How to verify a registry before mailing sensitive documents

[apoppyfield]

I applied for a RN position on Indeed.com and within a day, I received an email requesting my SSN, DL, nursing license, hiring docs, etc., etc. for positions upcoming through CDC. No interview. Needless to say, I was thrilled and got everything emailed in as soon as possible. That was over a month ago and I touch bases frequently and they keep saying I should hear "anytime." In the mean time, I keep wondering if I should have sent those documents to an agency that I contacted over the internet. I have never been asked to provide these type of documents until after a face to face interview, when a job offer is made. It makes me a little nervous. I was wondering if anyone has experience applying to these agencies and if there is a way to verify that they really do have a placement contract.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I applied for a RN position on Indeed.com and within a day, I received an email requesting my SSN, DL, nursing license, hiring docs, etc., etc. for positions upcoming through CDC.

Was it actually the CDC that contacted you? Or was it someone acting on "behalf" of the CDC?

ETA: never mind, I see it's was an agency. See above post.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I applied for a RN position on Indeed.com and within a day, I received an email requesting my SSN, DL, nursing license, hiring docs, etc., etc. for positions upcoming through CDC. No interview. Needless to say, I was thrilled and got everything emailed in as soon as possible. That was over a month ago and...............

My alert went up when I read that you provided your SSN; I can't think of a single reason for this to be needed before they've even interviewed you. Not until you are hired and completing payroll info, actually. So yes, I think there's a hook being dangled and I hope you're not caught on it.

Good luck.

[Smiley06]

When I feel like something fishy is going on I usually google the company. I look for reviews and BBB ratings. Many people probably are thinking the same thing and will report that the company indeed is a scam or that they are legit. Many scams will go after the unemployed because they are desperate to find a job. My boyfriends did the same thing you did and then was asked to send in money for the application process. I advised him that that was not a great idea. Since you have spoken with the recruiter this may not be your case.

And also I understand how it feels to be so excited about something that you dont even think twice about throwing out info. I signed up to volunteer at my local hospital and the lady called and asked for my SSN and I gave it to her with no hesitation and afterwords I was like what the heck did I just do. But it turned out to be legit.

P.S.- In reply to your eat your young comment- I don't think anyone means any harm in replying to your post.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Many scams will go after the unemployed because they are desperate to find a job.

And I imagine they're having a field day with desperate new grads that are willing to jump at any nursing job opportunity :/

If a job opportunity sounds a little too good to be true, proceed with caution because there's a good chance it is.

[apoppyfield, BSN, RN]

My alert went up when I read that you provided your SSN; I can't think of a single reason for this to be needed before they've even interviewed you. Not until you are hired and completing payroll info, actually. So yes, I think there's a hook being dangled and I hope you're not caught on it.

Good luck.

The reason they require these documents is that they have to send over the documents for the prison's gate clearance. If the applicant can't get inside, they can't work there. Just to put everyone at ease, I was finally able to get ahold of a state analyst who verified the registry was legitimate. It would seem that there should be an easy way for applicants to verify the legitimacy of a potential employer without going through this maze. This is all a good reminder to be prudent in the job search as not everyone is legitimate.

[apoppyfield, BSN, RN]

I signed up to volunteer at my local hospital and the lady called and asked for my SSN and I gave it to her with no hesitation and afterwords I was like what the heck did I just do. But it turned out to be legit.

P.S.- In reply to your eat your young comment- I don't think anyone means any harm in replying to your post.

I think the key is that you initiated the contact. No harm taken.

[apoppyfield, BSN, RN]

Verifying registries...

If you get contacted by a company...Google them first. Do a little research about the company. Don't rely on the URL they may send in the e-mail, but find the company online yourself...see if you can find the job listing itself there. See if you can find the name/e-mail of whoever contacted you on that website.

Ask friends/coworkers if they've heard of the company and if so, what's their opinion of it.

Look in your local telephone directory to see if they're listed. Contact the BBB to see if they're listed. Contact Joint to see if they are accredited. Contact your local BON and/or the secretary of your local state to ask everything GrnTea told you to ask.

Don't automatically respond to e-mail, website or telephone inquiries for sensitive information. If possible, go in person to fill out an application.

Consider contacting the three credit reporting companies (Equifax, Trans Union, and that other one), let them know that your SSN and personal info has potentially been compromised, and ask if there's anything you can do to protect your credit history. Perhaps they can place an alert on your accounts.

Hopefully nothing will come from this. Best of luck.

This is all great information, thanks for your input.

[Smiley06]

Im glad it worked out! Hope you get the job

[apoppyfield, BSN, RN]

Thanks Smiley, I hope so too. Thanks to everyone who replied to the post.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Thread closed per OPs request as the concern seems to be resolved favorably.