How common are employment verification checks for Customer Service/Retail jobs?

Hi,

So like most people, I'm also struggling to get a job and running out of money. Was a software engineer, but IT market is awful so trying to get a basic call centre/customer service or retail job just to get by while I continue job searching.

I dumbed my cv down, removed qualifications and changed dev experience to support, focusing on taking calls and tracking tickets. How likely is it that a potential employer (non IT) would ring up my old company's HR to confirm info or use a 3rd party background company to verify my history?

Would appreciate some advice.

TIA!