I need help to learn to do something to help out a friend. [View all]

A friend is suspicious that a former employer might be giving out bad information on her when references are being checked. I told her I'd consider calling them, pretending to be a potential employer, to make certain nothing is awry in the background work.

Problem is, I've never done this before. What would be the pitfalls? Is it always a returned call? And only dates of employment, eligibility to return, and job title can be given out? What info do I need to provide as a prospective employer?

Thank you.