Ask HN: Is it normal for recruiters to ask for SSN and DOB?

1 pointsTangaroa13y ago4 comments

I just turned down an offer to apply for a job because the third-party recruiter wanted me to give my date of birth and part of my social security number over the telephone. My understanding is that only the hiring company would need this information and only after they make me an offer. Is it starting to become a standard practice for recruiters to ask for this information?

4 comments

4 comments · 4 top-level

dmuth13y ago

I've never once been asked for this info by a recruiter. Any background or credit checks that been conducted on me in the course of finding employment have always been done by the hiring company, never the recruiter.

Personally, I would consider requiring this kind of info a Red Flag.

jgeorge13y ago

I wouldnt give that info myself either, but I don't think there's anything skeezy going on. I'll bet the recruiter wants that info to see if you pass a background check before handing you over to the hiring company.

jmcguckin13y ago

They want to run a credit and driving records check.

Throwadev13y ago

I wouldn't give this info.

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