Why would employement agent run background check after company has already performed and provided offer?

Question

I recently interviewed with a major bank in California. They performed an extensive background check that included fingerprinting. They just extended an offer which I accepted. The agency that I went through to get the interview is now asking to perform an additional background check. Other than pure curiosity on their part, what reason would they have to run a background check AFTER their client did so and extended an offer? I plan to decline as I see no reason for anyone other than my employer to maintain a record of my personal information. What possible repercussions could occur if I decline? Am I legally required to allow them to check my background after their client already checked my background and extended an offer? Could the agency jeopardize the offer that was already signed if I do not allow them to run a background check on me?

Answer 1

Sounds like the agency you were working for may have made a boo boo by not doing your background check before sending you off to other places. You don't have to comply with them, however, it does not look good on you if you decline. If you already passed the other company's check, what difference does it make letting the agency do one to? It can't harm you.

Answer 2

Unless they are running it at the request of the company making the offer, that's really weird - and if that company ran their own checks, that wouldn't make a lot of sense. If they had run it before, when you were signed up with them, could have made sense since they'd be checking that what you told them is valid before they sent you out to their clients. But now? Doesn't make sense. I'd ask them why they are requesting to do this. Might be as simple as that they should have in the first place, forgot to, and now somebody just noticed that box wasn't checked somewhere. If they still insist, talk to your new boss and ask if they are requiring the agency to do that - if not, tell them to pound salt.

Answer 3

That is a very sticky situation and I would ask to speak to someone in charge at the agency to find out why.

The only thing I would decline is the credit report...b/c every inquiry is a "hit", and your future employer has already pulled it and the agency doesn't need to pull another one.

To me, it's not a legal issue but a matter of principle...it should have been done when they agreed to work with you.

I would also ask to see documentation where it states they have the right AFTER a job offer has been made, if the employer has already conducted one.

Answer 4

The reason for this is to comply with their contractual obligation to their client. I see no reason why should there be any problem if you do not allow them to conduct a background check. However, you may want to inform your HR that you are declining their request to conduct a background check on you for the reason you have posted here. If your employer's HR says it is necessary and required to have a double background check, you don't have a choice but to give your permission to them.

Best of luck to you.