In November, Adam Levin, chairman and co-founder of Credit.com and former director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs appeared on something from the Fox Business Network called FBN Live.
Levin said, “Employers are not allowed–nor do they–look at credit scores; that’s an urban myth.” (37:00)
Interviewer Tracy Byrnes responds: “Wait! Can you say that again? So, in theory, your employer is not supposed to look at your score?”
Levin explains that credit reports for employment purposes do not even contain credit scores.
However, the title of the web page for the video is “Don’t Let Your Credit Score Hurt Your Job Hunt – We take a look at how a bad credit score could hurt your job prospects.”
And, last month, in a conversation about about money and human emotion, the Fox Business host had this exchange with an author and “CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional” who has a “passion for helping people”* (1:45):
GUEST: It’s a stressful time.
HOST: Well, especially because, now, you know, you go for a new job and your new employer’s looking at your credit score.
GUEST: Yes!
HOST: It’s everywhere.
GUEST: Agh!
HOST: Right?
GUEST: It’s true. It’s true.
The web page for that video is titled, “Emotions Behind Our Financial Decisions – Financial advisor and author Karen Lee offers insight into understanding the emotions behind our financial decisions.”
But another unfortunate action brings the circus full-circle. Even Credit.com states: “Your credit score is a determining factor in your mortgage and auto loan terms, credit card rates and insurance premiums. Some employers and landlords also take your score into consideration.”
*see all the clichés: “passion,” “helping people,” etc.
