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Red flag ?

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Red flag ?

I was interviewed for a clerk position at a financial institution about a month ago. I filled out a form there and included information like my address, work references etc. Today, the company sent someome to see where I live, my house, and also speak to any adult that knows me while I was not at home. The company did not tell me that they were going to visit my home (which isn't in the best state at the moment). I feel so bad, embarrassed, and confused. Do companies usually check out candidates' home before deciding to hire them? Is that a red flag?

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  1. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    I have been a recruiter for over 20 years and I have NEVER heard of anything like this. This is so out of bounds, I don't even know what to say.

    I don't recruit specifically in the financial space - FGBers in the financial space - have you ever heard of this??

  2. Becca A.

    Hm, I had not worked in the financial sector nor do I have experience being a clerk but I have had to go through background checks for work and not once had an employer attempt this. That sounds sketchy and unprofessional. As well as....archaic? But to use the term archaic would be to say that the behavior described used to be in practice before and I highly doubt it. Why did they not use the tried and true electronic means to perform a background check? Sounds like some mafia business, I jest but no, that is sketchy though.

    If this happened to me and I found out, I would be calling this prospective employer up ASAP to question their method in a straightforward manner and ensure to convey my disapproval of this. This situation reminded me of a time I was undergoing a credit check for a rental and the owner confirmed that they would only do a light check that would NOT appear on my credit. Well, low and behold I received a notice a couple of days later stating that my score went down as a result of a credit check and I.WAS.LIVID. I got the information to call the small company that performed it and sure enough they were a 'friend' of the owner. I shared my disapproval and informed them that such behavior was illegal which they replied with a nonpluss answer to avoid liability but sure enough a day later and that credit check dropped, 'instantly' from my records.

    I shared that story to show how you have to sometimes be willing to question methods taken to ensure that no boundaries or legal lines are being crossed which this one feels like it is.

    All the best to you on your job search.

  3. SLT

    Major. Red. Flag.

    And if it wasn't, the fact that it concerns you (your feelings matter!!) make it a red flag.

    Chances are that they will not bother you BUT I would avoid all correspondence with them and keep looking for a better job ?

  4. SLT

    Background check of past 7 years of residency, all names used, SSN is one thing. But driving by the residence??? Why not Google Maps for the image?

    I work as a Senior Accountant. They did it all - plus the drug test.

    Never drove by my place. I have nothing to hide but a drive by says nothing compared to a police report -- or lack of

  5. Anonymous

    Large red flag. No one should be visiting your home at all for a reference. You should inquire who the person was and report this behavior.

  6. Anonymous

    I work for a financial institution, a really big one, and during the hiring process they took fingerprints and did a background check. They did NOT visit my house or talk to neighbors. Unless this role includes a top secret security clearance, this is a HUGE red flag!!

  7. Anonymous

    Exactly what I was coming here to say. And even if you are getting a security clearance, they will set expectations that they will interview references in person and if they will visit you in person. I agree with other posters saying this is unacceptable, a major red flag, and to walk away now. Best of luck with your job search!

  8. Lara Ivey Kauchak

    red flag. a background check is normal, references are normal. visiting unannounced and talking to others is not ok.

  9. Anonymous

    I worked at a nuclear facility so our background checks were very strict. They would pull my credit report, take a psychological exam, run fingerprints on a fixed schedule, but never visited my house.

  10. Anonymous

    I worked for an Air Force office. They sent people to interview my neighbors about my character. They are free to make sure they are getting the person that you told them you were on your application.

  11. Hilary Gray

    I disagree. You're talking about a government position as opposed to a financial institution in the private sector. I've worked for pharma which is quite strict and my partner has worked in banking for decades. This is unusual to say the least. Companies don't have the right to invade your privacy. There are probation periods for a reason.

  12. Anonymous

    agree; government clearance is completely different and the applicant would have been advised accordingly.

  13. Marci Conors

    Had you applied for a security clearance?

  14. Julie Humbird

    Yikes! I worked for Wells Fargo for 5 years with a high security authorization required for IT staff. Nothing like this ever happened.

  15. Anonymous

    I have had military levels of security clearances in the past and no one has dropped by my home. This is super weird.

  16. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    I agree - I think it's super creepy.

    I'm thinking that maybe she should contact the financial institution and find out if this is legit. Did some background check dude go rogue?

    This is for a clerk position! Something about this feels not kosher to me.

  17. Deborah Frincke

    It is very creepy. Background checks for clearances require significant paperwork in advance and there is a long waiting period for most first timers. They would also not require entry and normally one nominates a few people. You sign paperwork explaining that you understand and agree. This is even true for lighter weight background checks. Also, work from home situations would require a sign-off (in all situations I've seen) and would not be such an early step in the process. The job might be offered contingent upon such an examination, for instance. Huge red flag and I agree with those who wonder if this was not a company representative. Be safe!

