Also, is there a risk of abusing this? What information does Checkr need to run a report, and how do they verify that the person they are running the report on is actually applying for the relevant position?
Particularly if you took equity at a startup at lower salary - guaranteeing they don't account for that.
The standard language in background checks gives them permission to obtain it through any means, including asking your bank how much your direct deposit is, or asking your credit card company what your stated income was. I haven’t heard of anyone attempting to use those means, but technically they could.
>Unless directed by our clients, we do not share employee information provided by our clients with third parties. When directed by our clients, we communicate company employee information to third party service providers such as payroll service bureaus, insurance companies and third party administrators, among others.
According to that, they'll only do it if directed by your employer.
For clarification, this is a give-and-take situation and only applicable if your employer subscribes to this service. If they want to request salary history for new hires, they need to provide salary history for old ones.
Most small businesses don't, but if you contract through a staffing agency, those do.