Colleagues,
I received this through another e-mail discussion group I subscribe to. It
should provide material for some interesting class discussions of
employment law, torts, contracts, and ethics. I apologize for the length.
The website link in the article is blatantly commercial but mildly
entertaining.
Keith
>Subj: Fraudulent Credentials Rampant in the Workplace;...
>Date: 98-09-01 08:43:10 EDT
>Sender: PRNewswire
>
>Fraudulent Credentials Rampant in the Workplace; Investigation Uncovers
>Sources
>
>NEW YORK, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael G. Kessler & Associates, Ltd. issued
>the following release:
>
> 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's Who. 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 web-site 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.
>
>SOURCE Michael G. Kessler & Associates, Ltd.
>
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"Sacred cows make the best hamburger"
Keith A. Maxwell | Voice: 253 756 3703
Professor, Legal & Ethical Studies | Fax: 253 756 3500
University of Puget Sound | Internet: [log in to unmask]
Tacoma, WA 98416
http://www.ups.edu/faculty/maxwell/
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