Phone/Zoom interview followed by client interview. Interviews went well and I received an offer from the client. However this is where things went wrong... The background check had oddities, what was supposed to be a separate background company clearly had very, very strong ties and information sharing between companies, to the point I had information from the agent that the background company was having trouble getting a hold of prior jobs (nonsense) almost a day before the background company reached out, clearly inside information was available. Most of the supposed issues were resolved by the agent (not the background company) through providing website information for the companies and generic numbers so someone could ask for HR at the various companies. Not sure why this was difficult. However, it came down to the staffing company asking for W2 & 1099 information - information that has never been asked for before from a background company - that I refused to give. Clearly, any information I provided would not be secure, and even if I blocked out some information I provided a basis, a canvas, for further abuse with a little photoshop work. This is the first time I ever heard of this. Along the way I had a number of other indicators that this information sharing would continue, and that this "independent" background company was not to be trusted, being little more than a sham, a facade. So, I declined to provide the information. These people seem to have only one solution to cursory (at best) background gathering, get financial information that no one else needs and proves nothing (anyone with a little photoshop background can make what they want). Just be aware. Too bad, look like a good gig, but because I gave notice (get the background check before done first before you give notice!) I am now stuck.