Rideshare Driver Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
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Are you a rideshare driver or thinking of becoming one? You will need a background check.
Background check errors prevent hardworking people from driving for rideshare companies like Uber, Lyft, or UberEats. Because most rideshare companies are now checking both current and new drivers, there is more room for errors in your background check report. These errors can stop you from making money.
What is a Background Check?
Before starting a rideshare job, you will be asked to complete a background check, which can also be called employment reports or background screening reports. Once the rideshare company has obtained your permission, background check companies, often third-party agencies, will then verify information about your past criminal record, work history, public records, and other information. They report this information to the rideshare company.
If your background check contains errors, you could be delayed, denied, or lose an existing rideshare job.
4 Common Background Check Errors
- Mixed or Merged Accounts – Your report mistakenly reports someone else’s information.
- Obsolete or Outdated Information – Most adverse information is legally only allowed to report for 7 years or less.
- Failure to Update – It’s difficult for background check companies to keep their information up-to-date because records are constantly changing. For example, they may falsely report expunged or dismissed records, or they could report misdemeanors as felonies. Under the law, however, they must report complete, accurate, and up-to-date information at all times.
- Miscellaneous Errors – Errors can take many forms, such as reporting a license as expired or misspelling a name.
Who are the background check companies?
Currently, Checkr is the largest company completing background checks for rideshare companies like Uber, Lyft, UberEats, etc. However, there are many others. We keep a current list on our website.
What rights do rideshare drivers have against false employment reports?
All background check agencies must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This law protects consumers like you against background check errors in the following ways:
- The background check must be complete, accurate and up-to date.
- Consumers can review and dispute inaccurate information.
- Employers must obtain a consumer’s permission before getting a background check.
- Employers must notify consumers when a job is denied or terminated due to a background check, and if taking adverse action, employers must provide a copy of the report and a summary of their rights under the FCRA
Do you have an error on your background check?
If you have been delayed, denied, or lost a rideshare job because of an error on your background check, hire The Consumer Law Firm of Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C.. We have successfully handled hundreds of cases against background check agencies that work with rideshare companies. If we take on your case, you pay nothing out of pocket, and we will fight to get you the money you have lost. Call or fill out our form for a free case evaluation today.
