Can You Sue a Background Check Company for Reporting False Information on Your Report?
Yes - you can sue a background check company if they report false, outdated, or misleading information on your report. Federal law requires background check agencies to make sure your report is accurate, and when they fail to do that, you may be entitled to compensation.
When Can You Legally Sue a Background Check Company?
You may have a case when the background check company:
Reported criminal charges that were dismissed, expunged, or sealed
Mixed your identity with someone else’s
Reported outdated or incorrect information
Classified charges incorrectly (ex: misdemeanor shown as felony)
Ignored documents proving the information was wrong
Refused to correct errors after a dispute
It costs you a job or delays a hiring decision
Even a small error can be enough for a lawsuit if it affects your employment.
What Law Protects You From False Background Check Information?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to:
An accurate background check
A free copy of your report
A proper reinvestigation of any errors
Correction or deletion of incorrect information
An explanation of the results
If a background check company violates these rights, you can sue for:
statutory damages
actual (economic) damages
emotional distress
attorney’s fees
punitive damages in severe cases
What to Do If You Believe You Have a Case
If you think you’ve been harmed by false information, here’s what to do:
Get a copy of your background check
Identify the incorrect items
Gather proof (court paperwork, ID, employer statements, etc.)
Document any job loss or delays
Contact an attorney to evaluate the violation
Most FCRA claims require no upfront cost, because attorneys recover fees from the violating company.
How We Can Help
If a background check company reported false information about you, we can pursue a legal claim and seek compensation for the harm caused. These cases are often strong and require no out-of-pocket cost.