Is this against any law?

[mrs_overall]

Would it be against any law if I wrote to the previous employer of Miss A and asked them for a reference for her? I am NOT an employer, but curious to see if she actually worked for the firm. The reference would be read and then thrown away.
This is a hypothetical question - we have an acquaintance who tells whopping great fibs about past jobs and a few of us were discussing the ethics/legal position of doing this.

[hc4361]

It's not against the law for you to ask, but the ex-employer would need consent from Miss A to give a reference.

[mrs_overall]

I never thought about her consent but it's blindingly obvious now you mention it! Thanks for your reply.

[baileybird]

why not ring up and ask to speak to her
she no longer works here = did but doesnt
never heard of her = never worked there!!!

[cassa333]

I didn't realise that you needed consent to ask for references!