Security Background Check & Credit Card Settlements

[st92mer8]

I was just offered a job as a contractor to the FDIC to work on computers in banks.

The company that is hiring me needs to do a Security Background Check. In the interview, they said a bankruptcy will disqualify you. I do not have any bankruptcies in my past. But I do have credit cards that went to collections and were paid in settlement. And one of those credit cards is currently suing me for another $2000.

Now what I am worried about is, will the credit cards that I paid in settlement, disqualify me? Also, would this current credit card case disqualify me? If so, do you have any advice as to what to do?

[Southerngirl]

I'm dealing with the same thing...How did it go with the background check?

[st92mer8]

I just started filling it out.

Let you know in a month.

Unless you get an answer back sooner?

[Southerngirl]

My husband just accepted a job based on completion of his background check. He is fine with his driving record, criminal, etc., but his credit is shot. He had 4 credit cards go to collection about 31/2 to 4 years ago. We tried to settle but they wouldn't work with us. They are all in collections, but they are past SOL now. We just hope this doesn't cost him the job. We don't have any BK, judgements so hopefully they will be OKay. This is an outside sales job nothing to do with security or money. We just sent in the paperwork so we shall see. Keep me posted on your progress.

[skydiver32]

From experience, the biggest thing I think when dealing with getting a high level security clearance is to be honest about everything.

They understand that people can have credit issues and as long as you are honest about it and show that you are progressing to make things better it will go good.

[Southerngirl]

Thanks for the reply. I would love to know if other people with bad credit have made it through background checks. I guess its just a standard check because its an outside sales job. I just wish credit was not involved.

Thanks...

[chuckygee]

I was able to get a National Secret Security clearance when I was young with bad credit. The amounts were so low it did not matter. Just make sure you are honest with the answers. If you show a pattern of debt or a large amount of debt, that will throw up red flags. They want to insure that money will not be a temptation for you with whatever access or information you are exposed to.

[Southerngirl]

Thanks so much for the reply. The debts are not real large and we have nothing new since 31/2 years ago. Paid mortgage on time and no other credit lates. I know they emailed the paperwork to my husband and he filled it out..but not sure if he mentioned anything about the credit issues. We weren't sure if they checked credit. The paperwork just said motor vehicle, Drug test and background check. The company that is doing the check is Hireright? Anyone heard of them? Anyway we just got to thinking about the credit and started to panic. Hopefully someone has dealt with this company and can give me some insight.

Thanks

[st92mer8]

The two big things, that were repeated in a few questions were: If you were more than 90 days late on payment, and/or owe more than $50,000.

Another question was about did you cause a substantial loss to a financial institution.

I passed the Preliminary Clearance, one month after I handed everything in. I am still waiting for the interview that is part of the security clearance.