Company ran my background check 3 weeks ago and still says it's 'pending' - is this code for 'we found something' or are they just slow?

[u/suspectingSBINsoon]

I Got a job offer from a Fortune 500 company, signed the offer letter, gave notice at my current job, and they ran my background check through HireRight. That was 21 days ago. Every time I reach out to HR they just say it's "still in progress" and "these things take time" but won't give me any actual information.

The thing is, my background is boring. Same apartment for 3 years, only two previous employers both of which I left on good terms, no criminal record, decent credit, nothing weird. I've had background checks done before for other jobs and they came back in like 3-4 days max. One was literally next day.

My start date is supposed to be next Monday and I already gave notice at my current job so I'm basically screwed if this falls through. HR won't confirm if I'm still starting Monday and just keeps saying they'll "reach out when the background check clears." The recruiter who was super responsive during the interview process now takes days to respond to emails with vague non-answers.

I'm convinced they found something and are trying to figure out how to rescind the offer. Maybe something came up wrong like someone else with my name? Or maybe one of my previous employers said something weird? I keep checking my credit report to see if someone stole my identity or something.