Amazon Flex Background Checks: Everything You Need to Know
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- Amazon Flex Background Checks: Everything You Need to Know
How to Fix Errors in Your Amazon Flex Background Check: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Facing issues with an incorrect Amazon Flex background check? Our article provides guidance on identifying errors, disputing inaccuracies, and seeking the help you need to correct your background check. Learn the steps to take and the resources available to ensure your record is accurate and fair.
If you’ve ever ordered something from Amazon, chances are you’ve had your items delivered by an Amazon Flex delivery driver. Often, Amazon Flex drivers will wear blue vests with Amazon written on the front, but sometimes they are in regular clothes without the vests and can deliver at many hours throughout the day or night, depending on which options you choose at checkout. Amazon Flex or “Flex” has made ordering packages and receiving next-day delivery a top choice for many consumers.
We examine what you should know about Amazon Flex including what it is, Amazon Flex background check requirements, what to do if you find background check errors, and who to contact for help if you want to file an Amazon Flex lawsuit. Read on for additional details!
Amazon Flex requires a thorough background check, including driving history and criminal records, to ensure safe deliveries.
What is Amazon Flex?
Amazon Flex is a delivery service where individuals use their own vehicles to work as independent contractors for Amazon, delivering packages. This service offers a great opportunity for individuals to earn extra money by delivering packages for Amazon.
Working for Flex is in high demand and may not always be accepting applicants in some cities due to delivery needs. Therefore, Flex may be available in an area, but not actively onboarding delivery drivers in select cities. If that happens, prospective Flex workers have the option of signing up for Amazon’s “interest list” and whenever there is an opening in a particular location, workers will be contacted by Amazon and presented with an opportunity to work for Flex.
Delivering packages through Amazon Flex involves a background check before you are allowed to work for the company. Keep reading as we take an in-depth look at the Amazon Flex background check process, including the types of records reviewed, the background screening company Amazon works with, and what to do when you find errors. Let’s dive in!
Does Amazon Flex Require a Background Check?
Yes. Amazon conducts a thorough background check on all prospective Flex drivers. This check reviews driving history and criminal records to determine if an individual is qualified to deliver for Amazon. The goal is to ensure that Amazon has reliable drivers who can meet their delivery goals safely. Amazon requires background checks because drivers will be responsible for delivering customers’ packages and it is of utmost importance that delivery drivers are trustworthy and follow Amazon’s policies and procedures to safely deliver the packages ensuring that both drivers and customers are safe, and their valuables are intact. Therefore, a Flex background check is necessary!
What Company Provides Background Checks for Amazon Flex?
Amazon uses Accurate, a third-party company, to conduct background checks on potential drivers. Accurate is an industry leader in providing comprehensive technological and database solutions for quick and “accurate” reports.
Accurate is a leader in the industry but is certainly not without reproach. Even the largest and most well-known background check companies have erroneously reported our clients’ information causing them to contact one of our background check attorneys for assistance.
What do Amazon Flex Background Checks Look for?
Amazon Flex background checks typically review the following:
- Licenses: Previous licenses issued and driving history. Any moving violations or accidents will usually disqualify an applicant.
- Criminal history: Misdemeanor and felony records or charges related to theft or fraud can disqualify you.
- Health and drug screenings: These tests for substance and drug abuse. These are not always required for Flex positions, but are offered by Amazon’s partner, Accurate.
- Social Security number trace: SSN traces help verify identity and ensure drivers are who they claim to be.
- Registered sex offender status: Checks for any registration as a sex offender.
The purpose of these checks is to reduce safety risks and ensure customers’ confidence in Amazon’s delivery services. The exact screenings required by Amazon Flex as well as other “gig jobs” can and often do change so it’s a good idea for you to review the Amazon Flex website and download the app for additional details.
How Long Do Amazon Flex Background Checks Take?
Amazon Flex background check times vary. Most results go back 7 to 10 years and take about 2-14 days to complete. However, the Accurate platform uses multiple databases to expedite the process. In some cases, it might take longer, especially for common names or records from multiple states.
If you applied recently and haven't received a decision, keep monitoring your Amazon Flex application. New driving opportunities open daily, so it's important to stay proactive.
I Failed an Amazon Flex Background Check! What Now?
Sometimes failing a Flex background check may cause you to have your account deactivated. If this happens, try to remain calm and find out the reason for the failed background check. You have a right to know which specific information in your background check report caused you to fail.
Amazon Flex Appeal
If you failed a background check for a technical glitch or some other reason that may be easy to fix, you can file what is known as an Amazon Flex deactivation appeal. After you submit the appeal letter, it will be reviewed, and Amazon will determine whether to reinstate your account.
Submit your deactivation appeal to: [email protected]
Also, check out Amazon Flex’s FAQ section for more details about appeals.
Common Amazon Flex Background Check Errors
Sometimes appealing a decision is not an option because of false background check reporting. If you were denied employment due to errors found in your background check, you were likely denied because of one of the following errors:
- Human and clerical errors (inputting incorrect data).
- Mix-up of criminal charges.
- Mismatched details between applicants.
- Outdated and old information being reported.
- Incorrect reporting from third-party agencies.
If there are mistakes that caused your account to be deactivated, you can reach out to Amazon Flex support to explain your situation and request that your account is reactivated.
There are some instances when appealing is not an option because the background check company, Accurate reported false information that caused you to lose out on an Amazon Flex job opportunity. In this case, you have a legal right to dispute the errors, have them removed, and file a lawsuit if the company refuses to remove the mistakes.
What to do if You Find Errors on an Amazon Flex Background Check
If you were denied employment because of a mistake or if your account was deactivated for a background check error, you have options. One of your options granted by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is the right to dispute background check errors.
Check out the chart below with steps to assist you in the dispute process. Be sure to check out the helpful links included.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Seek Legal Counsel | Start the dispute process by contacting consumer attorneys experienced in handling background check error cases. |
| 2. Get Your Background Check Reports | Request copies of your background check report from Accurate and other relevant agencies. |
| 3. Highlight Inaccuracies | Examine your reports carefully, documenting inaccuracies. |
| 4. Inform Accurate | Notify Accurate of erroneous information in your background check report. Accurate’s mailing address for disputes: Accurate Background Dispute Department 200 Spectrum Center Drive, Suite 1100 Irvine, California 92618 |
| 5. Send Dispute Letters | Write dispute letters to Accurate and clearly explain why the information is incorrect and provide supporting documentation to substantiate your claim. Send letters via certified mail. Certified mail requires you to waive less rights than filing online. |
| 6. Document EVERYTHING | Keep records of all actions taken to dispute the incorrect information. |
| 7. Follow Up | The dispute process can take 30 days. Follow up with Accurate and to ensure your disputes are being reviewed according to the FCRA. |
Being straightforward with both Amazon Flex and Accurate is powerful. Correcting mistakes can demonstrate your commitment and integrity. However, having the errors removed and your account reactivated is not guaranteed.
If Accurate refuses to remove errors on your background check, you have a right to file a lawsuit. If you’d like to learn more about an Amazon Flex lawsuit, or have any other Flex-related concerns, you should contact attorneys with extensive FCRA and background check experience for help.
Contact Us for Help!
Errors in background checks can prevent you from driving for Amazon Flex.
Double-check your report and know your rights to dispute inaccuracies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Amazon Flex does not state on its website that a credit check is performed as part of its background screening process. A credit check is required for “DSP” business partners, but that is a different offering. The requirements to drive for Flex include living in a city where Flex operates, being 21 or older, having a valid United States license and social security number. You should also have a mid-sized or larger vehicle and insurance. Amazon also requires an Android smartphone or an iPhone and a savings or checking account. Instead of focusing on credit, the focus is on your driving record, criminal history, and overall reliability as a driver.
Yes, earnings from Amazon Flex are considered taxable income. Working for Flex, you are an independent contractor, and will receive an independent worker (1099) form at the end of the work year, which reports your earnings to the IRS. Be sure to document your income and work-related expenses during the year to accurately report your earnings and claim any deductions allowed for 1099 workers on your tax return. Unlike traditional employment, taxes are not withheld from your payments, so you may need to make estimated tax payments quarterly. Consider consulting with a tax or legal professional for more information.
If your Amazon Flex background check is taking longer than expected, several factors could be contributing to the delay. Sometimes an Amazon Flex background check fails and that is the reason for the delay. Other reasons include the need for a secondary check if your name is common, which can cause confusion with other individuals' records. Additionally, inconsistencies or discrepancies in your application can prompt further investigation. Outstanding tickets or unresolved issues in your motor vehicle record might also lead to delays. The process typically takes 2 to 14 days, so it’s important to remain patient and check your application status regularly for updates from Amazon Flex.
After your background check, if you pass, Amazon Flex will notify you that you passed and inform you of next steps in the onboarding process. Next steps may include requesting that you provide additional personal details, uploading a selfie, and working through the Flex driving app to ensure you are ready to begin accepting deliveries. If for some reason you complete a background check and you fail, by law, you must be notified and provided with a copy of the results when requested. Even if you pass the background check, we suggest getting a copy of your results and reviewing them for accuracy.
Daniel Cohen is the Founder of Consumer Attorneys. Daniel manages the firm’s branding, marketing, client intake and business development efforts. Since 2017, he is a member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates and the National Consumer Law Center. Mr. Cohen is a nationally-recognized practitioner of consumer protection law. He has a we... Read more
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