BACKGROUNDED AND BLINDSIDED — When Background Check Errors Derail Careers in California
What You Can Do When a Background Check Error Costs You the Job
Landing the perfect job should be cause for celebration—not confusion, rejection, or frustration. But for many Californians, the hiring process takes a shocking turn when a background check error leads to a lost opportunity. Suddenly, your future is on hold—and you may not even know why.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys represent clients who’ve been wrongly denied jobs due to inaccurate background reports. Whether caused by identity mix-ups, outdated data, or reporting agency errors, these mistakes aren’t just unfair—they’re often illegal.
Here’s what you need to know—and how we can help you fight back.
Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you specific legal rights when it comes to employment background checks:
Written consent is required before a background check can be run.
You must be notified if negative information played a role in the hiring decision.
You have the right to dispute inaccuracies and demand corrections.
You’re entitled to a copy of the background check report used against you.
Employers cannot conduct background checks without your authorization, and you have every right to know what was found—and to challenge it.
⚠️ Credit history may only be considered for certain jobs (like law enforcement, finance, or roles involving cash or sensitive data).
What to Do When Background Check Errors Cost You a Job
If you’ve been denied employment due to a background report:
1. Request and Review the Report Immediately
You have a legal right to a copy. Check for inaccuracies like:
Criminal records that aren’t yours
Outdated case statuses (e.g., dismissals listed as convictions)
Incorrect Social Security or address data
2. Highlight Errors and Gather Proof
Note any mistakes and gather supporting documents—such as court records, dismissal paperwork, or identity verification materials.
3. File a Formal Dispute
Send your dispute to the background check agency. They are required by law to investigate and respond—usually within 30 days.
They may:
Correct the information
Remove the item from your report
Or (wrongly) refuse to change it
What If They Won’t Fix It?
Even after submitting proof, some background check agencies or employers still fail to take corrective action.
That’s where R23 Law’s California Background Check Violation Lawyers come in.
We help consumers like you:
- Enforce your FCRA rights
- Hold employers and agencies accountable
- Pursue financial compensation for job loss, reputational harm, and emotional distress
You don’t have to face this alone—and you shouldn’t.
Background Check Errors Are More Common Than You Think
Millions of Americans have experienced job delays or denials due to background check errors. These issues disproportionately affect those with common names, prior legal encounters, or histories of identity theft.
But mistakes like these don’t have to define your career path.
At R23 Law, our attorneys aggressively challenge background report inaccuracies and get results for clients whose futures were wrongly placed on hold.
Let’s Set the Record Straight
If your career has been derailed by a background check error, don’t wait.
🟧 Contact R23 Law today for a free consultation with our R23 Law California Background Check Lawyers. We’re multilingual, consumer-focused, and committed to defending your future—on your terms.
