A woman claimed she was rejected for a jewellery store job because of her CTOS record, sparking debate over credit checks and fair hiring practices.
AS A STANDARD hiring practice, companies typically conduct background checks to verify candidates’ credentials, ensure workplace safety and reduce the risk of financial and legal issues.
In addition to standard background checks, certain industries also review candidates’ credit records to minimise the risk of financial misconduct and ensure they can be trusted with sensitive information.
A woman recently alleged that her application for a job at a jewellery store was rejected because her Credit Tip-Off Service (CTOS) record did not meet the employer’s requirements.
The decision left her baffled, prompting her to ask in a Threads post whether it was possible to be rejected because of a CTOS record.
According to several comments, the job seeker had informed the employer during the interview that she had only one financial commitment and claimed the employer had said they were fine with it.
Before employers can conduct such credit checks, candidates are generally required to sign a consent form. Companies are also expected to inform candidates if the results of these checks may influence hiring decisions.
The woman further alleged that she had not signed a consent form during the interview.
The post triggered debate over the importance of conducting credit checks before hiring, with many arguing that such checks are necessary, particularly for roles in the banking sector, multinational corporations (MNCs) and government-linked companies (GLCs). Others, however, questioned how people are expected to maintain a good credit record if they do not have a steady source of income.
“When someone has financial issues, such as a poor CTOS or CCRIS record, it can lead to a decline in work performance due to the financial stress weighing on them. Large professional companies usually conduct thorough background checks on candidates during the final stage of the hiring process. It’s not just about having an impressive résumé,” one user said.
Another commenter said financial commitments, including ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) schemes, can raise concerns among employers, as the possibility of debt collectors pursuing employees may influence their hiring decisions.
