Has anyone ever had this happen, and if so, what choice did they make?

73 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 4,2024 at 7:06PM UTC

   Okay - first, that's a random way to go about determining who was out. Obviously to save on severance. Shady.

   In your case, why did you lie about that??? If I were you, I'd be proactive and fess up, but perhaps consult an attorney before doing so.

2. AnonymousOctober 4,2024 at 7:15PM UTC

   You've been there for 22 years, there's a chance your paperwork is lost. Otherwise, if confronted you will need to fess up, apologize and accept termination if that's how they want to play it.

3. AnonymousOctober 5,2024 at 2:49AM UTC

   I seriously bet they won't go after you.

4. AnonymousOctober 5,2024 at 12:46PM UTC

   There is nothing a lawyer can do if the OP lies on their application and resume, as they claim they did. Do you think a lawyer can defend an outright and undeniable lie?

   The OP got her job under false pretense and should be fired!

5. AnonymousOctober 5,2024 at 12:52PM UTC

   Read the original post; ALL employees will have their background checked; therefore, the OP isn't being targeted.

   Obviously, you think lying on one's application isn't cause for termination; well, it is, regardless of how long the person's been with their employers.

   Instead of being an armchair lawyer, do some research (Google is your friend), and you'll see what the new employer is doing is legal.

   Why should a liar be allowed to stay employed when there are so many who have the integrity not to lie and are struggling to find work?

6. GirlBossanova934974October 5,2024 at 1:38PM UTC

   First of all you need to KNOW that all background checks are NOT created equal. No such thing. Yes! All sorts of companies these days conduct background checks. They outsource them to 3rd party companies whom they pay a few coins to, in order to find out CRIMINAL infractions and serious credit issues. Degrees? The background company is going to demand a much bigger price tag for that one. They have to take your info and verify a transcript at the college/university and that don't come cheap. I have had to pull my own transcripts and it took me a week to get the info after dealing with all sorts of paperwork. As for this company that you now work for? I would get of there yesterday. This sort of backhanded nonsense to get rid of employees is just plain crazy AND WON'T DO A THING to bring up sales and profits. A wiser owner would be sitting down with employees to figure out ways to bring in new customers and increase service department profits.

7. maria roseOctober 5,2024 at 2:18PM UTC

   The job you had for the years before is no longer the job you have now. Instead of wasting time trying to hang on to that job you should be looking for another job. The new owner is clearly cleaning house and it sounds like you live in a geographic area that doesn’t require employers to provide a severance package for layoffs. Don’t waste time trying to cling to this job as it is not worth the effort.

8. AnonymousOctober 5,2024 at 3:45PM UTC

   Severance packages are NOT required by law unless you have a contract with that as an Executive.

9. AnonymousOctober 5,2024 at 3:44PM UTC

   I would sit down with the owner and speak about your working experience with the company and how you have moved up to help manage the dept and can help to rebuild the business that they hope to have. Let them know that 22 years ago out of fear of rejection you wrote that your degree was completed but it was not due to personal issues at that time. Let them know that you hoped to be able to complete it but work and family life did not allow. Then let the decide your value and concurrently do look around for other work.

   It may help to get a strong letter of reference from the former owner corroborating your story and explaining the why.

10. RobinOctober 5,2024 at 6:05PM UTC

    Your new employer would NOT want this information front and center. It gives everyone a rather negative view of the owner, like petty and unprofessional. Honestly, do you want to work for someone who literally thinks they can fix issues by digging up dirt on people?

11. RobinOctober 5,2024 at 6:08PM UTC

    An owner who begins their opinion of others in the negative will not be an empathetic and understanding supervisor.

12. AnonymousOctober 5,2024 at 9:49PM UTC

    Explain how a lawyer can help.

    The OP lied. Can a lawyer undo their lie?

    (You're probably a lawyer who takes money from clients, knowing you have no chance of winning anything for them.)

13. AnonymousOctober 5,2024 at 9:53PM UTC

    Yeah, trying to sink your employer will save your job... and make you employable.

    The OP committed a crime and needs to fess up and move on quietly. If she causes a fuss, do you think another employer will hire her?

14. AnonymousOctober 5,2024 at 9:56PM UTC

    Explain how "The employer is culpable."

    The OP lied and, for 22 years, got away with it. Now, the new owner is cleaning house and has the smarts to do it this way to save on severance by dismissing for cause.

