Checkr Background Check Errors: What You Need to Know
Background check errors can cost you a job or cause your start date to be delayed. We help you fix these errors and get the compensation you deserve.
When you apply for a job with companies like Uber, Lyft, Postmates, or Grubhub there’s a good chance your background check is being handled by Checkr, a major background screening company based in San Francisco, CA. Checkr conducts pre-employment screenings across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and education. However, while Checkr processes millions of background checks, errors can and do happen. These mistakes can prevent you from getting the job you’ve worked hard for.
Checkr’s background checks can include a wide range of screenings:
- Social Security Number validation
- Criminal records check (including terrorist watchlists and sex offender registries)
- Driving records check
- Employment and education verifications
- Drug screening
- Credit checks
The information included in your background check will vary based on the job you are applying for and what the employer requests from Checkr.
Unfortunately, many people have experienced issues with inaccurate information in their Checkr background checks. These errors can include:
- Incorrect criminal history
- Outdated information
- Mixed files (information from someone with a similar name or details)
For example, non-convictions that are over seven years old should not appear on your Checkr background check. In California, Kentucky, New York, and New Mexico, non-convictions cannot appear at all. But if databases aren’t updated correctly, old or incorrect information could wrongly show up on your report, costing you a job opportunity.
Here are some real-life examples of people who faced inaccurate background checks from Checkr. The following are summaries of Checkr complaints and cases filed by the consumer law firm of Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C..
- Client v. Checkr, Inc. – A client applied for a job with Shipt but was denied due to a felony incorrectly reported as a conviction, despite the court reducing the charge to a misdemeanor.
- Erica Johnson v. Checkr, Inc. – Erica applied for a delivery job, but Checkr mixed up her background with someone else’s, listing a misdemeanor battery conviction she never had. Despite disputing the report, her job offer was rescinded.
- Marcovitch v. Checkr. – A long-term Uber driver was deactivated due to two open warrants that didn’t belong to him. It was a case of mistaken identity, and despite disputing the report and having it correct, his job was lost.
- Conley v. Checkr, Inc. – Claimant applied for a job with Uber. The Checkr background report inaccurately stated Conley was a convicted felon even though she is not, and as a result she was unable to work as a driver for Uber.
- Watson v. Checkr, Inc. – Claimant was a long term driver for Lyft. Lyft runs periodic background reports on its drivers, provided by Checkr. The background check mixed the Claimant with a lifetime gang member who was serving a decades-long prison sentence. As a result of Checkr’s error, Claimant was suspended from his employment with Lyft.
- Marcovitch b. Checkr, Inc. – Mr. Marcovitch was deactivated from Uber due to inaccurate background report issued by Checkr. His background report mixed him with an individual with two open warrants (for murder and assault). The non matching information was a name.
- Hodge v. Checkr, Inc. – Ms. Hodge was removed from her job at Lyft because Checkr provided a background check report that included old criminal convictions from 2011. These convictions should not have been reported because they were too old, which violated both federal and California state laws. When Ms. Hodge disputed the inaccurate information, Checkr failed to correct the errors, leaving her unable to return to work.
- Client v. Checkr – For reporting obsolete information in violation of the FCRA and CA state law. The inaccurate information is criminal records that were too old to be on the background check report. The records were more than seven years old. As a result she lost a job with Uber.
- Shannon Nicole Wilson v. Checkr. – Plantiff Shannon Nicole Wilson applied for work with Amazon Flex as a driver. Checkr prepared a background report that contained a felony conviction. The felony conviction on the checkr background check was inaccurate and was related to another person who had the same name as Plantiff.
- Maurice Allan Davis v. Checkr Inc. – Mr. Davis was denied a job as a as a cell tower technician due to a multiple convictions for possession of marijuana which was inaccurately reported on his background report by Checkr. The criminal records belong to another individual with a similar name and date of birth as Mr. Davis.
- Ronald Dickerson v. Checkr Inc. –. Mr. Dickerson was denied a job at SPIN due to an inaccurate felony conviction and two misdemeanor convictions reporting on his Checkr report. The convictions belong to someone who used Mr. Dickerson’s name as an alias.
