Frequently Asked Questions

Browse commonly asked questions about The Work Number®.

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To file a complaint with the CFPB, you can visit https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/.

The Work Number helps you with life’s most important moments, like applying for a mortgage, a job, or social service benefits. Our automated digital verifications of employment and income help you save time and paperwork. And we do it all while we give you more privacy and greater security.

The Work Number uses your employment and income data to help you more efficiently and accurately complete application processes for things like financial services or social service benefits. In these cases, the lender or government agency will need to verify that you are employed and/or how much money you make so they can process your application. We only store or access your personal data for uses that are permitted under a federal law called the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Access to your data on The Work Number is monitored and restricted, and your privacy is a top priority for us.

The Work Number receives data directly from employers, payroll providers, or third-party administrators that choose to use The Work Number for employment verifications. We report your data as we receive it from these sources.

The Work Number uses strict security standards to help protect your data. These protocols include advanced data encryption, physical security controls in the data centers, and access only to those who need access. Our cloud-first approach has enabled us to build better, stronger security. Anyone who requests your information must first complete a thorough credentialing process and have a legally required permissible purpose.

Access to your data on The Work Number is tightly regulated under federal law through the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). It requires anyone who requests your information to undergo a thorough credentialing process and to have a permissible purpose for accessing your data. In most cases, you give permission for an approved verifier to access information from The Work Number. For example, if you are seeking a new job, lease, credit card, or government benefit, you complete an application that allows the verifier to access your information. With The Work Number, your personal data is not being sold to data brokers or other entities for marketing or for purposes beyond the scope of the FCRA.

You can view your Employment Data Report. This personalized report shows what data of yours is on The Work Number. It also lists verifiers who have requested information on you through The Work Number within the past 24 months. Log in to The Work Number to review your data report.

In the unlikely event you find an error with your data, you can start the data dispute process.

No. The Work Number handles your data according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulations. But we give you the option to control who can view your data: You can request an employment data freeze. When you place a freeze on your data, verifiers cannot view your data on The Work Number.

If you want to prevent access to your employment data, you can do so with an employment data freeze. Keep in mind a freeze could slow down application processes for things like a loan, a job, or social service benefits if you do not remove the freeze before you start an application. The verifier will not be able to confirm your data using The Work Number.

To freeze your data, complete the Employment Data Freeze Placement form. Then email or mail it to us. We will process your data freeze request within three days of receipt.

Sometimes, a verifier may tell you to obtain a salary key—a six-digit number that allows one-time access to your information. To create a salary key, log in to The Work Number. Click on Salary Key in the top navigation when you are logged into the platform. Next, click on Generate Salary Key.

To download or print an employment letter, log in to The Work Number. Then click on Letters Center in the top navigation. You will only see this option if your employer has activated the employment letters service. If your employer has not activated this service, you will need to reach out to your HR department.

To request an Identity Theft Block, submit a request by mail at:

Equifax Workforce Solutions
ATTN: Identity Theft Block
3470 Rider Trail South
Earth City, MO 63045

Be sure to include the required documentation:

  • Your Complete Social Security Number
  • Proof of Identity - provide a copy of one of the following (must include current/legal name):
    • - Driver’s License (Must not be expired)
    - State or Government Identification Card (Must not be expired)
    - Social Security Card
    - Military Identification Card
    - Passport (Must be Valid and issued from the U.S.)
    - W-2 or 1099 Form (most recent tax year)
    - Paystubs (must be dated within 30 days)
    - Birth Certificate
  • Proof of Address - provide a copy of one of the following (must include current mailing address and be issued within the past 60 days)
    • - Utility Bill (phone, water, gas, electric, trash or sewer, etc.)
    - Paystub
    - Housing Rental Agreement or Mortgage document in your name
    - W-2 or 1099 Form (Current Year)
    - Driver’s License - Must not be expired. The employee/consumer’s address must be current, clear, and legible.
  • Valid Identity Theft Report - (e.g., Police report, FTC Identity Theft Report, or United States Postal Inspection Service.)
  • Designation of items to be blocked, and confirm the information is not relating to any transaction by you.

We will promptly review your Identity Theft Block request.