Yesterday I mentioned that the research staff at the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) published some interesting facts about r?sum? fraud. The staff points out some ways to detect and prevent this type of fraud:

Records of education rather than degrees:

• Applicant emphasizes everything about her or his education, except the actual degree that was awarded. Typically, the actual degree is omitted from the r?sum?, like this: Boston University, School of Communication, 2002-2005
• Ask the applicant about the education, specifically the degree. Consider having the applicant sign a release of transcript form so the employer can get the transcripts directly from the college.

Gaps in employment:

• Look for gaps in employment, especially when an applicant prints only years or seasons (rather than actual dates), which may be an attempt to cover up that gap.
• Inquire about the gaps to determine if they are due to a legitimate reason like the birth of a child, or some other problem like incarceration.

Frequent job change:

• Look closely at “job-jumpers,” who might be problem employees.

Vague description or exaggeration of job duties:

• Applicants often exaggerate their prior job duties in an attempt to look like a highly qualified candidate
• A vague description of job experience might indicate she or he actually has little experience in that area
• Ask the applicant to talk about work situations and experiences related to that area, to help determine if she or he has legitimate experience.

Weak references:

• The most reliable references are former employers
• References should be researched a little to verify that they are legitimate

In closing, the ACFE research staff recommends background checks as permissible by law.