How to Freeze The Work Number: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

You didn't post on LinkedIn. You didn't tell your coworkers. You worked from a separate laptop on a separate Wi-Fi network.

Yet, three days before your start date, the offer is rescinded.

"We found a discrepancy in your background check regarding your current employment status."

You weren't caught by a detective. You were caught by an algorithm.

In 2026, your "Permanent Record" is real. It is owned by Equifax, it is called The Work Number, and it is selling your secrets for $49.95.

Here is exactly how it works, and how to legally freeze it today.

What is The Work Number? (And Why It's Dangerous)

The Work Number (TWN) is a massive payroll database owned by Equifax. It collects real-time salary and employment data from over 2.5 million employers (including ADP, Gusto, and Workday).

When you get paid, your employer sends a file to TWN. This file includes:

• Exact Gross Pay: Down to the penny.
• Start/End Dates: The exact day you were hired and fired.
• Job Title: Your official HR title (not the inflated one on your resume).
• Status: Active, Leave of Absence, or Terminated.

Why is this dangerous? Because you signed a "Background Check Authorization" form. That form gives your future employer permission to pull this report.

How far back does it go?

The Work Number database has no time limit. Unlike credit reports which drop bad data after 7 years, TWN can show employment history from 10+ years ago if the data was reported.

The "Overemployment" Leak

If you are "Job Stacking" (working two remote jobs at once), TWN is your primary enemy.

The Scenario: You are working Job A. You apply for Job B. Job B runs a background check. They pull your TWN report. They see "Job A: Status - Active (Present)."

If you told Job B you had already quit, you are caught in a lie. If you didn't tell them, they now know you are employed.

The Result: Job B rescinds the offer. Even worse, they might call Job A to "verify," causing you to lose both jobs.

How to Freeze It (Step-by-Step)

You have a legal right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to freeze your consumer reports. This stops third parties (employers, debt collectors) from seeing your data.

1. Equifax (The Work Number) - The Main Boss

This is 90% of the problem.

• Website: employees.theworknumber.com
• Phone: 1-800-367-2884
• The Action: Create an account. Select "Freeze My Data." You may need to upload a photo of your ID.
• The Result: When a background check runs, it will return a "Data Frozen" code. It will not show your history.

Quick Freeze Checklist:

1. Go to employees.theworknumber.com
2. Click "Manage My Data"
3. Upload Gov ID (License/Passport)
4. Select "Freeze My Data"
5. Wait for Confirmation Email (24-48 hrs)

2. LexisNexis - The "Backup" Spy

If TWN is frozen, savvy investigators check LexisNexis. They aggregate public records, utility bills, and insurance data.

• Action: Search "LexisNexis Consumer Disclosure Freeze." You typically have to mail a physical form or use their secure portal.

3. Truework - The Startup Spy

Heavily used by tech startups and gig economy platforms.

• Action: Visit truework.com/claim-profile. Claim your profile and set it to private.

The "Mortgage Challenge" (Critical Warning)

Freezing your data works too well. It will block mortgage lenders, car loan approvals, and apartment rentals.

The Strategy:

1. Keep your data frozen 99% of the time.
2. If applying for a mortgage, ask your lender: "When exactly will you run the employment verification?"
3. Thaw the report only for that 24-hour window.
4. Re-freeze immediately.

Do NOT leave it open "just in case." Employers run "Continuous Monitoring" scans (via Credit Repair Services) that alert them if an employee's data suddenly changes.

The Script Vault (Copy/Paste)

So you froze your report. Now HR calls you. "Hey, we can't verify your employment. The report is blocked."

Do NOT panic. This is normal. HR just wants to check a box. Use one of these scripts to pivot the conversation.

Option 1: The "Identity Theft" (Best for Corporate/Tech)

Use this if you want to sound security-conscious and responsible.

"Hi [Recruiter Name],

Thanks for letting me know. My identity was compromised in the [2024 AT&T / 23andMe / Ticketmaster] data breach, so I moved to a total credit and employment freeze protocol for security.

I can't unfreeze it quickly, but I have my W-2s and paystubs ready to go to verify my dates. I’ll attach them to my next email. Does that work for you?"

Option 2: The "Privacyhawk" (Best for Startups)

Use this for smaller companies that value privacy.

"Hi [Recruiter Name],

Ah, yes—I have a blanket freeze on all data brokers (Equifax, Experian, etc.) as a general privacy practice. I generally don't lift it for third-party automated checks.

I’m happy to verify my employment directly via paystubs or tax returns. Let me know what year you need and I'll send it over within the hour."

Option 3: The "Clueless Professional" (Low Risk)

Use this if you want to play dumb.

"Oh, that's strange. I do have a freeze on my credit reports because of some fraud alerts last year—I didn't realize it blocked employment verification too.

To save time, would it be faster if I just sent over my W-2s for the dates in question? I have them handy."

Why these work:

1. Re-framing: You aren't "hiding" a second job; you are "protecting" your identity.
2. Solution-Oriented: You aren't just saying "no"; you are offering W-2s immediately.
3. Speed: Recruiters are lazy. They prefer a PDF in their inbox now over waiting 24 hours for you to call Equifax.

FAQ: Legal Rights & Risks

Can they rescind an offer just because I froze my data?

Legally, no. Under the FCRA, you have the right to freeze your report. If they rescind solely because of a freeze, they are on shaky legal ground. However, they can rescind if you fail to provide alternative proof (like paystubs). Always offer the W-2 immediately.

Does this hide 1099 Contractor work?

Yes. TWN tracks W-2 payroll. If you are a B2B contractor paid via Stipe or Wise, your income is invisible to Equifax unless you self-reported it.

Can I sue if the report is wrong?

Absolutley. If TWN reports you were "Fired" when you were laid off, call Top Employment Lawyers. You can sue for statutory damages for each FCRA violation.

Related Reading

Protect your privacy: Check our guides on background check issues and scrubbing your address from data brokers. If you're job hunting, see our tech company interview timelines.