Credit Checks

Outten & Golden attorneys are experienced in assisting individuals who have not been hired, have had a job offer revoked, or have been fired because they had poor credit history. Background checks, and particularly credit checks, have become common tools for employers screening job candidates.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets the standards for using credit reports to screen applicants for employment. Before an employer can obtain a consumer report or run a credit check for employment purposes, it must notify the applicant in writing and receive the applicant’s written authorization. If the employer makes an employment decision based on a credit report it must notify the employee or applicant in writing and provide a copy of the report. Outten & Golden can consult with people who believe that their employers or prospective employers have misused their credit histories to discuss their rights and available remedies.