@GuyM Well the simplest explanation is the most likely one, and I am a firm believer that sinister plots become exponentially harder to keep secret the more people that are involved. Also I believe that stupidity and ignorance is far more common than malice. It is really hard to keep secrets in the internet age. I strongly believe that this doesn't happen.

seemingly impossible background checks This is an interesting take and I understand what you mean by the "theory". In theory if you don't provide your password then they shouldn't be able to see private information in your social media accounts. A legitimate concern however is if there is possibly some method for these background check companies to figure it out anyway, (Eg. demand that you Friend our background check company so that we can see what your other Friends see...) Now we are entering into a perfect question for Skeptics as long as we can find the notable claim.

The concern of curiousity is legitimate if by not knowing how companies do this means you could be disqualified from many positions. The reason for the question is irrelevant, it should be able to stand on its own ground if it is on topic and clearly answerable.

@jmort253 Regardless of the OP's blessing, if there are already answers on the question then you run the risk of potentially invalidating existing answers.

This is one of those questions that discuss a potential bait and switch scam that some employers play, although it isn't totally apparent by reading the question. The answers bring a lot of insight into the reality of the situation with the person asking the question.

This is an extraordinary question and one that resonates with a very similar situation I was in recently. I learned a lot from reading the answers.

@enderland Anybody that takes explicit legal advice from the internet deserves severe legal implications IMHO. Most of us do a good job of calling out bad advice or specifically local advice.

Excellent question and answers. Prime example of what Workplace is about.

I honestly feel this is too localized and an example of what we don't want people to see. I don't know which career to choose? Choose my life for me! The answers are surprisingly good, but the question has a very black and white view of the world.

Good question, some of the comments are redundant and some borderline offensive to some Texas astounds me as a state Did I say that?! ;-)

@Rarity Way to turn it back on me lol! To be perfectly honest I have no idea where I would draw the line, which is sort of why I decided to start the conversation again. I would think if we are having a hard time coming up with an answer then it is probably wise to be strict with these sorts of things. I guess I see the logic in why it was closed now

@Rarity So if I understand correctly, questions about marketing or legitimate concrete questions about the best way to do payroll are offtopic as well? The line is just too fuzzy.

@Rarity Not every workplace has project related work as a typical workplace function. With this logic one can argue that questions about working on a project, regardless of role, can be considered off topic as well.