I recently was let go of a job. They would not give me a reason. I did not have any warning that this was coming. It was not a cutback in employees. I recently applied for another job. When they contacted my previous employer, my interviewer told me that my former boss told this person that there were problems. I didn't get hired for this position, because they said they couldn't afford me. I was under the impression that a previous employer can only state when I started work and the date I stopped working there.
Am I correct?

No you are not correct

If you live in a at will state, the employor does not have to give you a reason for your termanation. If they object to your collecting unemployment compensation, and you appeal, they will have to show cause for a reasn to terminate.

If someone does a background check they often ask all sorts of questions, most companies do not give out any data other than date of hire, date of termination, position held, promotions if any, amount of last salary or pay, and reason terminated.

But many companies will provide any and all information asked for ( again when you sign an application it normally is worded as a release for them to use in background checks. They may even send someone to the place you used to work to look at your company personel records.
They can be told any and all warnings you had, any disiplne issues you had and if they would re-hire or not. They are free to give as little or as much information as they want.

Hello deb:

The Padre is right. They CAN say anything they want, but most companies don't say anything at all, even if there were problems. They are afraid of getting sued.

As a matter of fact, if there were NO problems, maybe you should consider suing them too. It wouldn't hurt to call a couple of attorney's to chat. I'm sure there are dozens under "labor law" in your phone book. You might find someone who will take your case on contingency. That means you don't pay unless you win.

excon

PS> Of course, you can share your winnings with me...

Nawww excon, he can share his winnings with me, I can even get him receipt from the church so it is tax exempt.

Hi, deb,
My suggestion is to do this:
The next time you apply for a job, do NOT give this job on your Application. You do not have to list this job. If you had a previous job, then list it, if you think your boss will give you a good recommendation, with the dates worked.
You can always say that I was looking for work during that particular time.
I do wish you the very best, and I would forget about any "lawsuits". Finding a job is more important, but that's just my opinion.