I've yet to hear of anyone calling to say, "Hi! I'm a hooker from Seattle calling to verify Joe's employment, does he make enough money to afford $400/hr?"
Maybe it's happened? Seriously, it's in our best interest to be discreet when we call as well.
; )
If I give my work number to a provider, or a site such as preferred411, how exactly are they going to use it to verify my employment? I'm hesitant to hand my number out without a good idea what they're going to do with it. It's almost certain that I wouldn't be the one to answer the phone, and it would certainly be a problem for me if any of my coworkers had any idea who was calling and why. Any info?
Here are 3 typical ways I verify work information.
Google the # to determine if the business is actually a business. Check.
If it IS indeed a business I call and do my check 3 ways.
"Hi this is Carrie from the Family Y. Mr. Smith left an item here and we have been unable to reach him at his listed numbers. Is he available to speak with. Thank you!"
"Hi, this is Carrie from Visa, I am calling to speak to Mr. Smith about a credit verification/application. Is he available to speak with? Thank you!"
"Hi, this is Dr. Jones office, I am calling for Mr. Smith. We need to reschedule his appointment for tomorrow but have been unable to reach him. Is he available to speak with? Thank you!"
Pretty easy.
It is very common for places of employment to receive phone calls or email for the sole purpose of verifying employment. All sorts of places call to enquire, but the most common is probably from those checking credit applications. It's common for people to call asking to simply verify employment of "John So&So" and very common for employers to provide the info. There are "sly ways" some people call, but it isn't really necessary.
I'd say if your overly paranoid avoid the hobby, there are risks but if you are careful and see a well reviewed provider the odds of her doing something foul with your info is low. They are generally pros.
-M
I've yet to hear of anyone calling to say, "Hi! I'm a hooker from Seattle calling to verify Joe's employment, does he make enough money to afford $400/hr?"
Maybe it's happened? Seriously, it's in our best interest to be discreet when we call as well.
; )
do you let the gentleman know what 'script' you will use, or allow him to give you one?
I can see a man who is in the hobby for a while who sees ladies who do work verification start having issues if his secretary keeps getting calls related to the same topic.
And itm ight look reeeaaaaalll bad if a lady calls up saying he left something 'at the Y' if there is no 'Y' or other establishment nearby. He may be caught off-guard and have more explaining to do if the wrong 'script' is used.
Wondering how much input the ladies will accept on 'scripts'.
500 calls from your proctologist last year alone and things could get fishy or at least a little uncomfortable at the office.
LOL
" 500 calls from your proctologist last year alone and things could get fishy or at least a little uncomfortable at the office."
ROFLMAO ...Have you thought of writing for the late nights?? I am serious...
I can make observational funnies, but sitting in a room being forced to come up with funny...that is a whole other thing.
I did once think about becoming a stand up comedian, because whenever I stand up, people laugh!
If a gent has a request for a script I will gladly use it. If not I have a number of different ones that I use.
I can understand having a reason for the call, but ladies you don't need to give the reason up front. Most times you can just ask for "jack johnson" and get put through to him. If the one answering the phone asks why then you can give your cover story (salesman or repairman is probably the better way to go over doctor appointment). No need to fess up why you are calling immediately.
b-
I work in a very small town, and I'd probably get more questions if a "salesman" or "repairman" was calling for me. In my job I don't deal with salespeople or repairpeople. Just ask for me and they will transfer you. Also, most places have automated phone systems where you can get to the person you need to talk to without having to talk to a secretary.
You won't believe what a page like that does for my status around the office. 
the lady contacts you back saying she knows you can afford more than just one hour and asks why you are so cheap! If nothing else, she wants to know if you can bring her some free office supplies.
Does the lady unblock her phone number to make the call? I've been in many offices where the secretary will not answer the phone if it comes up as 'Unknown number' since they get a lot of Vendor calls. If she unblocks it, then the secretary, via caller-id, often will write the number down and pass it along with any name that also comes up to the gentleman that was getting the inquiry. I've seen it happen. Just something for the ladies to factor in. You may not want to register your name under 'Kandy Kakes' or 'Sweet Lovems'. 
I've got to believe that the number is gonna stay blocked. If the employer doesn't answer, she's either moving on to screening step 2, or some other guy.
for small unmarked bills for her time....
What did you think they did?
Just thinkning what about if you are an unlucky guy in this economy that got laid off but have references from established girls .Do you have to have a job in order to be seen ?
I mean it can happen to the best right ?