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From...

Web helps job-seekers fake their resumes

September 7, 1998
Web posted at 3:35 PM EDT

by Barb Cole-Gomolski

(IDG) -- Resume fraud isn't new, but it seems to be more widespread, at least in part because of the World Wide Web.

Information systems recruiters should look out for phony college degrees, transcripts and certifications that can easily be bought on the Web, according to New York-based corporate investigation firm, Michael G. Kessler & Associates Ltd.

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The firm recently wrapped up a six-month study in which 25% of the 1,000 resumes the company examined were fraudulent in some way. In many cases, the false claims were supported by fake documentation obtained via the Web.

The findings didn't surprise Jim Howard, a human resources manager for the information technology group at NationsBank Corp. in Atlanta. "[Resume] fraud and counterfeiting are not new, but they have gotten more sophisticated thanks to technology," Howard said. He said the bank "validates all claims" made on applicants' resumes to protect itself.

As part of the Kessler study, the firm inquired about buying a college degree on the Web and was flooded with responses and offers for software whose output is impressive-looking degrees. Certifications may also be at issue, because Kessler found several Web sites that were willing to mail out gold-embossed certificates for a fee.

"It's clear to us that, for as little as $150, you can become certified in just about anything on the Web," Kessler said.

Bob Hartzell, an IS recruiter at Amoco Corp. in Houston, said he's aware that lots of people offer bogus credentials on the 'net, but he's not too worried about it.

"Most of the folks we are pursuing are put through a pretty rigorous process that includes a background check," he said.

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