How do I freeze The Work Number?

Visit employees.theworknumber.com or call 1-800-367-2884. Create an account and select 'Freeze My Data'. This instantly blocks third-party access.

Can employers see my second job?

Yes, if they run a background check through The Work Number and you haven't frozen it. They will see concurrent 'Active' dates for both employers.

Is freezing my report suspicious?

No. In the age of constant data breaches, it is a recommended security practice. Simply explain it as an identity theft precaution.

The 'Privacy Freeze': Hiding Your Second Job from Background Checks (2026 Guide)

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Yet, three days before your start date, the offer is rescinded.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

Go to employees.theworknumber.com
Click "Manage My Data"
Upload Gov ID (License/Passport)
Select "Freeze My Data"
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 Trap" (Critical Warning)

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

The Strategy:

Keep your data frozen 99% of the time.
If applying for a mortgage, ask your lender: "When exactly will you run the employment verification?"
Thaw the report only for that 24-hour window.
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 "Excuse" Script (What to tell HR)

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.

The Script:

"Oh, yes. My identity was compromised in the 2024 AT&T Data Breach, so I keep all my credit and employment reports frozen by default for Identity Theft Protection. I can send you my W-2s or paystubs to verify my dates. Would that work?"

Why this works:

It switches the frame from "Hiding Something" to "Security Conscious."
It forces them to accept your documents (W-2s), which you can redact.
HR just wants to check a box. They don't care about the freeze; they care about the verification. Give them the W-2, and they move on.

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.