Introduction: Why Checkr Background Check Errors Matter
You applied for a job, you were told you got it, then the background check came back and you were told there was a problem. When a company like Checkr, Inc. makes a mistake, the consequences can be devastating. From lost job offers to reputational damage, these errors are more than clerical issues—they’re legal problems. If you’ve been harmed by a Checkr background check, you need to understand your rights and options.
About Checkr, Inc.
Founded in 2014, Checkr, Inc. is a background check service provider headquartered at:
One Montgomery Street, Suite 2400, San Francisco, CA 94104-5524
Email: [email protected] | Phone: (844) 824-3257
Website: https://checkr.com
Checkr has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but this doesn’t tell the whole story. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Checkr has received numerous complaints regarding delayed background checks, inaccurate reports, and uncorrected errors—many of which have led to employment denials. At least 80 lawsuits have been filed against the company over the past decade, often for violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Example: In Brown v. Checkr (2021), Checkr incorrectly reported that the plaintiff had a felony conviction. In reality, it was a misdemeanor. Checkr failed to correct the error even after a dispute, resulting in Brown losing two job opportunities.
Checkr’s Background Check Services and Notable Clients
Checkr markets itself as a modern background check provider with compliance-focused workflows. Their services include:
- Criminal record checks
- Driving record checks
- Employment and education verifications
- Identity and SSN validation
“Regulatory compliance is built into Checkr’s products and workflows.”
Checkr provides background checks for major employers such as:
- Uber
- Lyft
- DoorDash
- Coinbase
- Subway
- Ace Hardware
- Papa John’s
- Hampton Hotels
Because of Checkr’s widespread use, a single error in their report can impact millions of job applicants.
Common Errors in Checkr Background Checks
Errors in background checks can arise from many sources. Checkr is no exception. Common issues reported include:
Inaccurate Criminal Records
These errors often stem from outdated or incomplete data pulled from public records. A misdemeanor might be misclassified as a felony, or expunged records might still appear. Automated systems that scrape court records may not properly distinguish between dismissed charges and convictions.
For example, in some counties, digital court databases label all charges together, making it easy for automated software to misinterpret the final outcome.
Identity Mix-Ups
When individuals share common names or similar Social Security numbers, it can lead to one person’s criminal record appearing on someone else’s background check. Checkr’s systems, while designed for scale, sometimes fail to verify middle names, dates of birth, or address histories that would prevent this mix-up.
Read how a father and son were affected by a credit file mix-up
Outdated Information
The FCRA limits how long certain negative items can be reported—typically seven years. However, some jurisdictions update their systems slowly, and Checkr may fail to verify the timeliness of the data. As a result, old charges or convictions that should be excluded under federal law may still appear.
Delays in Processing
Delays are often caused by bottlenecks in obtaining data from county courts or when manual review is required. While Checkr claims to provide rapid turnarounds, these delays can stretch for weeks. Candidates often lose job offers during this period due to employer deadlines.
“Checkr has destroyed my full-time job by putting my background check into [an] infinite delayed period of processing.”
Misreported Employment or Education History
Errors also occur when Checkr attempts to verify employment or academic credentials. Mistakes in employer databases or miscommunication with third-party verification services can lead to inaccurate listings that reflect poorly on a candidate’s reliability.
Each of these errors can have lasting effects, especially when a prospective employer makes a hiring decision before you even have a chance to correct the report.
Consumer Rights When Facing Background Check Errors
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have specific rights when dealing with background check errors:
- Right to Notice: If a job offer is denied based on a Checkr report, you must be notified.
- Right to a Copy: You’re entitled to receive a copy of the background check.
- Right to Dispute: You can dispute inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Right to Correction: Checkr must investigate and correct errors within 30 days.
Learn more about your background check rights
How to Dispute Errors with Checkr
If you discover an error in your Checkr background check, it’s critical to act quickly and document everything. Here’s how to start the dispute process and protect your rights:
1. Request a Copy of Your Background Check
Before you can dispute anything, you need to see what Checkr reported. Request a copy of your background check report directly from Checkr through their website or by emailing [email protected]. They are required under the FCRA to provide this to you for free if it was used to deny employment or another opportunity.
2. Identify and Highlight the Errors
Review the report carefully. Look for any incorrect criminal records, outdated information, or identity mismatches. Highlight these errors and cross-reference them with your personal documentation—such as court records, official identification, or expungement orders.
3. Gather Supporting Documentation
You’ll need to prove that the information is incorrect. Gather documents like:
- Certified court records
- Government-issued identification
- Letters from former employers or schools
- Proof of expungement or dismissal
Organize these files to clearly show why the reported information is inaccurate.
4. Submit a Formal Dispute
Once you have your documentation in order, submit a dispute through Checkr’s dispute portal or by email. Clearly explain the inaccuracies, cite the supporting documentation, and request a correction. Make sure to:
- Use concise, professional language
- Include copies (not originals) of your supporting evidence
- Request written confirmation of receipt and investigation
Checkr has 30 days to investigate and respond under the FCRA.
5. Keep Detailed Records
Document every step: keep emails, notes from phone calls, and dated copies of any submissions. If you speak with Checkr on the phone, write down the representative’s name and what they said. These records can be crucial if you need to escalate the issue.
6. Follow Up and Seek Legal Help if Necessary
If Checkr does not fix the error within 30 days, or if they deny your dispute without a valid explanation, it’s time to escalate. Contact our law firm for a free consultation. We can evaluate whether you have a claim under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and guide you through the next legal steps.
Checkr claims to have “FCRA-trained experts” on staff, but don’t rely on that alone. Their investigation process is not always thorough or accurate. When your livelihood is on the line, having a legal advocate matters.
More on contacting background check providers
Legal Remedies Available
When Checkr fails to correct errors or causes harm, you may have legal options:
FCRA Violations
You can sue for:
- Actual damages (lost wages, emotional distress)
- Statutory damages (up to $1,000 per violation)
- Attorney’s fees and costs
Explore employment background check lawsuits
Negligent or Willful Reporting
Checkr may be liable for:
- Failing to follow reasonable procedures
- Ignoring consumer disputes
Our law firm has experience holding background check companies accountable. We’ve helped clients get compensation, correction of their records, and justice.
Call to Action
If your background check from Checkr contained errors and cost you a job or opportunity, you need to act now. These mistakes don’t just go away on their own—and the longer you wait, the harder it may be to recover lost wages or prove your case. A single incorrect report can affect your job prospects, housing, and financial security.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your situation and help you understand your rights. If Checkr failed to correct an error or ignored your dispute, you may be entitled to compensation under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Don’t let Checkr’s mistakes derail your career or your life. Call us now or complete the form on our Contact Us page. Our firm is committed to holding background check companies accountable and fighting for justice on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if my Checkr background check has an error?
Start by requesting a copy of your report and filing a dispute with Checkr. If they don’t fix the problem, contact our law firm.
2. How long does Checkr have to correct an error?
Under the FCRA, they must investigate and respond within 30 days.
3. Can I sue Checkr for background check errors?
Yes. If the error caused harm and wasn’t corrected, you may be entitled to damages under the FCRA.
4. What types of errors are common with Checkr?
Incorrect criminal records, outdated data, identity mix-ups, and delays in processing are frequently reported.
For more resources, see How to Fail a Background Check and Legal Options for Dealing with Employment Background Check Errors.