What Counts as Resume Fraud? A PI’s Perspective

That carefully polished resume on your desk tells a candidate’s professional journey, but smart hiring teams know it’s just one side of the story. Since this document can guide big decisions like salaries, security clearances, and client-facing roles, it’s extremely important to make sure every part of what’s written is true. But what if it’s not? 

There’s a difference between a little creative spin and actual resume fraud demanding an investigation in Connecticut, and we’re here to help you spot that line. Keep reading to learn more about what counts as resume fraud and how to better protect your business against it.

What is an example of resume fraud?

Many employers ask this only after they’ve discovered a costly lie: What exactly counts as resume fraud?. Turns out, it’s a broader issue than many think. It happens whenever someone puts false, hidden, or doctored information on their application, which then influences whether they get hired. As you can imagine, even small lies can put a business at legal and financial risk, so it’s better to stay on the lookout. Here are some of the most common examples:

1. Claiming a degree that was never earned

Often sitting near the top, the degree section is a key part of most resumes and something that hiring software pays close attention to. Some applicants falsely claim a degree despite not completing their studies. In tightly regulated fields like engineering, finance, and healthcare, a fake degree blocks licensure and risks company insurance. This type of lie can cause serious harm to a business or brand, particularly where compliance is strictly monitored.

2. Inventing past job titles or roles

A job title says a lot about someone’s authority. “Operations Director” sounds more impressive than “Administrative Assistant,” even if they did the same work. Some people change their titles to make it seem like they had more strategic responsibility than they really did. This can affect their salary, stock options, and who they get to manage. Protect your company from resume fraud by making sure you don’t just take the documents at face value

3. Faking employment at companies that don’t exist

Sometimes, CVs list companies that don’t seem to exist anywhere else. Some applicants might go as far as to create a fake website and address and then claim years of nonexistent work. These made-up employers help hide things like job gaps, firings, or not having the right experience. So, no matter how detailed or convincing their role seems, it’s always best to invest in a resume background check to catch fabrications before you extend an offer.

4. Stretching employment dates to cover gaps

When it comes to dates, accuracy truly matters. Making a short job last longer or combining two jobs into one smooth timeline can hide layoffs, short stints, or bad exits. These date tricks can throw off your calculations for how long someone might stay, how much training they’ll need, and how much you’ll need to invest in said training. Having a correct timeline allows HR to understand a candidate’s real career progression instead of an artificially smooth one.

5. Misrepresenting certifications or licenses

Certifications and licenses offer instant credibility. For example, a software auditor’s CPA license is crucial, and a hospital trusts a nurse’s current RN status. When these credentials are no longer valid, suspended, or entirely made up, the responsibility falls on the employer who didn’t verify them. Penalties for this can range from fines to losing accreditation. To check, it’s best to check directly with state boards, national registries, and education databases.

6. Listing skills or technical experience never used

Exaggerating skills is common, especially in fast-moving fields. Candidates may add programming languages, software systems, or technical abilities they’ve seen listed in job requirements but never used in practice. The mismatch usually becomes clear when projects are delayed or the work quality suffers. That’s why it’s always important to check references properly and ask for work samples to see genuine ability.

What’s the best firm to rely on for resume fraud investigation in Connecticut?

Hiring the wrong person based on a falsified resume can lead to far more than just a bad hire, it can expose your company to liability, damage trust, derail projects, and more. At Blackledge Investigations, we specialize in uncovering the truth behind every statement so you can make confident, informed hiring decisions. Whether you’re managing HR in a high-growth firm near the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford or running operations across the U.S., we bring discreet, thorough background investigations tailored to your industry. Let our experienced team help protect your business from the risks of resume fraud. Contact us today to take the next step!