Facing Blackmail Over Past Fake Experience: How Should I Handle This Situation?

Six years ago, I joined a company with fake experience, but for subsequent companies, I did not include that experience. Now, I have joined a new company with all original experiences, and my pre-joining background verification (BGV) was cleared.

However, after six months, I received a call from someone claiming to be from the BGV verification team. They stated that their database shows I have used a blacklisted company in my prior experience. This person is asking me for money to provide a clean chit to my company.

My manager assures me that my BGV was cleared, which is why I was hired.

The BGV person mentioned that I have a career gap, which prompted a reinvestigation, but my manager says that after a successful BGV check, they do not conduct re-verification.

I am perplexed. How did they find out, and what should I do now? I joined this company with all legal documents, having omitted the fake one.

Dear member,

Background Verification Concerns

6 years ago, I joined a company with fake experience, but in subsequent companies, I didn't show that experience anymore. Now I have joined a new company with all original experiences, and the pre-joining background verification (BGV) is cleared.

Reply: While taking up your first employment, you faked the experience. Thereafter, how many companies did you change?

Suspicious Call from BGV Team

But now, after 6 months, I received a call from a person claiming to be from the BGV verification team. He said their database shows I have used a blacklisted company in my experience previously and is asking for money to produce a clean chit to my company.

Reply: I wish you had told the caller that if one company blacklists another, it cannot be the fault of the employees. Secondly, you should have asked for an official letter on their company letterhead about working in a blacklisted company. This letter would help you explain your position to HR professionals. When the caller asked for a bribe, did you agree or decline?

Manager's Assurance

My manager says my BGV is cleared, which is why I got the job.

Reply: That is correct. Secondly, six months is too long for a BGV process. The background verification is outsourced, and no company would allow that amount of time for the outsourced partner to complete the BGV.

Career Gap and Reinvestigation

The BGV person mentioned a career gap, which is why they reinvestigated, but my manager says after a successful BGV check, they don't do re-verification.

Reply: You can inform the caller that you declared the career gap in your CV when applying for the job. Despite the gap, you were called for an interview, and the recruitment authorities were satisfied with your candidature, which is why you were offered the job. If the recruitment or HR department had any reservations, they would have communicated officially with you. However, no official communication has been received.

Handling the Situation

I'm dumbfounded. How did they know, and what should I do now? I joined this company with all legal documents, omitting the fake one.

Reply: How the caller discovered the fakery is a mystery. It is said that even the walls have ears. Were you in a place where you might have spoken loosely? Nevertheless, the caller seems to be a fraudster trying to capitalize on your past actions. Therefore, ignore his calls, but do not show anger or react impulsively.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar