Employment Screening Services and Fair Credit Report...Ever Heard? (credit card, employer, job)

[sfcitygirl84]

I was recently hired for a new position (I start today) but last week, I was emailed a couple of forms to fill out, including Fair Credit Report and employment screening services.

I was a victim of identity theft in the past (person opened up numerous credit card accounts under my name when I was in college a couple of years ago) and since then, I've not been able to open credit cards, take out loans, etc. My credit score dropped dramatically. I was let go from last job within two days and I am assuming because of this (i was only there for 2 days....no access to computer, nothing). Do you know what 'fair credit report' reports to new employers? Im worried!

And lastly,

Since I was let go from that employer (a couple of months ago), I am worried that the Employment screening services will show that. Do you know to what extent the ESS will go to report about past employment? I dont want it to show up that i was fired in 2 days.

I am worried! Please help.

Thanks!

[johnp292]

I'm assuming the form you are referring to is the disclosure and authorization for a credit report that is required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) which is a federal law that governs the use of credit reports. An employer needs to provide this disclosure to you as well as obtain your authorization to get credit reports as well as other types of reports that they may obtain from companies who come under the regulations in the FCRA (such as TheWorkNumber, a service that provides employment and possibly payroll data). I doubt there is actually a company or service called "Fair Credit Report."

Most employers get these forms signed, even if they are not actually going to run a credit check, so your past identity theft problems may or may not come to light.

If the previous employer terminated you as a result of information they obtained in a credit report, they are required by law (the FCRA, in fact) to notify you that that is the reason they took that action, as well as provide you with the name and address of the credit bureau(s) that they obtained the information from. If you didn't get that notification it is likely that they terminated you for some other reason. Didn't you ask?