Question: Freemasons do background checks?

(Posted by: m.eiselstein on 2008-07-07 20:15:23)

Preparing to apply for membership as a Freemason and I noticed that they ask for your SSN on the application, and that you have to be of a high moral character. I'm not worried about my past (they can do a check if they want), but I was just wondering if they do conduct a background check, and if so, is that legal? They make no mention of it on their application. Thanks.

Posted by: cl_freemason on 2008-07-08, 03:40:36

Some Lodges do conduct a background check and/ or run a credit report, others do not. If you don't know, just ask your Lodge, you can also tell them you do not give out your social to anyone.

Posted by: Dom W on 2008-07-07, 20:21:59

Social Security numbers were designed to be used for social security purposes only. I refuse to give mine out for ANY other purpose. Period.

Posted by: Ann on 2008-07-07, 20:22:17

Yes it's legal. When you are applying for anything they can do a background check on you and they don't have to mention it especially if they asked for your SSN.

Posted by: Pin, Plandly on 2008-07-07, 20:31:03

Even renting a car can lead to a credit check these days, so if the Masons - a very serious and respected group- wants to do a background check to ensure they're not admitting people that would only degrade their name, then that's reasonable in my book. Why are you concerned when the Masons ask for your SSN, but not when the phone company, electric company, credit card company, employer, landlord, bank and even grocery store ask for it? Those conern me more than Masons do.

Posted by: truth sleuth on 2008-07-07, 20:31:12

Wouldn't want to have an illegal alien freemason then would we.

Posted by: tadm on 2008-07-07, 20:47:45

I do not know what state you are applying in. But they do a back ground check. I have been a have been on a investigating committee and found out That the person we were looking in to lied about being in trouble with the law. Freemasons look for up right men. If you have been in trouble it is best to say so. It shows that you are honest, Just tell them you are trying to be a better person. Just remember Masonry is about you. The lessons that they teach is about making you a better person. It was one of the best things tha I have done. Best of luck.

Posted by: J. R. on 2008-07-07, 22:28:29

Yes there is a background check, usually it is fairly basic though, nothing too extensive. But this is only part of the reason for your SSN. In most cases a Masonic Lodge is a non-profit organization, the money you pay in dues not only pays the electric bill but is portioned out to various charities. Your membership and dues agreement/ payment, thus tied to your SSN, is part of the proof of income needed for the Lodge to file its own taxes each year.