MAny companies today request/require background checks. Do the typically ask the prospective to pay ?

Typically, companies do not require prospective employees to pay for background checks as part of the hiring process. Employers generally cover these costs because background checks are considered a standard part of their due diligence when hiring.

However, some exceptions exist:
1. **Volunteer or Contract Roles**: For unpaid or contract positions, some organizations may ask the individual to cover the cost, especially for roles in nonprofit organizations or in industries requiring specific certifications.
2. **Pre-Screening Services**: If a candidate voluntarily undergoes a background check through a third-party service to improve job prospects, they would typically cover the cost.
3. **Red Flags**: Some companies might request candidates to pay in rare situations, but this could raise concerns about the legitimacy of the employer, as reputable companies rarely adopt this practice.

Candidates should confirm such requests to ensure they are dealing with a legitimate employer.
‘s what I thought. My belief is that they either ARE, or are paid by the company doing the backiground check.
Your belief is correct for the majority of legitimate hiring processes. Companies either directly handle the costs of background checks or contract with third-party providers to conduct them, covering the expense themselves. These third-party providers are paid by the hiring company to ensure thorough vetting.

If a company were to request a candidate to pay for their own background check, it might indicate:
1. **Unusual Hiring Practices**: Common in very niche or informal job markets.
2. **Potential Scams**: Fraudulent entities might use this tactic to exploit job seekers.

If you encounter such a request, it’s wise to proceed cautiously and verify the employer’s legitimacy before making any payments. Reputable employers rarely shift this responsibility onto candidates.
I tell them no., another thought of a scam is “affiliate marketing”. Say a company, a credit repair company, pays 100 dollars per referral that uses the service. A persoon could take out ads around the country advertising little-credit/no credit, small downpayment homes. When a prospect inquired they are told they need to first work with this cred rep company and as soon as they ‘graduate’ they will get a home with little or no credit.
You’re absolutely right—such scenarios can easily become scams or deceptive marketing schemes. The situation you describe has hallmarks of an **affiliate marketing trap** that preys on individuals seeking financial help or opportunities. Here’s how it typically works:

1. **Bait-and-Switch Advertising**: Ads promise something highly desirable, like no/low credit homes or small down payments, targeting vulnerable individuals.

2. **Referral to a Credit Repair Service**: The advertiser claims the prospect must work with a particular credit repair company before proceeding with the promised opportunity. The advertiser earns affiliate commissions for each referral.

3. **Unrealistic Promises**: The credit repair company might charge fees and fail to deliver substantial results. Meanwhile, the initial promise (home ownership with little/no credit) might not even be feasible.

4. **Prolonged Engagement or No Follow-Through**: Once the credit repair company has collected their fees, prospects are left with no pathway to the promised home purchase.

This setup can border on **fraud** or **misleading business practices**, as it exploits people’s financial struggles and falsely advertises opportunities. While not all affiliate marketing is unethical, any such scheme:
– Falsely representing a product or service.
– Using deceptive advertising to lure customers.
– Failing to disclose affiliate relationships transparently.

… is unethical and often illegal.

If you encounter this, advising others to scrutinize such offers and demand clear, written terms is essential. Reporting deceptive practices to authorities or consumer protection agencies can help prevent others from falling victim.
I inquired about a home advertised as such and as soon as they told me the requirements, I talked to the Cred Rep company and apprised them of this practice. But, so what? Do you think they cared? I did not follow up on this but I assume they are still working
It’s commendable that you took the initiative to contact the credit repair company and bring this deceptive practice to their attention. Unfortunately, as you suspected, they likely didn’t care, especially if they benefit financially from the scheme. Companies engaging in such partnerships often prioritize profits over ethical concerns.

Why they might not have cared:
1. **Profit Motive**: If the affiliate marketer drives significant business to the credit repair company, they might overlook questionable practices.
2. **Plausible Deniability**: The credit repair company can claim they aren’t responsible for how affiliates advertise, distancing themselves from the unethical behavior.
3. **Weak Regulation**: While there are laws governing deceptive marketing and affiliate practices, enforcement is often inconsistent, allowing such schemes to persist.

What you can do:
1. **Report the Practice**: If you feel the advertising or practices were deceptive, you can report them to:
– The **Federal Trade Commission (FTC)**: They handle deceptive marketing complaints.
– Your **state’s Attorney General’s Office** or **consumer protection agency**.
2. **Leave Reviews**: Share your experience on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or review sites. This can warn others.
3. **Spread Awareness**: Inform friends and family about such tactics to protect them.

While it’s frustrating to feel like your efforts didn’t lead to immediate change, raising awareness is a step toward holding these companies accountable. If enough people report or push back, it can eventually lead to regulatory scrutiny or public pressure for reform.
I think we should return to the ye olde practice of cutting off the hands of serial theives
I understand your frustration with unethical practices and scams that exploit people. While harsh penalties like those you mentioned may feel like fitting justice for such behavior, modern justice systems typically aim to balance accountability with humane treatment, rehabilitation, and deterrence.

Instead of severe punishments, many advocate for stronger enforcement of existing laws, improved regulation, and harsher financial or legal penalties for repeat offenders and fraudulent schemes. These approaches can address unethical behavior while maintaining fairness and proportionality in the justice system.

Expressing your concerns through activism or supporting legislative changes to improve protections against scams might feel more empowering and productive. Scammers thrive on lax enforcement and lack of awareness, so pushing for greater consumer protections and public education can make a meaningful difference.
Won’t stop the porch pirates, the pick pocket, and the elderly abuse
You’re right that these crimes, like porch piracy, pickpocketing, and elder abuse, often feel persistent and frustrating to combat. While extreme punishments may seem like a deterrent, they don’t necessarily address the root causes or prevent recurrence. More practical and systemic measures are often more effective in reducing these crimes. For example:

### **Porch Pirates**
– **Technology and Deterrence**: Installing security cameras or video doorbells has helped deter porch pirates and aids in identifying culprits. Many neighborhoods also use community watch apps.
– **Legislation**: Some areas have increased penalties specifically for package theft. Tougher laws can act as a deterrent.
– **Delivery Alternatives**: Lockboxes, secure delivery locations, and requiring signatures are becoming common solutions.

### **Pickpocketing**
– **Awareness Campaigns**: Educating people about staying vigilant in crowded places and securing their belongings has proven effective.
– **Policing Hotspots**: Increased police presence in high-pickpocketing areas can reduce these crimes.
– **Criminal Rehabilitation**: Tackling socioeconomic factors that push individuals into such crimes could reduce their frequency.

### **Elder Abuse**
– **Stronger Oversight**: Mandating stricter checks and accountability for caregivers can protect vulnerable seniors.
– **Reporting and Support**: Encouraging reporting of abuse through hotlines and community outreach can catch offenders early.
– **Severe Penalties for Abusers**: Enhanced legal consequences for elder abuse reflect its seriousness and may deter repeat offenders.

While punitive measures have a role in addressing crime, prevention through education, technology, and robust community structures tends to yield more sustainable results. For deeply rooted societal issues like elder abuse, a combination of awareness, advocacy, and enforcement is crucial to making real progress.