Recent newspaper articles have focused on whether your credit report and credit score can be reviewed in a background check when you apply for a job.  As a result, some people are confused about the proper use of these tools in the hiring process. 

When you apply for a job, a potential employer may review your credit report, which details your credit history, but only with your permission.  To help protect your privacy, credit reports used for employment purposes do not contain dates of birth, information about a spouse, or account numbers. 

ChoicePoint recommends to our customers that credit reports only be used when a person's job duties include some kind of financial responsibility or access to sensitive information. 

While credit reports can be used in the hiring process, credit scores should not be used.  Credit scores are designed to help lenders know if you represent a risk when they lend you money.  Credit scores are not intended for use in making hiring decisions.  ChoicePoint does not offer credit scores for purposes of employment-related background checks and no reputable background screening company or employer uses credit scores as part of the hiring process.