Is it illegal for employers to tell an individual inquiring that you are/are not employed at their company?
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Is it illegal for employers to tell an individual inquiring that you are/are not employed at their company?
Asked on November 4, 2010 under Employment Labor Law, Alabama
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
There is actually no requirement to tell people that someone works at a company, and no law against lying generally. If their actions cause you some damage, e.g. by defaming you; by causing you to be denied credit; by foreseeably causing emotional harm; etc., then the company might be liable for its actions. However, that's only if their actions are causing you damage in some way, and if that damage is or should be foreseeable. If this is the case, you should consult with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate the precise situation and let you know if you have a cause of action. However, as noted, there is no general "duty of truth" or obligationt to confirm who works at a company, so in the abstract they can do this--it's just if they start causing compensible harm that there might be an issue.
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