Does My Employer Look at My Credit Report?

Job hunting can be stressful and often requires just as much work as a full-time position. You likely have a full plate between revamping your resume, filling out applications, and scheduling interviews. However, it may surprise you that some employers can also look at your credit history when considering you for a position. Your current employer may even pull your credit report if you are seeking a promotion.

If you are anxious about what your current or future employer may see on your credit report, it is essential to contact an experienced FCRA attorney to review your options. Your attorney can help ensure your consumer rights are protected and advise you on the best path forward.

Why an Employer May Check Your Credit

While each employer may have different motivations for checking your credit report, the most common reason is to evaluate an applicant’s ability to handle money. This is especially common if you are applying for a finance sector position or another career where managing money is part of the job. The employer will not be able to see your credit score, but they will be able to see the accounts you have opened, the amount of time it’s been open, and if you made your payments on time. However, they will not be able to see your account numbers or any information on your spouse.

Many employers believe that an applicant skilled at managing their own finances would apply that same level of care to finance-related projects at work. On the other hand, if an employer does not think an applicant has a handle on their finances, they may not want them managing the assets of the company or their clients. In most states, including Florida, an employer can legally deny someone employment based on their credit history. Since the stakes are high, it may be in your best interest to review your credit with a credit repair attorney so that you can dispute any inaccuracies that could cause concern.

What Are My Rights When an Employer Checks My Credit?

When an employer checks your credit as part of a pre-employment background check, they must comply with Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulations. An employer is legally obligated to do the following things when they check your credit:

• Let you know in writing that the information in the background and credit check will be used to inform their hiring decisions
• Receive permission from you in writing before they request the credit report
• Let you know if you have been removed from consideration due to the information in your credit report
• Provide you with a copy of the report if you are rejected based on your credit
• Give you a written or oral explanation of why your credit was grounds for not hiring you
• Allow time for you to dispute the contents of the report
• Securely destroy your credit report and any information contained in it

If the employer fails to follow any of the above procedures, they may be in violation of the FCRA. A skilled FCRA attorney can review the details of your case and report to see if your rights have been violated.

Talk to an Expert FCRA Attorney in Fort Lauderdale

If you are unsure of how to handle a pre-employment credit check, a trusted FCRA attorney may be able to help. Attorney Jibrael S. Hindi of the Law Offices of Jibrael S. Hindi has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of consumers in the Fort Lauderdale area. He and his team of legal professionals advocate for their clients so they can stand up to any company that has violated their rights. Our firm takes cases on a contingency basis whereby the firm does not get paid unless a recovery is obtained on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our highly-qualified team, call us today at (844) 542-7235 or reach out through our contact form.