The correct answer is: ALWAYS lie about your past compensation. It's the only way to get forward, one way or the other.
e.g. let's say you sue and then win: that's now in the public record (which any new hiring company can see).
- My current comp is X, but that's not what I am worth to you.
- I've done my research, and someone with my experience is worth Y. I expect at least Y.
You set your salary expectations with your opening bid instead of letting them make the opening bid. It's also contingent on you having done your research =)
I am unable to dísclose that information.
And anyway, if you’re not in a state that has banned employers from asking for salary information, the recruiter always has the option of shit-canning your application for being non-responsive.
Collectively battling this is good, but individually no one wants to because its personally high risk (legal costs, deter future employers hiring you) and low reward (some settlement that won't change your life).
No lie, skirt the irrelevant info