15. AnonymousOctober 5,2024 at 10:02PM UTC

    Lots of armchair lawyers here...

    Here's how it works ladies...

    If you lied to get your job then you can be terminated for cause. It's a criminal act to lie on your application or the resume you used to get the job.

    The new owner is well within their right to conduct a background check on every employee and terminate those who are found to have lied for cause.

    According to the OP, the dealership's sales are down; hence, layoffs must happen. I'd rather see employees who lack morals and lie to get a job get fired than employees who got their job honestly.

16. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 12:29PM UTC

    Your response is realistic and honest. My former employer fired 2 people in one dept for lying and about having a degree. It is a huge offense in some companies.

17. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 12:41PM UTC

    Lying about having a degree, having worked for XYZ company, tenure at a company, etc., is criminal in the eyes of the law, as it's misrepresentation. Hence, employers can fire, and often do, employees they've found to have lied on their application, even years later, for cause.

18. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 9:58PM UTC

    It is not a criminal act to lie on a resume.

19. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 7:26AM UTC

    If you come on a social platform to seek opinione you'll get answers all over the place. No one expects a legal expert answer. Please.

20. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 12:25PM UTC

    Lying about a degree is a very common reason at many companies. Good luck to the OP.

21. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 12:38PM UTC

    Are you, or any of the ladies here, going to pay for the OP's lawyer?

    (SILENCE)

    I didn't think so!

22. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 12:44PM UTC

    Maybe the reason sales are down is because he has the wrong employees and is now cleaning house.

    Why have the employees who depend on their employer for their income allowed sales to decline?

    My father, who is about to turn 55, said to me when I got my first job, "Always remember your employer's success is your success."

    If sales are down, then it is time to get rid of employees who are't helping the dealership achieve sales.

23. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 12:55PM UTC

    Explain how the NEW owner would know that the OP lied.

    What the previous owner did, the decisions they made, have no bearing whatsoever on this case.

    Do you think "the employer may be liable as well if they knew about the fictitious degree and hired her anyway" would fly in court?

    Do you know how much it costs to even get to court to hear such an outrageously pathetic argument?

    The cost of fighting to keep your job, which, since the dealership is financially struggling, could be eliminated anyway, is not worth it.

    Whatever happened to owning the consequences of your wrongdoings and moving on?

24. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 1:20PM UTC

    Ii wouldn't say a thing. I think this is an empty threat and it kind of gives me the creeps. It sounds like you have been an outstanding employee for 22 years And that should speak for itself. You made the mistake of lying years ago , but you shouldn't have to give up a Hard earned career for that. it's not like you broke the law. This is a very cruel way for every single employee to walk around and feel afraid.And i'm more concerned about the fear tactic. If they find out ,you're gonna lose your job either way.... but I would take the risk because it might be an empty threat. If you tell the truth , you're still out of a job and two weeks severance is nothing... If you come forward voluntarily , will they approve you getting unemployment???? This is a terrible scare tactics that they can reduce work load and Pay roll

25. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 1:32PM UTC

    Did you lie yourself or someone lie on behalf of you? Sounds like another case of not on paper, remember this is NOT fiction, move on and look for a new job. That town hall doesn’t seem to be a workable place, so it doesn’t matter if there is 3rd party verification.

26. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 2:18PM UTC

    Can you survive without 2 weeks severance? Have other jobs, work lined up? see what happens.

27. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 4:32PM UTC

    “Sorry not sorry” is a passive aggressive way of acknowledgment up front way that you know people won’t like what you say or believe but that you don’t care about it.

    If you’re going to speak your mind and/or judgement about a situation you may not have all the facts about, then be direct about it and don’t hide behind passive aggressiveness…Sorry but not sorry…

28. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 4:59PM UTC

    And I have worked in HR / legal for 30 years. Many of the companies I worked for offered nothing and they were major players (not startups) in tech space. Every company takes a different approach to how the exit their employees, not all have the funds to do so.

29. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 5:02PM UTC

    You've been there 22 years, so they still have your original applications and/or resume? How would the new owner know you haven't already disclosure to the old owner that didn't graduate? Personally the new owner sounds like a bit of a bully right out of the gate.

30. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 5:54PM UTC

    Sounds like he has already targeted his fires .... I would not say a thing bc more than likely he hasn't had an outside company check anything. Be prepared either way.

31. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 12:21PM UTC

    I said the same thing. Call his bluff... he's not hired anyone for background check... he wants to see who will volunteer info and take severance.

32. Rebecca MillikenOctober 6,2024 at 7:26PM UTC

    Wow people have strong feelings. I've never lied on a resume but if I were in your position, I'd do nothing and see what happens but in the meantime I'd look for another job. Not that I believe the new boss is telling the truth--frankly this tactic is stupid and isn't going to help his business--but because it sounds like a crappy place to work.

    If sales are down why wouldn't he, as the owner, look at the sales force and get rid of the weakest sellers? I don't work in that field but my job involves sales. If I am not performing to a certain level, I don't keep my job.

33. AnonymousOctober 11,2024 at 2:12PM UTC

    Right...if sales are down, look at who the top performers are and act accordingly. If this is an auto dealership, he's going to have to do way more than just cut staff to right the ship. In this case, the staff could be whittled down to just two people, but if he's not looking at other key aspects of the business, i.e.; floor plans, inventory, overhead, etc...it won't matter one bit!

34. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 7:54PM UTC

    "Do you know what lawyers DO?"

    Lawyers say, "You MAY have a case," and "I may be able to get you SOME money. " They then ask for a huge retainer fee and, if they do negotiate a settlement, take at least 40%.

    The only person getting rich off the OP's situation is the lawyer.

35. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 9:47PM UTC

    Exactly it’s not against the law as resumes are not legal documents.

36. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 9:52PM UTC

    I’m not going to read all the responses but some are kinda nasty. A. it is NOT illegal to misrepresent oneself on a resume. Most people do.

    B. what if any info does the new owner have to verify your credentials?
    C. If they use a 3rd party and find out you do not in fact have a degree, you can be terminated if he chooses.
    Former recruiter here - years ago I had a candidate we learned (through a background check) that wrote illegal prescriptions. I did not discuss this with him but he shared it on his own with me. He made a mistake, served his time, and our client didn’t care, (he told him we didn’t) and they hired him!
    If it were me, I’d update my resume (without the mention of a degree) but instead list all courses or certifications you may have and apply elsewhere. The new owner sounds like a tyrant and you and your colleagues deserve better!
    You made a mistake 22 years ago and it’s okay. We all have and your work should speak volumes and your character for being there 22 years.
    Sometimes change is there ready for you to take hold. A new journey may be in your future unless you want to work for a tsar. Hang in there and let us know if we can help support you and guide you! Please keep us posted!

37. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 9:59PM UTC

    Amen! It’s not illegal to lie on a resume.

38. AnonymousOctober 6,2024 at 10:00PM UTC

    Amen love your reply. Love the armchair lawyers here. SMH.

39. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 12:20PM UTC

    I think you should call his bluff. Sounds like he's trying to get people to come forward on their own. This is going to sound bad but there's gotta be someone whose lied about something way worse and they are gonna break. Keep it to yourself and see where this goes. You mean to tell me you been there for 22 years and they still have your original resume?! yea right. Maintain decorum and keep doing your job.

40. AnonymousOctober 11,2024 at 1:59PM UTC

    People do lie or give out false information. I don't know any one of us on this post that hasn't told a lie about something or another. And more than likely, someone else in this organization has lied about something that was far worse than not having a college degree. However, it doesn't wipe away what's been done. Hopefully, it doesn't negatively impact the OP, but you never know.

41. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 1:00PM UTC

    Step forward. Contact the previous owner and ask for a written reference based on work history.

    Remove the un-truth from your resume and move to a better environment where your EXPERIENCE is appreciated and celebrated rather than a past that doesn't really exist.
    This new owner likely isn't worth working for; and if he IS bluffing as is suggested by another post - he's a jerk. Do you really wanna be associated with someone who will make you jump through hoops and chase a carrot?

42. AnonymousOctober 8,2024 at 12:27PM UTC

    I’m sure the previous owner will love finding out they were lied to.

43. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 1:07PM UTC

    I would like to clarify something a lot of people keep mixing up. A resume is a story about you - people embellish. It is how you want people to see you. An application is a fact based questions for information. At the bottom of the application you read the statement that asks you that you state the above information is the truth. by signing you application you are stating the information provided is the truth. Applications are required to be kept in you HR file - Resumes are not.

    Unfortunately you lied on your application and that is grounds for dismissal. I would do as one poster stated - contact the previous owner for a letter and then come clean for at least 2 weeks of severance. I don't think falsifying your application will allow for unemployment compensation. You can always consult an attorney.

