Job Applicant Accuses Amazon of Running Credit Check Without Notice: What Job Seekers Need to Know
Background Context
In today’s competitive job market, background checks, including credit reports, have become a standard part of the hiring process for many large employers. However, these checks are governed by strict federal laws to protect applicants’ privacy and ensure fairness. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), enacted in 1970 and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), requires employers to obtain written permission before pulling a consumer report and to provide specific notices if the report influences an adverse hiring decision. This includes giving the applicant a copy of the report and time to dispute any inaccuracies before finalizing the decision. Violations of these rules can lead to lawsuits, as seen in recent cases against major companies.
The Lawsuit: Job Applicant Accuses Amazon
A recent class action lawsuit has spotlighted potential FCRA violations by one of the world’s largest employers. Job applicant Myeeshia Rigby accuses Amazon of running a credit check on her without providing the required advance notice or a copy of the report before deciding not to hire her. Filed on September 15, 2025, the complaint alleges that Amazon pulled her credit report as part of the application process but failed to disclose the findings or allow her to address them, directly contravening FCRA guidelines. This case echoes past accusations against Amazon, where the company has faced similar claims of improper background check practices dating back to 2015.
Rigby’s lawsuit seeks to represent a class of similarly affected applicants, highlighting a potential pattern in Amazon’s hiring procedures. While Amazon has not publicly responded to these specific allegations in the available reports, the case underscores growing scrutiny on tech giants’ employment practices amid rising concerns over data privacy and fair hiring.
Understanding FCRA Requirements for Credit Checks in Employment
Under the FCRA, employers must follow a clear process when using credit reports or other consumer reports for hiring decisions:
- Disclosure and Authorization: Before obtaining a report, provide a standalone written notice to the applicant and get their explicit written permission. This can’t be buried in the job application form.
- Pre-Adverse Action Notice: If the report might lead to not hiring the applicant, send them a copy of the report and a summary of their FCRA rights, giving them a chance to correct errors.
- Adverse Action Notice: After deciding against hiring, notify the applicant with details about the reporting agency and their right to dispute the information or get a free additional report within 60 days.
- Certification and Compliance: Employers must certify to the credit reporting agency that they’ve followed all rules and won’t misuse the data.
- Secure Disposal: Properly dispose of reports once no longer needed to prevent data breaches.
Failing any of these steps, as alleged in the Rigby case, can result in legal action, including class actions that could lead to significant penalties for the employer. Some states have additional restrictions on credit checks for employment, so job seekers should check local laws.
Implications for Job Applicants and Employers
This lawsuit serves as a reminder for job applicants to be vigilant about their rights. If you’ve applied to Amazon or similar companies and suspect improper handling of your credit report, document everything and consider consulting an employment lawyer. For employers, it highlights the importance of robust compliance programs to avoid costly litigation. With remote work and gig economy roles on the rise, expect more focus on transparent hiring practices.
Past cases against Amazon and others, like Uber, have resulted in settlements and policy changes, showing that these lawsuits can drive industry-wide improvements.
Suggested Authoritative Sources
For more in-depth information, consult these reliable sources:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Visit ftc.gov for official FCRA guidelines and consumer resources on background checks.
- Law.com: A leading legal news site covering employment law cases, including the latest on Rigby v. Amazon.
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): Offers insights on FCRA compliance for HR professionals.
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Provides guidance on how credit checks might intersect with anti-discrimination laws.
Meta Details
- Focus Keyword: Job Applicant Accuses Amazon
- Secondary Keywords: FCRA violations, Amazon lawsuit, credit check without notice, employment background checks
- Tags: Employment Law, Amazon News, FCRA Compliance, Job Applicant Rights, Class Action Lawsuits
- Categories: Business News, Legal Updates, Career Advice
- Word Count: Approximately 750
- Publish Date: September 16, 2025
- Author: Grok Insights