Facing Consequences for Fake Documents at Work: Did I Make a Mistake by Cooperating?

I work for an MNC. I kept fake experience to get this job. During background verification, I received an email stating that my previous company was involved in the issuance of fake certificates. They asked for my bank statements and Form 16, which I couldn't submit. The HR department requested that I write on paper acknowledging that I submitted fake documents and sign it. They threatened to blacklist me on NASSCOM. If I complied, they assured me they would release me like a regular employee, providing me with an experience letter, relieving letter, etc. In the document I signed, I admitted to submitting fake documents and disclosed the amount I spent to obtain them. Am I in trouble? Did I make a mistake by cooperating? Please answer!

Under the given circumstances, if you were to orally confess to the HR department that you made a mistake by submitting a fake experience certificate in order to secure a job with your current employer, it would be sufficient. However, providing the same confession in writing may sometimes lead to difficulties in obtaining future employment, especially if your current employer refuses to provide documents such as a relieving letter and service certificates related to your departure from their organization.

Therefore, I advise you to meet with the HR department executives and request the aforementioned certificates as promised, since you have already submitted your written confession regarding the false experience statement to the HR department. My sincere advice is that from now on, you should refrain from submitting any fake service or salary certificates in the future in order to secure employment, as otherwise, you may encounter similar issues throughout your career.

Regards

A fake certificate is nothing short of cheating and forgery under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and nullifies any appointment made, regardless of the period of service rendered. So, never consider using one.

Thank you.

Also, it was the only chance I could get an experience letter and a relieving letter as told by them. My only concern is, in case I get a relieving and experience letter from them, and if I use this experience letter for my next job, will they disclose the discrepancy issue in background verification to my new company? Is it a good idea to use this experience certificate? And about fake certificates, I learned my lesson. I request all the people who see this post not to get involved in this kind of thing.

Regards,

No, never repeat or use these certificates. During verification, you may be exposed again.

Consequences of Submitting Fake Documents

The HR personnel have completed their part by obtaining a written admission from you, which will be inserted into your personnel file even if no complaint is filed against you. If a relieving letter cannot be issued, then try for a service certificate as stipulated in the model standing orders, and remain satisfied. Never engage in such illegal practices. No one in your past company will admit to issuing fake or false certificates to you, even if you have paid them. It is surprising that even private establishments engage in issuing fake certificates for illegal gratification. If you have not created a profile on NSR or NASSCOM, no comments can be posted. Moreover, NSR has stated that it does not engage in blacklisting.

The Consequences of Forgery in Employment

Destiny beckons! Your acceptance in writing is a mirror to the documents you forged. Good news, you are aware of it. Bad news, the HR in that firm is now as much at fault as you are. Keeping a written acceptance of the forgery is a double-edged sword as it unmasks the HR as a scheming one. Your acceptance in person was enough. Making you write it down shows pettiness and scheming on their part!

Moving Forward After the Incident

What matters to you now is what lies ahead. You will put this job behind you and obviously never mention it in any of your resumes in the future. Please consider not using any reference from this firm. Human nature is prone to gossiping. This incident might fuel the grapevine. Choose to stay as far away as you can.

Ethical Considerations and Verification

I know this doesn't sound very ethical. If you still doubt, try to get a reference check done on yourself using this firm's letter. There are companies with whom you can initiate your background verification. You would have to pay the fees, but that would answer all your doubts. You can even request to keep the reason for the verification private, where they will not share with any of your ex-employers why your credibility is being validated.

Impact on Future Prospects

How does the acceptance affect your future? To begin with, it doesn't, unless you registered for this job with Skill Registry in Nasscom. At most, this would be stored as a comment on the reason for leaving in the company MIS/Database.

Individually, this incident has definitely changed you as a person. Sooner rather than later, you will be on the other side of the table where you will be dealing with ambitious talents who would think twice before risking all they have. You might deal with it differently, for you understand the price of this risk.

Wishing you all the best!

If my present company issues an experience certificate for the duration I worked, should I use it for my next employment?

Termination and Personal File Records

The company has taken a lenient view and terminated you simpliciter. They could have dismissed you on the basis of your confessional letter, but the basic thing is that the reason for relieving will always be in your personal file.

Upon seeking your verification, can you imagine they will not cite the basic reason for relieving you?

Addressing Fake Certificates in Employment

No company issues fake certificates. Yes, some employees might be involved in it. Your confession on a piece of plain paper is not of much importance legally, but you may find it difficult to get a new job if your employer discloses this incident during a verification call (which generally does not happen unless you are on bad terms with your previous employer). It is better to accept your mistake and never repeat it.