  18. Sarah Cleveland, SPHR, ACC

    This is all very strange & unprofessional. I’ve worked for organizations where there were extra layers of background checks & we never sent anyone to visit anyone’s home. Trust your instincts that this is a red flag.

  19. Rynn Strange

    Did this person say they represented the company? I would wonder if that was a ruse to find out about you...as in a stalking situation. Stranger things have happened. I agree - big time red flag. If you have legal counsel, you might contact them and ask if this is legal. At a minimum, it smacks of unethical conduct.

  20. Leader904991

    My gut immediately recoils at this. Huge red flag. Run, don't walk, away.

  21. Billie Wright

    As an HR executive, this is not the norm at all. Do not take that job.

  22. Marci Conors

    Red Flag.

  23. GirlBossanova161544

    This is fairly common if the new position will require a security clearance, if not, this is a huge red flag.

  24. Anonymous

    I have seen this for government type jobs where you need a special security clearance but not in typical companies.

  25. Elaine Jara

    For a clerk position in finance, huge red flag. I would contact the financial institute's HR department to determine if the person who visited your home was legit.

  26. Anonymous

    This is extremely fishy. EXTREMELY SO. Did the company advise you, at the time of application/interview, that you would be visited at your home sometime during the screening process? To be SURE, I would immediately reach out to HR at this employer and find out. I've got a bad feeling about this. Either it was a complete set up, or you don't want to work for this employer. For one thing, where and how you live has NOTHING to do with your skill set for job, so if they screen in this manner--they are potentially discriminating you. (adding: you mentioned this is a "clerk" position, so an entry level type position, right? I mean, it's not like you need a federal government security clearance, right??). VERY ODD. Reach out to HR and clarify this.

  27. Anonymous

    I agree with you. I DO have Government DOD clearance and NOBODY ever showed up at my house! Sheneeds to run!

  28. GirlBossanova934974

    Either this is one of these fake job postings or the financial institution in question is run by a bunch of nuts. Run with both feet!

  29. Kim Raper

    That sounds extremely questionable in any circumstance. No notice and just showed up to do a home visit, on what grounds?

    If I were you, I would contact my local Employment Commission office to see if that is legal behavior, given that you were not told anything, etc. Then, depending on what you find out I would file a complaint with the company. I certainly would revise my consideration of working for a company that does that, as it seems excessive and intrusive. Red Flag waving hard.

  30. Anonymous

    I've had background checks done for various jobs, but they were done only AFTER I received a conditional offer, filled out the specific background check paperwork, and was informed of the process. Basically, they are generally done with your consent. Your situation is off and kind of a bit creepy. Are you comfortable speaking with the local police? At the very least, get some cameras set up in your home.

  31. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    i have never heard of such a thing.

  32. Anonymous

    Huge red flag. Oh my God. Run.

  33. Michele Chambers

    That's a huge red flag, not to mention creepy. I would give serious thought to moving forward with this company.

  34. Anonymous

    I would talk to the hiring manager and ask if it's standard protocol and depending on the answer, I would not take the job. That would make me uneasy.

  35. Judith Mattes

    RED FLAG REDFLAG REDFLAG- in other words - file a police report - and put up cameras - this is very sketchy behavior for any company to do this - even for a government position - RUN don’t walk from this position-

  36. Anonymous

    Not sketchy for a federal government position. Neighbors were interviewed in connection with my spouse’s job and our neighborhood was visited/exterior of home inspected.

    That said, spouse was given advance notice of the visit and the interviews.

    The job was *not* top secret, but required a clearance.

  37. Alisa Mckenzie

    Run! “When someone shows you who they are…believe them the first time”. You don’t need this type of drama in your life. If the company did not disclose that this is part of the hiring process, it seems the company/organization may be shady in their practices, which brings up additional questions about how the company/organization operates.

  38. Jillian Johnson

    A HOME VISIT???? That is completely unnecessary and feels illegal. This place might be a scam.

  39. Anonymous

    HUGE RED FLAG.
    Are you certain whomever showed up was with this financial institution? Do NOT work for this company. File a police report and contact the EEOC and DOHR.

  40. Donna

    Definitely a red flag! As others have suggested, you should contact the company and let them know this has happened, and how you feel.

  41. Anonymous

    What the???

  42. Anonymous

    Absolutely inappropriate and unconventional. Even digging into someone's social media is not customary--but I am sure it is done by prospective employers. I would NOT accept an offer from this odd company - should one be extended. It crosses the line. Huge red flag.

  43. Jennifer Finger

    It's a tremendous red flag. It's normal for employers to check professional references provided by job applicants, contact previous employers, and check for criminal histories. Anything beyond that, unless you are working for a branch of the government that needs to do security and/or conflict-of-interest checks on you, is completely out of line. Even if you are applying for a government job, I would think that you would be made aware of any such deep background checks.

