FLAGGED AND FIRED — When Background Check Errors with HireRight Derail Your Career
The Hidden Threat in Your Job Application — Background Check Errors by HireRight
Imagine landing a job offer — only to lose it because of a background check error. You’re not alone. HireRight, one of the largest background screening companies in the world, has been at the center of reporting mistakes that cost applicants jobs, housing, and peace of mind.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys represent people who’ve been harmed by inaccurate, misleading, or outdated information in HireRight background checks. Whether you were denied a job, fired, or embarrassed by false data, you may have legal recourse.
Who Is HireRight and Why Do Employers Use Them?
HireRight is a global Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) that sells employment background checks to major corporations. They screen applicants for:
Criminal history
Driving records
Credit checks
Employment and education verification
Drug testing results
Social media activity
Many employers rely on this data to make hiring and firing decisions — but when the data is wrong, the consequences are personal and devastating.
Common HireRight Mistakes We See
HireRight is notorious for relying heavily on automated systems, third-party data, and outdated databases. This creates serious risks for job applicants.
Examples of common errors:
Reports showing someone else’s criminal record
Failure to remove expunged or outdated charges
Incorrect Social Security numbers
Employment history mismatches
Identity theft falsely reported as accurate background info
What Happens When a HireRight Report Is Wrong?
You might lose a job offer.
You might get fired — even after working at a company for months.
You might suffer reputational damage, financial stress, or emotional trauma.
Two real-world examples from page 8 of the uploaded document:
Amy lost a job offer when she was falsely linked to another person’s criminal record.
Gregory, a rideshare driver, was wrongfully terminated after HireRight mixed his name with someone convicted of shoplifting and obstruction.
In both cases, lawsuits were filed — and compensation was awarded.
Know Your Rights Under the FCRA
HireRight operates under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). That means you have legal protections, including:
Consent — No background check can be run without your permission.
Accuracy — You have the right to accurate, up-to-date information.
Review — You’re entitled to a copy of any report used against you.
Dispute — You can challenge false or misleading information.
Informed Rejection — Employers must tell you what specific info caused your denial.
Lawsuit Rights — You can sue for damages if you’ve suffered harm due to reporting errors.
Covered Legal Fees — If you win, HireRight may be required to pay your legal costs.
Can You Sue HireRight for a Bad Background Check?
Yes — and many people do. R23 Law helps clients sue companies like HireRight when they:
Report criminal records that don’t belong to you
Include outdated or sealed charges
Fail to follow dispute procedures
Cause you to lose a job or be wrongfully terminated
What to Do If You’ve Been Harmed by HireRight
Step 1: Request a copy of your report
HireRight must give you access to any background check used against you.
Step 2: Dispute the information
You can dispute errors directly with HireRight — but be cautious. Online platforms may include terms that waive your right to sue. We recommend disputing by certified mail for legal protection.
Step 3: Contact an attorney
Don’t let errors slide. Legal action may be your best (or only) path to justice — and financial compensation.
Contact R23 Law Today
📞 Toll-Free: 310-598-1588
📩 Schedule a Free Consultation
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Whether your job offer was rescinded or you were fired over false data, we’re here to hold background check companies accountable.