- Jerome Miller v. Checkr. – NDCA. Mr. Miller was denied employment with Uber because Checkr inaccurately reported his license as being expired when it was not, on his Checkr background report. The case settled.
- Johnny Young v. Checkr. – NDCA. Mr. Young was denied employment with Uber due to criminal records that were inaccurately reported on his background report by Checkr. The inaccurate criminal records were a felony conviction that belonged to another individual with a different name than Mr. Young. Mr. Young disputed the inaccurate information and Checkr failed to correct it. The case settled.
- Tyrone Gaskin Sr. v. Checkr. – NDCA. Mr. Gaskin was denied employment with Uber due to criminal records that were inaccurately reported on his background report by Checkr. The inaccurate criminal records included 2 felony convictions that belonged to another individual with the same name but different date or birth as Mr. Young. The case settled.
These cases illustrate that Checkr’s errors can have devastating consequences for job seekers.
If you’ve been impacted by a Checkr background check error, you have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). When a background check is used against you, the following must happen:
- You must be notified that the report is being used against you.
- You must be given a copy of the report and the contact information for the background check company.
- You must receive a summary of your rights.
You also have the right to dispute any errors on your Checkr background check, and if the issue isn’t resolved, you can sue Checkr for damages.
It is the responsibility of any consumer reporting agency to make sure the information they provide is accurate and up-to-date.
If you’ve discovered an error on your Checkr background check, it’s essential to take immediate action to correct the issue. Filing a dispute with Checkr is your first step toward ensuring that your background report accurately reflects your history. Here’s how to navigate the dispute process:
Step 1: Review Your Checkr Background Check
Make a note of any discrepancies, and gather supporting documentation that can prove the information is incorrect. This might include court documents, ID records, or employment records.
Step 2: Contact Checkr Directly
Once you have identified the errors, you’ll need to contact Checkr to file your dispute. You can submit your dispute through Checkr’s online dispute portal, email, or by mail. Checkr is legally obligated to investigate your dispute and respond within 30 days.
How to Contact Checkr:
- Address: One Montgomery Street, Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94104
- Phone: 844-224-3257
- Email: support@checkr.com
- Online Portal: Checkr Candidate Portal
In your dispute, include your full name, contact information, details about the errors, and any supporting documentation.
Step 3: Monitor the Investigation
Once Checkr receives your dispute, they will begin an investigation. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), they are required to conduct a reasonable investigation and correct any errors. You should receive a response from Checkr within 30 days of submitting your dispute.
Step 4: Review the Updated Background Check Report
After Checkr has completed their investigation, they will send you the results. If your dispute is successful, Checkr should update the information on your background report and provide you with an updated copy. Carefully review the new report to confirm that all the errors have been corrected.
What If Checkr Doesn’t Correct the Errors?
If Checkr does not correct the errors on your background check after you’ve filed a dispute, you still have options. Under the FCRA, you have the right to sue Checkr for damages if their failure to provide an accurate background check has caused you harm, such as losing a job opportunity.
The consumer protection lawyers at Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C. have successfully handled many cases involving background check errors. If your dispute is not resolved, our legal team can help you take the next steps to hold Checkr accountable. GET A FREE CASE REVIEW
If Checkr fails to fix the errors in your report, you don’t have to face the situation alone. The experienced consumer protection attorneys at Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C., are here to help. We specialize in cases where background check errors have cost people jobs and opportunities.
By filling out our free case review form or calling us at 1-877-735-8600, we can help you fight back. There are no out-of-pocket costs to you. We only get paid when you win your case.
Don’t let a background check error stand in your way. Get the help you deserve and take the first step toward correcting the mistake today.
Common Checkr Background Check Mistakes:
- Incorrect criminal history: Wrongly attributing criminal records that don’t belong to you.
- Outdated information: Reporting old offenses that should not appear on your background check.
- Mixed files: Mistaken identity due to similar names or information.
Get Help Now
If you’ve experienced any of these errors, don’t wait. Call 1-877-735-8600 or fill out the free case review form on this page. We are here to help you correct these errors and recover any damages you may be entitled to.
The sooner you take action, the sooner you can move forward with your life and career.
