Verification Chronicles: The Counterfeit Credential

While intriguing cases will always capture our interest, the repetition of familiar stories and themes can cause them to lose their impact. It’s easy to become jaded and desensitised, particularly when it comes to academic claims, where fraudulent claims are a common occurrence.
 
We all know the narrative:
 
“That graduate job in IT looks appealing, but it requires a 2:1. I only have a 2:2, but surely no one will notice, right?”
 
Or,
 
“The job requires a master’s degree, but I only have a bachelor’s. Time to get creative with my certificate and Photoshop!”
 
As these lies become more frequent, the novelty of a “juicy case” fades. However, even in 2024, 20 years after Verifile was founded in 2004, we continue to uncover deceit in the academic credentials of the candidates we screen.
 
Our latest case involves a degree supposedly awarded in 1993, raising the question of how many employers have been deceived over the years.
 
Shawn* claimed he earned a degree in Computer Science from the University of North London in 1993. He even noted that “the university has ceased” in his submission, which was true – the University of North London merged in the early 2000s to form London Metropolitan University (LMU). Our investigation led us to LMU, but they struggled to find Shawn’s records. They requested a copy of his certificate, which he had pre-emptively uploaded.
 
To the untrained eye, the certificate appeared genuine. It featured the university’s logo, signatures, and a shiny seal. However, as the saying goes, the “devil is in the detail.”
 
The signatures of the “Provost and President” and “Vice Chancellor” were in different colours.

The seal was a generic gold seal with “Official Seal” and “Excellence” stated in the middle, rather than the university’s name or logo.


There was also a barcode in the bottom left corner with no numbers, suggesting this document might have been bought online. Moreover, research indicated that the university had never had a “Provost.”
 
London Metropolitan University concurred:
 
“It is with regret that I must confirm this is not a document issued by the University of North London. In 1993, the Vice Chancellor was Leslie Wagner, succeeded by Brian Roper in January 1994. There was never a position known as 'Provost and President,' and at no time were seals of this nature used. I’m sorry to impart such disappointing news.”
 
Even 30 years later, Shawn was still claiming a non-existent degree with pride!
 
Academic fraud is a recurring everyday issue and may as a result lose its initial shock value. Nevertheless, it still has the power to surprise. More importantly, cases like this highlight the ongoing need and demand for professional background screening services. Those still relying on copies of certificates will have no doubt believed that Shawn is a university graduate.
 
Although dealing with liars can be tiresome, their false narratives reinforce the essential role of background screening companies. In a strange way, we are grateful they exist, as they validate our mission for transparency in the workplace.
 
*Name changed for confidentiality