When I used to do independent contract software jobs, I never recalled any background checks being done. When people hire a plumber, they don't do background

When I used to do independent contract software jobs, I never recalled any background checks being done. When people hire a plumber, they don't do background checks either. Presenting yourself as a company vs an employee can be helpful in this situation. Have you thought of doing odesk style work or other remote contracts to pay the bills?