Worried About a Fake Degree Being Discovered During Background Check? What Could Happen Next?

I joined a new company two months ago. I have received my salary, and the company name is also showing in the UAN portal. However, they are now conducting a background verification (BGV). If they discover that I have a fake degree certificate, what actions might they take? Will they terminate my employment, or could they pursue legal action? If legal action is taken, what might that entail?

Termination and Legal Consequences of Fake Certificates

Termination is certain. If they are truly interested in nation-building, loyal to the nation, and respect education and educated youth, they should file an FIR against you for possessing a fake educational certificate. While some individuals may falsify experience certificates to secure employment, fabricating a qualification certificate is unequivocally illegal.

Everything, as you feared, is possible. Be prepared for the consequences, whether you like it or not. In the circumstances, if you deem it fit and safer, consider resigning, observing due notice, so that your chances of facing criminal action could be avoided.

Hi,

Consequences of Submitting a Fake Degree Certificate

Getting a job under false pretenses, such as submitting a fake degree certificate, can have serious implications. Generally, the consequences fall into two categories:

Employment Termination

Most appointment letters include a clause stating that employment is subject to the successful completion of the background verification (BGV) process. If you are found to have submitted forged documents, your employment may be terminated immediately. In such cases:
- You will not receive a service certificate or relieving letter.
- Any training costs incurred by the company may be recovered, although this depends on company policy.
- Even if such a clause is not explicitly mentioned, employers have the inherent authority to terminate employment for misrepresentation or fraud.

Legal Action

Producing a fake certificate can be considered an act of forgery, cheating, and fraud under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). While companies typically avoid pursuing legal action due to the time and costs involved, they have the right to do so if they decide the situation warrants it. This could lead to criminal charges and legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment.

My advice: Before the situation escalates and you are involuntarily terminated, consider resigning. Doing so may allow you to leave on more neutral terms and receive a relieving letter or service certificate. Learn from this experience, and in the future, always approach employment opportunities with honesty and integrity. Short-term gains from misrepresentation are not worth the long-term risks to your career and reputation.

Take care, and all the best moving forward.

Legal Action Against Employees with False Certificates

A definite action is to file an FIR against an employee who has provided a false degree certificate to the police. This is necessary because the employee has forged documents with the intention of cheating for vested interests and refund of payments. If I were the HR of the company, I would take this step to uphold the integrity of the organization.