⚖️ FCRA — Consumer Reporting Agency Violations

Checkr Runs Millions of Background Checks —
Errors Can Cost You a Job

Checkr is one of the largest employment background check providers in the U.S., used by Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Amazon, Instacart, and hundreds of other employers. When Checkr makes errors, the FCRA gives you the right to fight back — and recover $100–$1,000 per willful violation.

$100–$1,000 Per Willful FCRA Violation
30 Days Dispute Investigation Deadline
$0 Upfront Attorney Fees (Typically)
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Common Checkr FCRA Violations

Checkr is a consumer reporting agency subject to all FCRA requirements. Each of the following violations may entitle you to $100–$1,000 in statutory damages under 15 U.S.C. § 1681n.

  • Reported expunged or sealed criminal records
    15 U.S.C. § 1681e(b) — Reasonable procedures for maximum possible accuracy; expunged records should not appear
    $100–$1,000
  • Reported another person's criminal record in your report (mixed file / file confusion error)
    15 U.S.C. § 1681e(b) — Maximum possible accuracy obligation; mixed-file errors are a known industry problem
    $100–$1,000
  • Employer did not send pre-adverse action notice with copy of Checkr report before taking action
    15 U.S.C. § 1681b(b)(3)(A) — Pre-adverse action disclosure requirement including copy of consumer report
    $100–$1,000
  • Reported criminal records older than 7 years for a position paying under $75,000 per year
    15 U.S.C. § 1681c(a)(5) — Time limit on adverse criminal record information in consumer reports
    $100–$1,000
  • Reported dismissed, not-guilty, or no-billed charges as active convictions
    15 U.S.C. § 1681e(b) — Accuracy of criminal case outcomes; dismissals are not convictions
    $100–$1,000
  • Failed to investigate your written dispute about inaccurate information within 30 days
    15 U.S.C. § 1681i — Duty to reinvestigate disputed information; 30-day investigation window
    $100–$1,000

What Checkr Users Report

Expunged Records Appearing

Among the most common Checkr complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are reports of expunged or sealed criminal records appearing in background checks used by gig economy platforms. Gig workers applying to drive for Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash have reported being deactivated based on records that were legally cleared years earlier.

Mixed-File Errors

Checkr's automated systems pull records from multiple court databases. Consumers with common names or whose personal identifiers are similar to those of other individuals have reported finding criminal records belonging to other people appearing in their Checkr reports — a "mixed file" error that is a well-documented FCRA accuracy violation.

Check the CFPB Complaint Database

You can search for Checkr complaints filed by other consumers at consumerfinancial.gov/data-research/consumer-complaints/. Seeing patterns of similar complaints can support a willful violation finding in your own FCRA claim — courts give weight to evidence that a company was aware of systemic problems and failed to correct them.

How to Dispute a Checkr Background Check

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Step 1: Request Your Report Online

Go to checkr.com/candidates to access Checkr's candidate portal. You can request a free copy of your background check report and begin the dispute process directly through the portal.

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Step 2: Dispute in Writing with Documentation

Identify each specific inaccuracy in your Checkr report. Write a formal dispute letter that describes each error and attach supporting documentation — court records, expungement orders, certified ID documents, or records showing the correct outcome of a case. Send disputes by certified mail to preserve your rights.

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Step 3: Keep Copies of Everything

Save every piece of correspondence — your dispute letter, certified mail tracking receipts, Checkr's investigation response, and any denial letters from employers. This documentation is the foundation of a potential FCRA lawsuit if Checkr fails to correct the errors.

If Checkr Fails to Correct the Error

If Checkr does not correct a verified inaccuracy after your dispute, or fails to respond within 30 days, that failure is itself an independent FCRA violation worth $100–$1,000 in statutory damages. At that point, consulting a consumer protection attorney is strongly recommended. Most FCRA attorneys take these cases on contingency — no upfront cost, and if you win, Checkr pays your legal fees.

Checkr FCRA Questions

Checkr is required under 15 U.S.C. § 1681e(b) to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy in its reports. Reporting a criminal record that was expunged, sealed, or vacated violates this standard. Expunged records should not appear on any consumer report provided to an employer. If Checkr reported your expunged record and an employer used it against you, you may have a valid FCRA claim worth $100–$1,000 per willful violation plus attorney's fees at no upfront cost to you.
Yes. As a consumer reporting agency, Checkr must provide you a free copy of your background check report upon request under 15 U.S.C. § 1681g. You are also entitled to a free copy within 60 days of any adverse action taken against you based on a Checkr report — such as a deactivation from a platform or a rejected job application. Visit checkr.com/candidates to access Checkr's candidate portal and request your report.
To dispute errors in your Checkr report: (1) Request your free report at checkr.com/candidates. (2) Identify every inaccuracy — wrong criminal records, expunged items, dismissed charges listed as convictions, or another person's records. (3) Submit a written dispute identifying each error and attaching documentation such as court records or expungement orders. (4) Send your dispute by certified mail to create a paper trail. Checkr must investigate within 30 days and notify you of the results. If Checkr fails to correct verified errors or misses the deadline, that is an independent FCRA violation. Consult a consumer protection attorney — most work on contingency with no upfront fees.

Did Checkr's Error Cost You a Job or a Platform Account?

Consumer protection attorneys take Checkr FCRA cases on contingency. No upfront cost — if Checkr violated the law, they pay your attorney's fees when you win. Start with a free consultation today.

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