Has a candidate ever sent you fake references?

Question

FGB'ers who are, or who have been, in a hiring capacity -- has a candidate ever sent you fake references or other faked materials for a job? Did you find out before hiring them or after, and how did it ultimately play out? Writing an article on this and would love your help! xx

Anonymous · Answer

I've never knowing received a fake reference but my nanny has told me people she's known have faked references for other nannies...which I found pretty frightening as someone who is pretty trusting and considering that a caretaker or babysitter is being left alone with your dearly beloved little ones. In the end, none of the 'victims' found out, is what it seemed...

Nancy McSharry Jensen · Answer

Yes, a direct report made up a false front company and manager as a reference. He had previously worked for my employer so HR didn’t check his background. We discovered this when this guy engaged in illegal activities, and as we dug into his background this became evident. My lesson: trust but verify!

Anonymous · Answer

I have a friend who used her dad as a reference under a false name. She was an entry level candidate with very little experience aside from her years working as an executive assistant to her dad, and although she expressed this to her potential employer they still required a reference.  I felt like this was very wrong for her to do - but she DID work incredibly hard at that company and he was truly the only one who could speak to that.

Lady Pele · Answer

I've known candidates who misrepresented their expertise, but none that falsified references.  Besides being a question of honesty and ethics, it's so easy to get caught I'm amazed anyone would attempt it.  Of course, I was surprised when candidates claimed to be experts on a tool they had only used a couple of times.

Has a candidate ever sent you fake references?

You're invited.

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