CRIMINAL RECORD OR CLERICAL ERROR? — What Employers Really See
If you’re applying for a job in California, chances are high that your future employer will run a background check. While it might seem like a routine part of the hiring process, even a small mistake—or worse, identity theft—can cost you the job.
At R23 Law, we’ve seen firsthand how background check errors can derail promising careers. Whether you’re the victim of mistaken identity or your report includes outdated or false information, we’re here to help you clear your name and move forward confidently.
🕵️ What Shows Up on a Background Check?
Employers typically review:
• Criminal history
• Employment history
• Education & credentials
• Driving records
• Credit reports (in some cases)
• Identity verification (fingerprints, SSN, aliases)
But what happens when something on your report isn’t accurate? That’s where things get tricky—and where your legal rights kick in.
⚖️ When Background Checks Go Off the Rails
Imagine applying for your dream job, only to be denied because your background report mistakenly lists a felony you never committed. It happens more often than you’d think—and in some cases, it’s due to identity theft, data entry errors, or outdated records.
In fact, employers who don’t do their due diligence before hiring can find themselves in serious legal trouble. One extreme case involved a cable installer who—after being hired without a proper background check—committed a violent crime. The company was later hit with $7 billion in punitive damages for failing to screen the employee properly .
On the flip side, inaccurate background checks can destroy your reputation and opportunities. And under California law, that’s not okay.
🛡️ Know Your Rights: California Law Has Your Back
California is one of the most protective states in the nation when it comes to background check laws. Two major laws apply:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – A federal law that gives you the right to access, dispute, and correct information in your consumer reports.
The Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (ICRAA) – A California law that provides even stricter protections, including:
• A 7-year limit on reporting criminal convictions.
• Required disclosure and written consent before a background check is run.
• The right to receive a copy of your report upon request.
If your report includes incorrect or unverifiable information—or if you were denied employment because of it—you may be entitled to compensation.
🧾 What You Can Do If Your Background Check Has Errors
✅ Request your full report
✅ Check for mistakes: wrong name, outdated records, or false entries
✅ Dispute inaccuracies in writing
✅ Keep copies of all communications
✅ Contact a consumer protection attorney
R23 Law’s California Background Check Violation Lawyers have helped hundreds of Californians correct background check errors and fight back against unjust denials. You don’t have to navigate the dispute process alone—and if you’ve been harmed, we can help you seek financial compensation.
🧠 Pro Tip: Identity Theft Is Often Behind the Errors
Some background check errors are the result of criminal identity theft, where someone uses your name or Social Security number to commit fraud. Others may stem from domestic identity theft, often seen in cases of financial abuse by a spouse or family member.
If your background check reveals criminal activity you didn’t commit, R23 Law can investigate whether identity theft is to blame—and take legal action on your behalf.
📝 Bottom Line: You Have the Right to Be Accurately Represented
Your future shouldn’t be ruined by someone else’s mistake—or malice. If a background check has cost you a job, housing, or peace of mind, R23 Law is here to help.
Contact our California Background Check Violation Lawyers for a free consultation today.
We’ll review your report, explain your rights, and fight to restore your reputation—and your future.
