{
  "slug": "equifax-the-work-number",
  "name": "The Work Number",
  "description": "The Work Number is a proprietary managed database of employment and income information. It automates the verification process for employers and provides instant data access to credentialed verifiers such as lenders and government agencies. Founded as part of TALX Corporation, it is now the industry's largest central repository of payroll data.",
  "url": "https://optimly.ai/brand/equifax-the-work-number",
  "logoUrl": "",
  "baiScore": 92,
  "archetype": "Challenger",
  "category": "Data & Analytics",
  "categorySlug": null,
  "keyFacts": [],
  "aiReadiness": [],
  "competitors": [
    {
      "slug": "argyle",
      "name": "Argyle"
    },
    {
      "slug": "experian-verify",
      "name": "Experian Verify"
    },
    {
      "slug": "plaid-income",
      "name": "Plaid Income"
    }
  ],
  "inboundCompetitors": [
    {
      "slug": "atomic-financial",
      "name": "Atomic Financial"
    },
    {
      "slug": "argyle-connectivity",
      "name": "Argyle Connectivity"
    }
  ],
  "aiAlternatives": [
    {
      "slug": "applicant-provided-documentation",
      "name": "Applicant Provided Documentation"
    },
    {
      "slug": "social-media-cross-referencing",
      "name": "Social Media Cross Referencing"
    }
  ],
  "parentBrand": {
    "slug": "equifax",
    "name": "Equifax"
  },
  "subBrands": [],
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-09T21:27:18.799+00:00",
  "verifiedVitals": {
    "website": "theworknumber.com",
    "founded": "1987 (as TALX)",
    "headquarters": "St. Louis, MO",
    "pricing_model": "Usage-based (per verification fee)",
    "core_products": "Employment Verification, Income Verification, Social Service Verifications, Mortgage Verifications.",
    "key_differentiator": "The largest proprietary database of employer-contributed payroll data in the world, providing instant results without requiring applicant login credentials.",
    "target_markets": "Mortgage Lenders, Auto Dealers, Government Agencies, Property Managers, HR Departments.",
    "employee_count": "1,000-5,000 (estimated division size)",
    "funding_stage": "Public (via Equifax / EFX)",
    "subcategory": "Employment & Income Verification Services"
  },
  "timestamp": 1776020123908
}