Fake experience certificate but with actual detail - caught at BV

Hello, I worked for a company for more than 2 years, but due to some dispute with the director of the company, I left the organization by resigning. I asked them to release me without serving the notice period, which he accepted. He relieved me and also cleared my FnF settlement but did not provide me with an experience certificate. I asked the director several times for several months for the same, but he kept postponing it. As I got a new job, I submitted all the correct documents but included a fake experience certificate from that company with actual details.

However, during the background verification by a third party, the new company found out that it was fake as they checked with the previous employer, and now they have recalled the offer. There is no HR Department or grievance cell in that previous company, and the director of the company only provides a relieving letter.

Please let me know if the background verification report can be changed or if it will affect my future job prospects.

Background Verification Process

Generally, background companies have data on concerned persons in companies, and they mostly send verification emails to those individuals only. They create this database through the various background checks they conduct daily.

In my last company, I received emails from multiple agencies to confirm the credentials of ex-employees. Initially, they used to call the front desk to ask for the HR department. After a while, most companies knew I was the SPOC for employee verification. Thus, data is maintained by companies.

Avoid Submitting Fake Certificates

Firstly, I would suggest you refrain from submitting any fake certificates. Your previous company is now aware that you have forged a letter, which they may inform any future employer about. You may lose out on really good opportunities due to this. Obtaining the letter from your previous employer would be difficult now. You left because you had a dispute with the Director, and now, by committing forgery, you have given him a reason to deny you the letter.

Handling Lack of Experience Certificate

As you stated that your Director accepted your resignation and released you without a notice period, do you have any written correspondence of the same? For any future employment, you can submit the correspondence of the above and also the emails you wrote to your director asking for the experience letter. This will show your future employer that you are following up with your old company, but they are not responding. Also, keep the documentation of your F&F statement.

Professional Conduct and Verification Details

Do not badmouth the Director under any circumstances. You can explain that you do not have an HR Department and hence the procedures are not well defined.

Irrespective of this, in an Employee Verification, apart from general employee details (designation, tenure, salary details, reporting manager, etc.), details of behavior, integrity, and performance are also asked. In most cases, HR does not write negative comments if there were no issues with the employee. However, if there were any ethics or integrity issues with the employee, then HR informs the verification agency.

Thank you, Shweta, for your reply. I have the resignation and acceptance emails, as well as the FnF copy. If I sort things out with my previous employer by apologizing for my misconduct and if they agree to provide me with a relieving letter, can I submit this new experience letter to a third party for re-verification so that my new job prospects are not affected? Is it possible that the third-party verifier will reinitiate the verification process?

Hi,

You can try, but the chances are not bright that the new company would reinstate the offer, as the question of ethics comes into play. However, you may try to sort out the issue with your Director so that you have the letter for any future employments.

Addressing Forged Documents in Employment

Sir, you have made a mistake by submitting a forged service certificate for new employment. This has legal consequences under the cheating sections of the IPC. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid such actions in the future. Also, do not submit apology letters unnecessarily. Accept that there was a conflict with your previous boss, and let the matter rest without pleading. Why are you now in a defensive position by preferring forged documents?

Moving Forward as a Fresher

Proceed as a fresher. After recruitment, the new employer will appreciate your knowledge and provide a suitable position. Unless you want to face prosecution, refrain from contacting your old company for a service certificate. It is advised to avoid further legal battles, as you may unintentionally invite trouble due to innocence or ignorance.

Finding a Solution

First, apply to future companies without hesitation as a fresher. This is the only remaining choice for you now to stay safe.

There is no such rule under Labour Acts to compulsory issue of service certificate to resigned or removed employees by their companies. So it is only a custom followed by all companies all these days. There is no legal bindover.