Employment Credit Reports: Your Rights

An employer needs written permission to obtain an employment background report and must follow notice steps before taking adverse action.

Permission first

An employer generally must provide a standalone disclosure and get written permission before obtaining a consumer report for employment.

Before adverse action

Before rejecting or taking another adverse step based on the report, the employer generally must provide a copy and a summary of rights.

After adverse action

The employer must provide an adverse-action notice with the reporting company’s contact information and explain dispute rights.

Fix the source

Request the report, identify exact inaccuracies, and dispute with the reporting company. The employer does not decide the bureau investigation.