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id theft/background checks

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  • #1

    id theft/background checks

    I am not sure what folder to put this in, but I need advice bad.

    I'm out of work right now, and every interview I've gone on has went well but I don't get the job. Some of these are positions where there have been 5 people applying for 10 jobs.

    I had my ID stolen in 2000 by a (former) friend. I've since cleaned up my credit, and everything else (she never had my SSN). However I'm wondering if she committed any crimes in my name, and that's the reason that I am not getting hired.

    Is there any way to get a background check the same way you would a credit report. And if there is fradulent info on it, how would I go about correcting it and clearing my name.
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  • #2
    Your credit report should show if there is any criminal judgements in your name.

    Beyond that you would probably have to pay for a background check.

    Sorry of little help, but since I just had my ID stolen I know all the reports have a section for criminal activity and stuff. I am not exactly sure what would or would not be covered there - have you checked your credit reports?

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    • #3
      ID theft is a big fear of mine... I feel for you.

      I agree with MonkeyMama, get your free credit reports to see if anything looks odd there. Maybe you should even do a background check on yourself for piece of mind.

      Another thing worth trying... can you contact these places where you interviewed and politely ask them why you weren't chosen for the position? Mention that you're asking to improve your chances at future interviews; otherwise they may question your motives for asking.

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      • #4
        I think that credit reports generally show only civil judgments against you, for example where you didn't pay money to someone and got sued and lost. I don't think criminal records show up there.

        Maybe you could call the local police and ask how you can get reports which will show criminal records? Or call your local courthouse (criminal division).

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        • #5
          I pulled my credit reports about 6 months ago. Everything on there was my own doing.

          I was friends with the person who stole my ID, so she knows personal information about me that others may not know (my birth date, address, mother's maiden name-- in my case my middle name, school info, etc.

          And I would not put it past her to committ crimes, in high school she bragged about shoplifting

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          • #6
            This article says you can get a "ChoicePoint" background report on yourself free if they already have a report about you. The report must be available to you free once per year under the same law as credit reports must be available.

            The ABCs of pre-employment background checks

            Years ago, I wondered if something might be showing up in a background check, too. I interviewed at two different places, was shown all around the labs (research), introduced to people, and in one case even got out calendars to talk about their flexibility in where I could fit into the schedule (part time, second shift and weekends, and fill-in for vacationers, with a certain amount of other work done at the time of my own choosing). There was a second institution housed on the same campus as the one I was interviewing with, but there is collaboration; I was taken there and introduced around to their staff. I thought I was getting everything but the formal, "You're hired!" In the end I did not get either job. Felt really odd to me, but I was only later given the reason, "We found someone more qualified."
            "There is some ontological doubt as to whether it may even be possible in principle to nail down these things in the universe we're given to study." --text msg from my kid

            "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." --Frederick Douglass

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            • #7
              there are agencies that can do that for you online, although they'll charge you a fee.
              also, ask for feedback, maybe they'll mention it if thats the case.

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              • #8
                My state has court records online. I can look up anyone's name to find out about speeding tickets, divorces, criminal charges, etc.

                I would think that most states have something like this.

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                • #9
                  That's sort of a scary thing. I really think that there is too much private information available to whomever wants it. I'm including health information as well. I think that you can call the police dept to check someone out if you have the right information. My friend did that when they rented out a house and wasn't sure of the person. A listing came back as a felony against the person. Remember it only has to be a certain amount of unpaid and its considered a felony. So, that could be one of your problems. Call your police department and see what's available.

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