Fraudulent Credentials Prevalent in Today’s Workplace Investigation Uncovers Sources

NEW YORK, August 24, 1998: Michael G. Kessler & Associates, Ltd., announced today that their six-month investigation on resume and credential fraud has netted amazing results.

The impetus for this investigation came from a nationwide survey conducted by Kessler and Associates. Kessler’s investigative team sought to determine how prevalent resume fraud was in the workplace, and how employers could combat the problem.

The results were astounding. Not only did we find resume fraud so frequent an occurrence that it was almost at epidemic proportions, but we found some startling information along the way.

College degrees were only an e-mail away. Sources were abundant on the Internet. Kessler’s investigators placed inquiries regarding obtaining a degree by these less than legitimate means, and they were bombarded with responses. Fees varied from a hefty $9,000 to a mere $19.95 for a Ph.D.

If you were the creative type, you could even print up your own college diploma, from the comfort of your living room, on your home computer. Stationery sources were available which could be used for this purpose, with ads claiming that the results promised to be "Very Official Looking!"

Michael G Kessler, president and CEO of Kessler and Associates admits his astonishment at some of their findings, "We even located sources selling transcript templates and paper which would allow the purchaser to fill in the blanks to create their own official college transcripts, complete with straight A’s if they desired."

Through their investigation Kessler’s team also found that not only were applicants lying about their educational levels and degrees, but they also listed certifications from organizations which either never tested the applicant, or were simply a money making scheme for their originators.

Some of these organizations offered to provide an impressive gold seal embossed certificate, suitable for framing, when a customer ordered a book on a specific subject. These certificates named the purchaser as an expert in their respective fields. Some of the publications we obtained offered certifications in various disciplines including Forensic Dentistry, Environmental Investigator, Financial Investigator, Forensic Psychology, and Forensic Accounting. Even more astounding perhaps, is that the only requirement for many of these organizations to provide certification was receipt of a check made payable to them.

Kessler warns, "Many programs do exist that are legitimate and do provide training to individuals in a variety of subject areas, but there seems to be a new emergence of certifications which are often awarded purely for a fee paid. These are the ones that are dangerous and need to be exposed and eliminated."

The abuses encountered through the study were widespread and touched upon many areas. The investigative team found one such abuse to a century old respected publication, Marquis’ Who’sWho. We encountered numerous publications offering to include listing in a book with a similar title in exchange for a hefty fee. These publications use the name and fine reputation of "Who’s Who," to con the buying public into believing that having their name listed in this publication will advance their career and reputation.

The results of the survey and investigation were astounding. Kessler’s team of investigators found individuals in high level positions, spouting bogus credentials, impressive publication listings, and phony degrees on their resumes. In some cases these were not in addition to legitimate qualifications, they were their only qualification.

The public needs to become aware of the existence of these unscrupulous offerings and learn to exercise caution when faced with proposals for items which seem "to good to be true." In addition employers must realize that extensive background checks on prospective employees have now become a necessity if they are to protect their organizations from potentially devastating lawsuits.

"One of the services we provide at Kessler & Associates is a Pre-employment screening. We are often amazed by our findings. We have encountered applicants claiming to have Masters Degrees, who had not even finished high school, as well as a host of other pertinent information often being intentionally omitted," notes Kessler.

Michael G. Kessler & Associates, Ltd., is the leader in international corporate investigation, offering a full line of specialty services. With worldwide offices and on staff specialists in competitive intelligence, forensic accounting, and intellectual property protection Kessler & Associates provides solutions to difficult business problems. For additional information, call their office or visit their website at http://www.investigation.com.

For additional information on the results of Kessler & Associates’ investigation on degree, certification and resume fraud, please contact Michael Kessler at (212) 286-9100.