The_Work_Number
The Work Number
American employment verification database
The Work Number is an American employment verification database created in 1985 by Talx Corporation.[1][2][3] Talx, (now Equifax Workforce Solutions) was acquired by Equifax Inc. in February 2007 for US$1.4 billion.[4]
Through The Work Number employers can purchase data on a prospective employee including confirmation of an individual's employment records and income for verification purposes. The fee for information provided is given only after the requesting party answers several key questions.[5]
Organizations that have used the Work Number include Fannie Mae,[6] Hilton Hotels,[7] Rent-A-Center,[7] the United States Postal Service,[7] Domino's Pizza,[5] the University of Pennsylvania,[8] and the University of Missouri System.[9]
The Work Number collects and archives weekly salary information. It also collects length of employment, job titles, "location information", and "other kinds of human resources-related information, such as health care provider, whether someone has dental insurance and if they’ve ever filed an unemployment claim."[10]
Equifax sells data to third parties. Companies including "mortgage, auto and other financial services credit grantors" may request pay rate information similar to a credit report. Also, "debt/collection agencies may request employment information" to verify someone's place of employment.[10]