I was supposed to start a one-year contract with a large financial company in London - went there for two weeks, just got back. They asked me if I had any problems ("any civil suit" or something like that) and I told them "yes, I had a copyright violation 15 years ago, it got settled out of court". That led to an immense scandal and my agency is still trying to convince them to accept me anyway, because their immediate reaction was "no hire". This despite the fact that they are desperate for people (seriously, they want eight more people besides me and can't find them) and despite the fact that everyone agrees that my experience is perfect for the role.

The reason they're so stubborn about it? "What if something happens and I am asked why I accepted him despite knowing he had problems? Then I'll lose my job". People love CYA.