    I do wish you the best of luck.

44. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 2:20PM UTC

    Yes, when I see people in other threads here encouraging small lies on applications (even when it’s something like dates of college graduation which they shouldn’t be asking as potentially discriminatory) I think of situations like the one the OP now finds themself in. You (people asking elsewhere, no assumptions about this OP) probably signed something saying the application was “true and complete” and even if the tiny falsehood didn’t matter at all, you’ve set yourself up to be fired for cause if they want to.

45. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 1:40PM UTC

    I like what one person said that since you gave false info on your application, you need to come clean. Hopefully you haven’t shared this info with any of your co workers. I like the idea of getting a recommendation from your former employer and ask to keep your job. If they don’t agree, then accept the 2 weeks and collect unemployment and move on. Sounds to me like they already know that people have falsified their apps. You have a chance of keeping your job I think. Good luck to you!

46. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 2:26PM UTC

    I do think you need to keep in mind that this is a pretty big lie. While it’s not illegal, you could have ended up in much murkier waters if there had ever been an issue at your job. You have also created an ongoing cause for them to fire you which can really screw up your future job prospects (I doubt the previous owner would be too jazzed to help you out knowing you’d also lied to him). All of that being said, this will come down to how the record keeping is at the dealership. Do they have your application? Does your HR file include the original resume and info about your education? If not, you might get lucky. If yes, I would take the severance. You will get caught and easily.

47. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 2:29PM UTC

    She doesn’t need a lawyer because there is no legal issue here. She lied. If she is caught lying, she can be fired. The new boss is right that it would let them fire for cause. She can seek outside help, but what do you think a lawyer will tell her about lying to her employer for 22 years?

48. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 2:31PM UTC

    It’s not a wrongful termination unless she can prove she is being fired for a reason other than fraud (and if she’s not in Cali this isn’t even relevant). They are planning to fire people for poor performance linking it to lying.

49. KathyOctober 7,2024 at 3:08PM UTC

    The new owner is concerned that sales are low and expects to lay off staff to save money YET he is hiring a 3rd party auditor to verify people's backgrounds. This seems like a bluff. He is hoping people come forward on their own and he won't have to make decisions as to which people to lay off.

    It's quite expensive to hire 3rd party auditors.

    I would keep your job, start looking for a new one and see what happens with the 'audit'.

    People are fired for non reasons all the time. They decide to give your job to a friend, they don't like your work methods, they don't like you for whatever reason, they downsize, etc.

    Good Luck!

50. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 4:58PM UTC

    The new owner is betting that hiring a third-party auditor will save him or her more in severance than what he's paying the auditor.

    The new owner is showing they have business acumen.

51. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 4:59PM UTC

    ... and what do you think a lawyer is going to do?

52. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 5:22PM UTC

    Work with an employment attorney and find out just exactly where you sit. Everyone like to hand out advice and we have 50 states in the US which means you have potentially 50 ways this could go based on law alone. Plus Washington DC and other territories. I know you said Midwest so there are at least 10 states or more who claim to be midwest.

53. Valerie RiegerOctober 7,2024 at 6:22PM UTC

    I would 1)Admit to lying and accept the 2 weeks severance; 2)Update my resume to reflect not having the degree; 3)Be prepared to explain why you're no longer in that position.

    You admitted to lying about your college degree. If the new owner does, in fact, engage a 3rd party auditor, your lie will most likely be found out. If he doesn't engage an auditor, you'll have that hanging over your head.

    As for retaining an attorney, I'm not sure that you would have a case. The new owner has the right to verify credentials of the staff that he now employs. In every organization that I've worked in, lying about past employment or education credentials was a terminable offense.

54. AnonymousOctober 8,2024 at 1:06AM UTC

    Although laws vary from state to state, ex post facto laws would generally allow the company to dodge lawsuits based on the fact that the job was fraudulently obtained. It sounds like the employer wants to cut staff without facing lawsuits.

55. AnonymousOctober 8,2024 at 12:42PM UTC

    I agree. It's NEVER okay to lie about college degrees or certifications to secure a position. Sooner or later, the truth does come out.

56. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 6:42PM UTC

    Since I said a couple of times I was talking about other conversations and not the OP, I hope so too. It’s still a bad idea to lie on a job application.

57. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 7:26PM UTC

    It seems like the owner will have to find a really good 3rd party to find all the lies, if there are many more lies than yours. I also think they'd never find out about your lie because schools might not keep records

58. Lisa GreenbergOctober 10,2024 at 1:05AM UTC

    Yes, they do.

59. Bridget HarringtonOctober 7,2024 at 7:51PM UTC

    Do they have any idea how expensive 3rd party auditors are? If they are suffering from declining sales, they don't have the extra money that this would entail, so this is likely a tactic to get people to quit on their own and reduce the payroll burden. What are the stats now...80-90% of resumes have some falsehood or embellishment? Those are things that should have been uncovered in a reference check when you were hired. It's a bit late now.

    I would call their bluff and say absolutely nothing. In situations like this, make them fire you. And in the meantime, if you are not already looking for something else, start now.

60. AnonymousOctober 8,2024 at 1:03AM UTC

    Checking to see if you have a college degree costs about $15.

61. Robin WOctober 7,2024 at 8:17PM UTC

    There's been a lot of advice going around. I would be prepared to sell your skills with facts and statistics about how the dealership is better off with you in the position you're in. You'll want that info for your resume anyway. I would also be polishing my resume and applying for new positions. Be truthful

62. AnonymousOctober 7,2024 at 8:40PM UTC

    Sorry, who are you replying to? I didn't say you couldn't be let go, I said it's not a criminal act. Perhaps read before you reply. And be a little nicer in your replies please. No one is on trial here.

63. Janet ParkhurstOctober 8,2024 at 3:13AM UTC

    Step up and admit to it. I'm almost tempted to laugh that it took 22 years for someone to address this... But as they say, what goes around, comes around. Liars eventually get caught. Sorry.

64. HereLearningOctober 8,2024 at 12:19PM UTC

    If they’re just gonna do criminal background, you may not worry about it plus you have to give consent for that I believe

65. AnonymousOctober 8,2024 at 12:22PM UTC

    California is an exception not the rule and you can still require transcripts etc

66. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEOctober 9,2024 at 3:30PM UTC

    When you were hired, the company should have verified your education as part of their background check. Do you have any college coursework? They may accept it in lieu of a college degree. Professionalism is always the key and explaining your situation to HR may be the best solution.

    However, in the future do not lie on any applications. It is grounds for immediate dismissal.

67. AnonymousOctober 9,2024 at 5:41PM UTC

    You could step forward and at least get two weeks severance or just wait for them to find out and fire you with no severance pay. I'd take the severance.

68. AnonymousOctober 10,2024 at 7:22PM UTC

    Anyone with a slight sense of business acumen would know to cut expenses first and then rebuild their business.

    In other words, the new owner can't spend money he doesn't have while trying to figure out why sales are down.

69. AnonymousOctober 10,2024 at 7:25PM UTC

    "Innocent until proven Guilty IN A COURT OF LAW."

    OP ADMITTED they lied... so educate everyone here on how she's "innocent."

70. AnonymousOctober 10,2024 at 7:35PM UTC

    OP admitted they lie...

    So, what will a lawyer's FREE consultation accomplish?

    You do realize you can't undo a lie.

71. AnonymousOctober 10,2024 at 7:46PM UTC

    No kidding. That was mean. Thank you for addressing and saying what you did. To the original OP, hang in there. Many of us on here are not "mean girls" and will stand up for you. You've got this! :-)

72. AnonymousOctober 11,2024 at 1:11PM UTC

    I agree. And also, it shows right off the bat that this new owner knows zilch when it comes to the industry. My spouse had been in the automotive industry for over 20 years, as was his two brothers. When you take over a fledgling dealership of any kind, you should look at your inventory - how much do you have and how to reduce it. Look at sales - who and what is making you money or isn't. Sure, staff may be eliminated but it has very little to nothing to do with whether or not that person has a degree. It's all about revenue and how to generate it to keep the business from going under. But with all of that being said, it's still NEVER a good form to lie about credentials or degrees. It's not worth it. If you got the skills, you'll get to where you're going.

73. AnonymousOctober 14,2024 at 2:20PM UTC

    I think the new owner is hoping enough employees come forward saying they have false info on their resume or application and quit with the 2 weeks pay and no further need for lay offs. Not knowing how large of a company you work at is, but how long will it take a third party to complete an audit of everyone? Longer than 2 weeks? So even if you stay and they fire you at least you get more than 2 weeks pay.