  44. Karen Spence

    Major red flag!
    Even if the company is legit, and even if this is not illegal (sounds like it would be), that says so much about their lack of integrity or trust. Yes, skip it. Even if you are desperately in need of work, this is not the job for you, or anyone! This behavior would continue throughout your time working there.

  45. Cheryl Burns

    I work in H.R.-100% inappropriate! If any additional background checks are required you should be told upfront. Personally never heard of someone coming to your home. FBI and other government job do deep dives.

  46. Michelle S.

    Yeah, this is the only time I’ve heard of it happening.

  47. Erica Laughlin

    Same. But even when the government does this they don't show up unannounced. They schedule interviews with people who you listed as your references.

  48. Kelly

    This is bizarre and creepy! I'd tell the world who this was! I might even email the secretary of state and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)... what state are you in? I had a creepy interview with a trading firm once...(5:30 suddenly everyone was gone but my interviewer, lights off, saying some inappropriate things)...and he was the CEO! But coming to your house is insane!

  49. Shelby C

    They don't even do that for Top Secret security clearance with the special accesses. In other words, if you had access to the President they wouldn't do that. When you're going through the process, it is normal for them to speak with neighbors and roommates, but by appointment if it's your home because they don't want to be there when you are.

    That's really creepy.

  50. Anonymous

    @ShelbyC— that’s not the case. My spouse received a background investigation (announced in advance) from a federal agency that included interviews with neighbors and a visit to our neighborhood. This was *not* for a top secret job.

  51. Michelle S.

    The only time I’ve ever heard of anything like this happening is when a friend of mine was interviewing with a 3 letter word ‘company’. But this was well into the process and she knew way ahead of time that it would happen. Never though, would a private employer get away with this. Document, get statements and go to the police and your lawyer

  52. Anonymous

    My sister was told in advance that there would be home visits and phone calls, and they'd let her know in advance if they intended to do it. She works for a certain organization that shall not be named and it was needed for clearances.

  53. Melissa Verdoni

    lolll yeah , my bet it has 3 letters,,, BUT that IS expected AND known... this just sounds really fishy

  54. Anonymous

    Only if you applied for a job that requires security clearance, but even then, they should tell you. I'd call the DoL and inquire.

  55. Steph Reiley

    They would normally disclose if they were vetting you for a security clearance.

  56. Courtney Roush

    That's beyond outrageous. Run. Fast.

  57. Anonymous

    Are you sure it was the company? Not some scam? If you are sure, I'd report it. If you aren't 100% I'd confirm with the company - what if they were hacked and now some rogue third party visited your home. This seems way out of line.

  58. Anonymous

    I am not sure what kind of job you applied for - maybe it is the norm for it , maybe not. I would be tempted to contact them and ask what is going on

  59. Anonymous

    You may want to file a report with the police.

  60. Katelyn Rozenbroek, MSEd

    Report and run. Total breach of privacy.

  61. Steph Reiley

    Whoa. I have spent my entire career in fintech and banking and I've never heard of similar practices. I would consider this a huge red flag.

  62. Chere Estrin

    In many states, anything about your home or where you live is illegal. This law was made to protect people from discrimination: those who live in ethnic neighborhoods, those who are in a certain income bracket and more. The only thing they can ask is:"can you get to work on time". If I were you, I would check it out and think seriously whether I wanted this job.

  63. Suzanne Luscombe Chambliss

    Very good points!

  64. EMILY KIKUE FRANK

    Giant red flag! And super creepy, too. Sometimes an employer visit your home if you've asked to work from home-- it will be your work site, after all, and they want to make sure it will be functional-- but that's after you're employed, and even that is unusual. Here's more : https://projectionsinc.com/unionproof/union-organizing-and-home-visits/

  65. Joanne Rosen

    Whoa! That is an invasion of privacy! I can't believe they did that.

    Huge red flag.

  66. Kristie White

    No company has the right to investigate a candidate in this way without their permission. Financial institutions are typically more thorough in their background checks than other industries because of the higher threat of theft and fraud. If you signed a consent for a background check, it may have included wording that speaks to a deeper investigation. They want to know if you have "need" of extra funds which could lead you to commit theft. So consider the forms you filled out - you may have agreed to this.

  67. Thalia Moshos

    ?????????????????????

  68. G C Hesse

    No they do not! The only exception is DOD and DOE but they typically just ask the neighbors, and this is for a Q clearance.

    You did not have to let them in your house or on your property.

    THIS IS AN INVASION OF PRIVACY....and a major lawsuit.

  69. Anonymous

    she wasn't even home

  70. Anonymous

    Many federal agencies do background checks and speak with neighbors, even for jobs that do not require a top secret clearance. My spouse underwent such a clearance. Neighbors were consulted.

