Lawsuit Investigation Over USPS Background Checks
Last Updated on January 5, 2018
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter.
Check back for any potential updates and take a look at our open investigations here. The information on this page is for reference only.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who applied for a job with the United States Postal Service between January 2015 and October 2015 in California, Oregon, Alaska or Hawaii.
- What's Going On?
- Attorneys working have reason to believe the agency ran illegal background checks during this time. Now, they want to hear from USPS job applicants – including current employees – to help determine whether a class action lawsuit can be filed.
- If a Lawsuit Is Filed, How Can It Help Me?
- You may be able to receive up to $1,000 in damages.
- How Much Does It Cost to Talk to a Lawyer?
- Nothing, and you're not obligated to take legal action simply for getting in touch.
Attorneys are speaking with anyone who applied for a job with the United States Postal Service (USPS) between January 2015 and October 2015 in California, Oregon, Alaska or Hawaii.
They have reason to believe the government agency ran illegal background checks on job applicants during this time. Now, USPS job applicants – including current employees – may be to file a class action lawsuit to recover up to $1,000 each if enough people come forward.
Illegal Background Checks? What’s Going On Exactly?
Attorneys have reason to believe that USPS may have violated job seekers’ rights in two ways.
Failing to provide certain written disclosures to job applicants. Under a federal law known as The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), companies must provide applicants with “clear and conspicuous disclosure” in writing that a background check may be run. In addition, this disclosure must be separate from all other documents and cannot be hidden in a job application.
Failing to furnish job applicants with certain documents in the event someone is not hired due to something in their background checks. Companies who choose not to hire somebody because of something in their background check must do two things. They must provide the applicant with a copy of the report, as well as a copy of their rights. (This document is titled “A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.”) Providing these documents allows applicants the chance to dispute inaccurate reports, respond to information contained therein, and learn that the background check is the reason they did not get hired.
What Could I Get from a Lawsuit?
If a lawsuit is filed and successful, USPS job applicants may be able to receive up to $1,000 in damages. Furthermore, a class action could help ensure the agency properly screens and informs those who apply in the future.
What You Can Do
If you interviewed with or applied to USPS between January 2015 and October 2015 in California, Oregon, Alaska or Hawaii, your story may be able to help get a class action started.
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