Most homeowners have debt. So do lots of folks that own cars. And credit cards. And poor people unfortunate enough to wind up in the hospital with sub-par health insurance. And 18 year old college students with bad judgement about credit cards.

Are all of these folks more susceptible to bribes and blackmail? This is a sizeable portion of the population.

Does bad credit of someone that just declared bankruptcy make someone more susceptible?

Couldn't a company just lessen this by paying well so that folks can get out of debt?

> Are all of these folks more susceptible to bribes and blackmail?

Yes? I expect I’m more susceptible to bribes and blackmail than I would be if I were independently wealthy and mortgage-free.

Not that I want to be discriminated against on those grounds.

Ah, yes, that matters so much when applying for a gas station attendant job.

But please, most people have debt! Mortgages, a car loan, educational debt. Revolving credit card debt, even if they pay off the statement balance every month. (Maybe you personally don't, but you are not typical if that's the case!)

Sure, if you have debts that you are having trouble paying, maybe you'd be more susceptible to accepting a bribe or caving to blackmail? But c'mon, for most jobs out there this is just not a consideration.