Background check companies offer a convenient way to gather information on an individual without the hassle. But these agencies are responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date information. Erroneous reports can prevent someone from employment, housing, and credit opportunities. Our attorneys are investigating Accurint, a widely used background check service, for publishing inaccurate and outdated criminal records in consumer reports. Learn more about our investigation and find out if we can help you.
Overview
Accurint is a LexisNexis product used in several industries, including law enforcement, debt collection, and healthcare. These reports can play a critical role in someone’s career or economic situation. However, a disclaimer on Accurint’s website admits that the information in its background reports “should not be relied upon as definitively accurate.” With this in mind, we’re investigating Accurint for their practices and seeking clients who have suffered from the publication of stale or expunged records.
Employment Check Protections
Inaccurate background checks may prevent someone from getting a new job or even keeping their existing one. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a safeguard for consumers and ensures the accuracy of their private information. Employment background checks are viewed as “consumer reports” by the FCRA, which provides applicants with legal options if the information is inaccurate.
Compliance with the FCRA often involves taking a few key actions. First, an employer must get permission before running a background check. Second, an employer must provide you with a copy of the consumer report and permit you to dispute or explain the information before taking adverse action against you.
Any company that sells or uses consumer reports is bound by the FCRA and its penalties for violations.
Accurint Reports: Common Problems
The FCRA protects consumer reports containing criminal background information. Our attorneys have found evidence that Accurint reports improperly include information relating to arrests and expungements. Pursuant to the FCRA, consumer reports CANNOT include:
- Expunged criminal records
- Records of arrests that did not result in convictions from more than seven years ago.
Convictions of any age are permissible, but false information about a previous criminal history can damage someone’s life. Negligence by companies such as Accurint can cost consumers employment opportunities by displaying incorrect information. The FCRA can help you hold companies accountable for violating your rights.
Representation for Accurint Background Check Errors
Maginnis Howard has written extensively on the FCRA and continues to accept cases on the subject. For more information on Accurint, or other background check companies, visit our dedicated Unfair Background Check website. If you believe Accurint or any other background check agency has violated the FCRA, reach out to us as soon as possible. To speak with an attorney, please call our office at (919) 526-0450 or submit an email request through our contact page.