  71. Suzanne Luscombe Chambliss

    I've had similar experiences, however, the process was explained to me. No one has ever completed a background check without informing me. I was not told the exact date or time, but I was told it would be conducted. For me, the issue here is she was not told about the process.

  72. Crystal Howell

    Wow,always use PO Box,not acceptable. Get copies of what you signed,always !

  73. Audrey Kirsch

    A background check I understand. An in-person unannounced visit, I don't get at all. That's unprofessional and an invasion of your privacy. Big red flag for me.

  74. Ayian

    Hard nope! Best of luck on your continued job search. Hang in there. In over 20 years, no one I've interviewed with has ever visited my neighborhood.

  75. Anonymous

    that you know of....

  76. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    First off, you have nothing to feel bad, embarrassed or confused about.

    What country are you in?

  77. Troy

    No mamm, this is insane. How did you find out, from a neighbor?

  78. Nancy Bauer

    Holy crap. That's terrible. No way is this normal, and you have nothing to be embarrassed about. HUGE red flag. HUGE.

  79. Ellen L Wright

    I have been when I was “bonded” for a job many years ago. It used to be quite ordinary. Mine was done by Experian and I happened to arrive back in the middle of it. It turned out funny because the man doing it was somebody that I had been in community theater acting in the same play! (He played the villain in a little ‘soft soap’. It was a blast.) These things are not as unusual as you might think. Employers do backgrounds on potential employees quite often online via electronic skip tracing and, trust me, those things can find stuff you thought was long gone or so well-hidden nobody would find it. If you use credit cards (especially with a chip), smartphones, the internet, pay bills online, email, or own property that you pay taxes on, they’ll find you and it. I’ve given up on the notion of “privacy” and just use “security “ now. You might know my business but you’re not getting into it.

  80. Anonymous

    Financial institutions typically do thorough background checks, and sometimes use 3rd party firms for this purpose.

    That said, background checks are usually made after an employment offer, as you mentioned. And candidates are typically told of home visits in advance, so an unannounced visit is unusual.

    For the time being, I’d assume that you made a good impression and that the company is interested in hiring you.

    One caveat, though: Are you sure that the visit was from the company? Call HR and check to make sure that it was really the financial institution that was investigating and that this is standard procedure for new hires.

  81. Suzanne Luscombe Chambliss

    While I can see this being part of the clearance process for certain positions, I would be uncomfortable with not being told about the process.
    To me, checking where you live and speaking to neighbors may be ok, but definitely not without your knowledge. If I were in your position, I would be very concerned - definitely a red flag.

  82. Charmaine Webb

    For this position do you need clearance like Public Trust or above? If you do not need that type of clearance then for me the company went too far in their background check. I think it is a red flag.

  83. Madam anon663

    Wow, super invasive, and where you live has nothing to do with whether you can perform the job. I would never consider a company that does that.

  84. De Andra Marie Lockett

    I think this is crazy and intrusive. If the company was going to do this you should have been notified.

  85. carolina girl

    YES! Definitely a RED FLAG! I would report this first, and DO NOT accept the job!

  86. Jacqueline Cutler

    I hope you did not take the job. The whole thing sounds shady.

  87. Valerie Rieger

    That sounds really creepy. It is a definite red flag for me.

  88. Deb Allen

    Government roles are known for being fairly invasive, even so far as to interview neighbors. If this was a clerk role that has no interaction with government operations, I would call to inquire why they would have conducted such an invasive visit and get the reasons behind it. Document, and report if it appears over-reach. (it already does appear as over-reach, but I would still get some info on it first)

  89. Anonymous

    Never a company I’ve heard of

  90. Anonymous

    Are you sure this is a legitimate Financial institution or did the just associate themselves to sound legitimate?

  91. surfnwrite

    OMG huge red flag! Run, don't walk away from there.

  92. JJ

    Report them. Something fishy is going on.

  93. Beth Whight Morales

    No, absolutely not. I would report it starting with the BBB or Chamber of Commerce. I would also file a police report just in case this turns out to be a stalking incident, and call the company’s corporate HR, let them know, also let them know you filed a police report. They should look into why this happened and want to make sure they are performing what is now a responsibility to you, and that is to use the information you provided in an application in such a way that does not cause your personal safety to be at risk.

    Unless the financial institution is associated with running criminal investigations (think FBI) AND reference checks including home visits were explained in advance, run for the hills.

    But make sure you report them.

  94. Anonymous

    As somepne that has worked in and with banks for many years, this is probably related to the bonding requirements that are required for most federally insured financial institutions. Since it made you uncomfortable, I would recommend contacting the HR representative, but this is standard industry practice in banking.

  95. Laura Clark

    Major red flag! Why is that relevant? Beware! My sister, who is an HR guru, is telling me what I'm typing. Be very afraid - she says it sounds like a scam.

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