Oregon passes law to limit employer credit checks

July 7, 2010 – 8:32 am

More than a dozen states have introduced bills that limit a potential employer’s rights to do a credit check for an employment candidate, and Oregon is one of the few states thus far that have passed such a bill.

Doing such credit checks has come under close scrutiny since the recession began, and many feel that employers discriminate against those with poor or bad credit.

Employment credit checks will still be permitted when people apply for positions with law enforcement agencies, federally-insured credit unions and banks, and for employers that are mandated by law to use such information. In addition, they will be permitted if it’s substantially job related, which leaves employers with some “wiggle room.”

There has been talk of formulating a similar federal law, but credit reporting bureaus have reportedly helped to squash that effort, as well as at the state level in some states.

The economic recession has also given rise to identity theft, with thieves seeking “work” just like honest, unemployed citizens. One of the most common ways personal information is stolen is through “dumpster diving,” or in some cases, just going through trash in residential areas. By obtaining address information, along with sensitive information included on bank and credit card statements, an identity thief can use pre-approved credit card offers to obtain cards and rack up charges in the victim’s name. The thief can also apply for jobs and mortgages, as well as payday loans.

Protect your identity by signing up with LifeLock today. LifeLock will work to reduce pre-approved credit card offers, and monitor the Internet for any fraudulent activity with your personal information. If any is detected, you will be notified immediately.

If you ever fall victim to identity theft, LifeLock will work with you to restore your good name.

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