Checkr Background Check: Errors, Disputes, and Legal Solutions for Gig Workers
If you're driving for a gig economy platform like Uber, DoorDash, or Spark, chances are your background check was handled by a company called Checkr. Checkr is one of the largest background check agencies in the U.S., and it processes millions of reports each year - primarily for app-based gig work and rideshare companies.
But what happens when Checkr gets it wrong?
Every year, thousands of gig workers are deactivated, rejected, or denied access to platforms because of background check errors, outdated records, or even mistaken identity. Whether you're dealing with a Checkr background check dispute or wondering if you can sue Checkr for false information, this guide is for you.
What Is Checkr and Why Does It Matter?
Checkr is a third-party background check company that specializes in fast, automated screening for gig economy companies. It works with:
Uber (Uber Eats, UberX, UberXL)
DoorDash
Lyft
Instacart
Spark (Walmart delivery)
Grubhub, Shipt, and others
If you apply to any of these platforms, your identity, criminal history, and driving record are likely processed through Checkr. Unfortunately, the automation that makes Checkr fast can also lead to serious mistakes.
Checkr Background Check Errors
Background check mistakes can happen for a number of reasons. Some of the most frequent Checkr errors include:
Mixed files – Someone else’s criminal record appears on your report.
Outdated charges – Old arrests or dismissed cases that shouldn’t be reported.
Expunged or sealed records – These are legally barred from being included.
Driving history errors – Tickets or suspensions that don’t belong to you.
Inaccurate SSN or name match – Causing you to be misidentified.
These issues can lead to:
Deactivation from Uber, DoorDash, or Spark.
Missed income and opportunities.
Uber Background Check Failed – What Now?
If your Uber background check failed, the first thing to do is request a copy of your report. You have the right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to:
Know what was reported
Dispute any inaccurate or outdated information
Be notified before adverse action (e.g. deactivation or denial)
In many cases, drivers find errors they didn’t know existed until it was too late. If Uber used a Checkr report to reject or deactivate you without warning, they may have violated the FCRA.
DoorDash Background Check Failed?
DoorDash drivers frequently report being denied access due to Checkr reports that are incomplete or outdated. If you recently failed a background check with DoorDash, don’t assume you’re out of luck. You have the right to:
Dispute the report
Request correction
Seek legal help if your dispute is ignored
Just like Uber, DoorDash relies heavily on Checkr and uses automated decision-making, which means there’s plenty of room for error.
How to Dispute a Checkr Background Check
If you believe there’s a mistake in your report, here’s how to file a Checkr dispute:
Request your background check report directly from Checkr at Checkr’s Candidate Portal.
Review it for errors: look for criminal records, dates, or identifiers that don’t match.
Collect documentation to support your claim (court records, DMV records, etc.)
Submit a dispute through Checkr’s dispute page or mail it in. Be specific and attach your documents.
This process usually takes up to 30 days, during which time Checkr is required to investigate your claim and respond.
Tip: If you’re unsure how to write a proper dispute, consult a background check attorney. Filing incorrectly or without legal support can delay or weaken your case.
Sue Checkr for Reporting False Records?
Yes. If Checkr’s report caused you to lose a job, income, or access to an app, and the report contained false, outdated, or misleading information, you may have grounds to file a Checkr lawsuit under the FCRA.
You can sue Checkr for:
Reporting incorrect criminal history
Including sealed or expunged records
Failing to correct a known error after you disputed it
Violating your rights under the FCRA (like failing to notify you before taking action)
You may be entitled to compensation for:
Lost wages and income opportunities.
Emotional distress or reputational harm.
Statutory damages of up to $1,000 per violation.
Punitive damages in cases of willful misconduct.
Legal fees (you don’t pay unless you win).
When to Speak with a Background Check Lawyer
If your livelihood depends on gig work, and a background check error got you deactivated or blocked from apps like Uber, DoorDash, or Spark, don’t wait. A lawyer who handles FCRA violations and background check lawsuits can:
Review your report and identify violations
Help you dispute the error correctly
File a lawsuit against Checkr if needed
Fight for compensation — at no cost to you unless you win
Background check companies like Checkr must be held accountable when they make errors that harm workers.
Filing a Checkr lawsuit isn’t just about getting justice for yourself — it’s about making sure the system works fairly for everyone.
Whether you drive for Uber, deliver groceries, or work through Spark, your background check shouldn’t be a barrier to opportunity, especially when it’s based on false information.
If you’re facing
Deactivation from Uber, DoorDash, Spark, or other platforms
Dispute the report. Get legal advice. And if necessary, sue Checkr for damages under the FCRA.
You’ve worked hard to build your income - don’t let a background check mistake take it away.
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Have you been a victim of an inaccurate background check or have other questions? Contact us!
