Looking for a Job? Better check your credit report first!

Are you looking for a job?

Are you looking for a job? If you are looking for a job, then you better check your credit reports. In July, almost 1 million people found a new job, according to the Department of Labor. The U.S. Secretary of Labor stated:

“Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the American economy added 943,000 jobs in the month of July, and the unemployment rate was 5.4 percent, down from 5.9 percent in June. With an average of 832,000 new jobs over the past three months, this robust and sustained job growth is built on the Biden administration’s progress getting people vaccinated and investing in America’s workers, businesses and communities.”

Employment Background Reports Influence Hiring Decisions

While credit reports are traditionally used to determine borrowers’ eligibility for credit, such as a mortgage or a car loan, employers frequently use credit reports to make hiring decisions. Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), employers can obtain an applicant’s background report, but the employer must obtain written authorization from the applicant before doing so.

These types of consumer reports are known as employment background reports. Some employers use background reports to verify the applicant’s identity. Other employers use background reports to examine the applicant’s financial responsibility or criminal history.

Employers May Reject Applicants with Poor Credit History

Employers may reject a job applicant based on poor credit history. Often, employers who are hiring candidates to handle cash or have access to to financial information will heavily weigh an applicant’s credit history where determining whether to hire a candidate. Poor credit history may be considered as fiscal irresponsibility.

Employers May Reject Applicants with Criminal History

Employers may reject job applicants based on criminal history on a employment background report. Like credit reports, employment background reports are prone to errors. Background report errors may include criminal history that belongs to different person who has a similar name. Employment background reports may include outdated criminal history, such as arrests that are more than 7 years old and that did not result in a conviction. Background report errors may also include criminal history that is incomplete or outdated, such as a felony that was lower to a misdemeanor or expunged.

Job Applicants are Entitled to Free Credit Reports

Job applicants who are unemployed and seeking employment are entitled to a free credit report under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Applicants can request their free credit reports from the nationwide consumer reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Call 1.877.322.8228 to order your free credit reports. Or, go online and request your credit reports from Equifax, Experian and Trans Union at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Dispute Background Report Errors

Job applicants have the right to dispute background report errors. If a background report includes false, outdated or incomplete information, then the applicant should dispute the background report error. The background dispute should be made in writing and sent by certified mail. This will a written record of the dispute. If the background reporting agency refuses to delete the false information or verifies the false information as a result of an unreasonable reinvestigation, then consumers may sue the background reporting company. Successful consumers will be entitled to actual damages, such as lost wages, attorney’s fees and costs, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

The Adkins Firm Represents Job Applicants who Have Background Report Errors

The Adkins Firm represents job applicants who have employment background report errors. We represent consumers in federal court across the U.S. to help them clear their good name.

Have you been denied employment because of errors on an employment background report? Have you disputed the false information to the background reporting company and the company refuses to delete the false information? If you answered yes, then you may be entitled to money damages under the FCRA.

Contact The Adkins Firm to review your potential claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Remember, its your credit report!