Credit Reports & Background Checks

There is some debate as too whether an employer should have the legal right to conduct a credit check on an applicant while they are doing a pre-employment screening in the hiring process. Many feel this is an unnecessary step and an invasion of privacy to the applicant since their credit and finances are a personal issue. Of course for some occupations this is a needed check to ensure the moral integrity of someone who deals with money for a living. Occupations such as bankers, accountants, and those who are paid to handle the finances of and have the access to the financial records of others have the potential ability to embezzle money from their employer or their clients. This temptation is surely augmented when the employee is facing a dire financial situation in their personal life. It may not be necessary for all applicants to face a credit inspection during a background check, but for those who handle money it should be highly considered.