I was offered a job on April 29, 2005 and my start date was supposed to be May 9, 2005. I had to sign a release for the company to do a background check. On May 4, 2005 I got an email from the company telling me they are no longer able to offer me the position. I called and asked why. The HR manager told me because I had lied on my application and the background check company find out. I got a copy of the report and I was mortified. My former employer lied about everything concerning my employment with them. When the background company asked if my salary was what I had stated my former employer said "no not even close", which is a lie and I have pay stubs and W2's to prove my salary. When the background company asked how long I was there the company told them I was only there a few months (another lie I was there 1 1/2 years). When asked about my title and responsibilities my former employer said that I didn't have a tile all I was supposed to do was take the checks to the bank to be deposited and that I didn't even do that right. They went on to say I was only supposed to take 15-20 mins to do that since the bank was in the building but that I would disappear for an hour or so. Again lies I was their accountant. I handled all financial aspects of the company and my assistant was the one who made the daily deposits and it took her 15 mins. They also said that I forged the reference letter that I provided my potential employer. All of this is not true but I lost a potentially great job, Is there anything I can do to avoid this mess in the future (honestly I would like the company to reconsider giving me the job but I doubt that will happen) and is what my former employer illegal?
Thank you.