reports include outdated or incorrect information, they can be just as damaging as accurate negative details. These mistakes can cost you a job, prevent you from renting a home, or cause serious financial hardship.
Some common examples of inaccurate background reports can include, but are not limited to:
- Charges listed incorrectly (e.g., “Guilty of Armed Robbery” instead of “Accessory”)
- Sealed or expunged charges still appearing
- Pending status incorrectly listed for old charges
- Felonies mislabeled
- Criminal records that don’t belong to you showing up
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to an accurate background report and the opportunity to dispute errors. Legal action could help you recover damages and hold the background check company accountable if you were harmed.
Were you denied a job or housing due to an incorrect background check?
If a private background check company reported false or outdated information in the past two years, you may qualify to join a class action lawsuit and seek compensation.
Note: This investigation does not apply to background checks related to firearm permits, government licenses, or other non-employment/housing reasons.
Fill out the form on this page for more information.
Why do inaccuracies appear on consumer background reports?
Private companies like Accurate Background, First Advantage, Checkr, HireRight, and others use automated tools to search online sources and large databases for personal records. However, these tools can pull outdated data or even information belonging to someone else, and that incorrect information may end up in your background report.
This type of mistake could have serious consequences for your employment or housing prospects.
Your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that offers protections from the harmful effects of inaccurate background reports. It requires potential employers and other entities to notify you before conducting a background check and obtain your authorization to do so.
Additionally, background check companies must:
1) Give you a chance to review your background check
2) Take reasonable steps to ensure the information is accurate
3) Allow you to dispute any inaccuracies
When companies fail to meet these obligations — whether through negligence or willful misconduct — the consequences can be severe. You may be denied employment or housing, suffer emotional distress, or face reputational harm. Fortunately, the FCRA gives you the right to take legal action and seek compensation when your rights are violated.
Join an FCRA inaccurate background check lawsuit investigation
Attorneys are standing by to try to help if an inaccurate background check affected your job or housing opportunities. If a private company’s report contained false or outdated information that harmed you within the past two years, you may qualify to join a class action lawsuit and pursue compensation.
Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.
See If You Qualify
Join a background check lawsuit investigation
Filling out this form is quick and easy. It only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify.
After you fill out the form, the attorneys who work with Top Class Actions may contact you to discuss your legal rights.
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