Very strict credit check is coming. Errors on credit report.

[UGADawgs]

So, I have an interview at a prison on Monday.

The prison is run by a private company, but has a contract with the US Marshals. As such, they have very strict standards about credit history.

Apparently, they won't hire you if you have any debt more than 90 days old, even if it's like 5 bucks.

I got my own credit reports from the big 3 today in the process of running a background check on myself just to see if everything was kosher, and what to my surprise...some jerk has been reporting that I am in collection for a very low dollar (sub-$100) account for the past 3 years. It's been on there since 2009 and I didn't know about it because I haven't checked my own credit report in years.

Do they just take whatever is on the credit report at face-value? I would like to dispute the debt since it isn't mine, but if they want to make a hiring decision next week then I may have no choice but to pay it.

Since it's such a low amount that I could pay with a phone call, do you think they would be willing to let me know if I'm definitely the one they want to hire first and then give me the opportunity to pay it before they hire me? Because if I don't get the job I don't want to pay it. It is scheduled to disappear from the reports next year.

[nursefrances, BSN, RN]

Did you contact the debtor and tell them about the error? Maybe they will remove it. Good luck to you and hope you get the job.

[caliotter3]

When I had my credit report situation come up during a background check, I provided a rundown of what I had done about it. Since I had already addressed the issues that showed up, it went ok for me. However you choose to handle the "bill", do it now, if you want to be able to rebut a bad repercussion during the hiring process. Your last idea won't fly. If you are willing to pay it, pay it now. Don't expect to be given the opportunity. Does not work that way.

[Pets to People]

I am just amazed that credit reports are being dragged into employment criteria...it's none of their business! Of course, I am also amazed that weight and smoking have also become issues when seeking a job.

Who cares if a person has bad credit...that is why they need to work! They can't pay off bad credit if they can't work!

[UGADawgs]

I can understand why this position requires it. It is common to not be able to get a job with anything having to do with federal law enforcement if you are in any kind of debt.

The way they see it you are either:

a.) irresponsible and can't be trusted to take your work seriously (because forgetting about 20 bucks 6 years ago means you're going to let the inmates have free reign of the prison)

b.) a security risk because you're succeptible to blackmail (over 20 bucks that they're not even actively coming after you for and that does nothing to your credit score)

or

c.) you're willfully ignoring the debt.

Actually, for a job in corrections, that last option is the one that makes the most sense. I can see why they wouldn't want people working for them who don't feel the need to keep their word and make good on their obligations.

[Pets to People]

When it comes to a persons credit, there are so many more factors involved than that someone is simply willfully ignoring their obligations. Of course, that is not to say there are not people like that out there. But to deny a person employment based on their credit is rediculous.

[UGADawgs]

When it comes to a persons credit, there are so many more factors involved than that someone is simply willfully ignoring their obligations. Of course, that is not to say there are not people like that out there. But to deny a person employment based on their credit is rediculous.

Oh I know. I'm just saying that's probably the reason they're not willing to overlook small debts that go unpaid. Owing like 50 bucks and not paying it for 5 years makes it look like you're giving someone the middle finger salute.