Are there different degrees of CV fraud in South Africa currently?

There is no denying it, CV fraud in South Africa is on the rise. Most CVs contain minor inaccuracies: dates slightly out of alignment, achievements a little inflated, nothing too serious. Others have gross misrepresentations – fake doctorates, concocted job histories, blatant lies.

CV fraud in South Africa is on the increase and companies hiring currently need to take serious note. We are seeing a substantial increase in serious CV fraud. Websites offering degrees for sale are rampant on the internet and for a couple hundred rand, you can actually get a pretty convincing fake degree or diploma. Convincing fake qualifications are now easily obtainable.

Due to the high level of unemployment that South Africa is currently experiencing and compound this with the aggressive competition in the job market and competing for access to institutions of higher learning thereby forcing candidates to put themselves forward in the best possible light, even, it seems, if this means fabricating things a little.

Criminal syndicates that specialize in forged passport and ID documents are now diversifying into the lucrative market of CV fraud. A fake Matric certificate can be bought for R2,000.

These days you are not just hearing about CV fraud at the bottom end of the market, this epidemic is now affecting top level management which should really be a concern to all business in South Africa regardless of your size or industry.

What is of real concern is that when a candidate is caught with a half truth on their CV, it is almost laughed at, the real question that has to be asked is, when is a person who has submitted a CV with “inaccuracies” liable to be charged with fraud? Is there a level of minor inaccuracy that is more forgivable? Or is any level of faking sufficient subject for prosecution?

CV fraud is fraud and there should not be any half measure of punishment, most South African universities are now prosecuting anyone found to be falsely representing a degree or diploma, companies also need to take strong measures and register CV fraudsters on fraud websites. If the consequences for falsely representing yourself are made severe enough, people will think twice before attempting to pull the wool over potential employer’s eyes.