SHUT OUT BY UBER? — What You Need to Know About Background Check Mistakes
Denied by Uber due to a background check error?
R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys explain how to fight back, protect your rights, and pursue compensation under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Background Checks and the Gig Economy: A Growing Legal Battleground
If you’ve been denied the opportunity to drive for Uber because of an inaccurate background check, you're not alone. Rideshare platforms like Uber and Uber Eats depend on automated screening systems to vet drivers—but these systems are far from flawless. And when they fail, it’s workers who pay the price.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys have seen firsthand how a single error on a background check can derail someone’s income, reputation, and employment prospects. That’s why we fight back—using federal laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to hold companies accountable and get our clients the justice they deserve.
What Is an Uber Background Check and Why Does It Matter?
Uber requires background checks on all drivers before they can accept ride requests. These checks typically review:
Driving history (e.g., violations, suspensions)
Criminal records (including misdemeanors and felonies)
Sex offender registries and other databases
Uber outsources these checks to third-party screening firms like Checkr—a company we’ve taken to court on behalf of numerous clients. While background checks are designed to ensure rider safety, they can easily go wrong due to outdated data, mismatched identities, or incomplete records.
Common Background Check Errors That Can Derail Your Uber Application
Some of the most frequent issues we see include:
Incorrect criminal convictions (e.g., confusing your record with someone else’s)
Outdated or expunged charges that should not appear
Misreported license suspensions or traffic citations
Social security number mismatches
These mistakes can trigger an "Adverse Action" notice—Uber’s way of saying you’re disqualified from driving. If this happened to you, you have the legal right to dispute it.
Know Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The FCRA protects consumers from unfair and inaccurate background reporting. Under this federal law, you have the right to:
Be notified if a background check caused your Uber rejection
Request a free copy of the report
Dispute any errors in writing
Seek legal remedies, including monetary damages, if the reporting agency fails to correct the issue
And remember: Checkr must investigate and respond to your dispute within 30 days.
Case Spotlight: When Checkr Got It Wrong
R23 Law recently secured a $50,000+ settlement for a client who was denied an Uber Eats job after Checkr falsely reported a DUI conviction. In another case, a Florida applicant was disqualified due to a mismatched Social Security number. We fought back, and justice was served.
These are just two of the many cases we’ve handled where background check errors cost innocent people their livelihoods.
Steps to Take If Uber Rejects You Due to a Background Check
If you’ve received an “Adverse Action” notice from Uber:
Request your report from Checkr or Uber.
Review it for errors like outdated charges, name mix-ups, or inaccurate driving records.
Dispute the error in writing—include documentation to support your claim.
Contact R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys to evaluate your legal options.
Don’t give up your rights. These platforms often ask drivers to waive their right to sue by using their online dispute tools. We recommend filing your dispute by certified mail and speaking with an attorney before agreeing to anything.
Why It’s Worth Fighting a Rejected Uber Background Check
An incorrect background check doesn’t just affect your ability to work for Uber—it can impact future job opportunities, damage your reputation, and create lasting financial hardship. Disputing the error is about more than getting the job—it’s about protecting your record and asserting your legal rights.
R23 Law: Defending Gig Workers from Background Check Abuse
Our legal team has filed hundreds of lawsuits against background check companies like Checkr for violating consumer rights. Whether you were denied a job, had your driving account deactivated, or lost income due to false reporting, we’re here to help you get answers—and get compensated.
With R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys on your side, you’re not just a case file. You’re a worker who deserves fair treatment and accurate reporting.
Think Your Uber Background Check Is Wrong?
📞 Contact R23 Law today for a free case review. We’ll evaluate your report, help you file a dispute, and take legal action if needed. We don’t back down—and we don’t settle for unfair treatment.
