Criminal Defense Lawyers

What are the risks of lying about credentials like college degrees?

The Dangers of Resume Fraud and Fake Degrees

We’ve all been tempted to stretch the truth a little on our resumes. Rounding up that GPA to 3.5, maybe adding a few impressive-sounding responsibilities to previous jobs. But outright lying about major credentials like college degrees or professional certifications is very risky business. Let’s talk about why lying about your education and credentials can seriously damage your career and even land you in legal trouble.

First off, getting caught lying about having a degree or certification can totally ruin your reputation. Even if a company doesn’t fire you right away for resume fraud, you’ll lose their trust. Colleagues will see you as dishonest and unethical. Good luck getting promotions or pay raises once your integrity is shot. Plus word spreads fast, so your reputation in your whole industry could take a major hit. Not worth it!

Now let’s talk legal consequences. Lying about credentials on your resume is illegal in many states. For example, in Texas it’s considered a misdemeanor crime punishable by thousands in fines and even jail time[1]. New Jersey also imposes big fines for fake degree claims[5]. And it’s not just criminal penalties – you can also get hit with civil lawsuits if your lies cause damages. Say you fake engineering credentials and sign off on a faulty design that collapses a building. You could be on the hook for millions in civil liability[4]. Yikes!

Common Types of Resume Fraud

What kinds of lies do people actually tell on their resumes? Here are some of the most common types of resume fraud[2]:

• Claiming a degree you never earned
• Making up a college or degree program that doesn’t exist
• Exaggerating your GPA
• Lying about dates of attendance or graduation
• Faking professional certifications
• Embellishing job titles and responsibilities
• Listing “skills” you don’t really have

As you can see, some lies are more serious than others. But even little white lies can come back to bite you. And with the internet and social media, it’s easier than ever for employers to fact-check your background.

Real-Life Consequences of Resume Fraud

Need some cautionary tales? Here are a few real-life examples of people getting caught for lying about education and credentials:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

• A Yahoo CEO lost his job after it came out he didn’t really have the computer science degree listed on his resume[2].
• A teenager in Florida went to prison for practicing medicine without a license after faking medical credentials[3].
• An engineer was fired and faced criminal charges after faking an engineering degree and approving faulty building plans[4].

As you can see, resume lies can completely ruin careers and lead to serious legal consequences. It’s just not worth the risk.

What to Do Instead of Lying

The good news is you don’t have to lie or exaggerate on your resume. Here are some ethical alternatives if you’re worried about gaps or other resume red flags:

• Explain employment gaps honestly – family responsibilities, health issues, travel, etc. Most employers are understanding.
• Focus on transferable skills from jobs even if the titles weren’t glamorous.
• Highlight non-degree training and certifications that are relevant.
• Tout volunteer work and community leadership roles.
• Stress soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.

The bottom line is you can put your best foot forward on your resume without actually lying. At the end of the day, your skills and experience should speak for themselves. If you feel the need to exaggerate, it may indicate larger issues with your work history that you need to address. Resume fraud will only cover them up temporarily until you get caught.

So do yourself a favor – keep it honest! The short-term gain isn’t worth the long-term consequences. You’ll rest easier knowing your resume is factual and your conscience is clear. And isn’t that worth more than any job you’d get with a phony degree?

At the end of the day, honesty really is the best policy when it comes to your resume and credentials. Your true skills will shine through if you accurately represent your background. Resist the temptation to exaggerate or lie – it’s not worth the risk to your reputation, your career, or even your freedom!