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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask for help with possible qualification fraud?

332 replies

Shambu · 27/07/2019 11:38

I've discovered a relation of a close family member is promoting himself to his clients as having an Hons degree he does not have.

I've known him for 20 years, and his qualification was a much lower status one which he didn't finish.

It is featured on his email on all communication with clients.

How would I find out? I contacted the institution to find out if they offered that course at the time, but I cannot make a request for specific information without his being informed.

OP posts:
Alsohuman · 27/07/2019 12:41

Then why are you going out of your way to make sure he’s discovered? You’ve really got it in for this bloke.

Wolfff · 27/07/2019 12:41

If he is pretending to be a member of a professional body, then yes, I see your point. However I am not sure what profession would confer expertise by having a degree alone. You have confirmed it is not medical.

sweeneytoddsrazor · 27/07/2019 12:43

So she is probably more than aware of his situation if you are. Do you think she would thank you if you lost him his job.? Àny repercussions from his dishonesty will be hard for her to deal with but she can only blame him. If you go sticking your nose in then the repercussions become your fault.

stucknoue · 27/07/2019 12:46

95% of all things you do at work are learnt on the job plus through continuing professional development. Even doctors learn most things on the job! I don't have my professional accountancy qualifications but it doesn't affect my ability to do my clients accounts not impair my knowledge of the current laws (what good is a 20 year old qualification when the laws have changed so much). Professional development is far more important, especially if it relates to anything legal

cuppycakey · 27/07/2019 12:46

Wow! You either really really hate him or something else is going on here OP.

Keep your nose out.

LadyTiredWinterBottom2 · 27/07/2019 12:47

Have you spoken to your sister about it?

I think it's acceptable to be concerned about this. I agree if this is a profession such as surveyor etc approach then approach the professional body with your concerns. However, that won't help your sister. She might be complicit in it.

Original poster
Shambu · 27/07/2019 12:48

OP what do suspect has happened: that he's claimed a fake qualification and nobody's checked, or that he's been asked to provide a degree certificate and has faked one?

I can only assume he's never actually been asked to provide the proof.

OP posts:
Cheeserton · 27/07/2019 12:51

OP's crusade aside for a moment, it's simply NOT true to present this sort of misrepresentation as victimless or no big deal (if he's in fact lied). People often sacrifice a lot to get degrees, pay for years on end and work hard. It is not fair or reasonable for anyone to pass themselves off as having one without a shred of the effort behind it. It undermines everything and everyone with respect to holding such qualifications.

Original poster
Shambu · 27/07/2019 12:52

My sister knows but she's in denial about the whole thing. She's used to him lying. I feel like I need to talk to her about the consequences for the whole family. If he gets found out he won't just be fired but he won't be able to practice in that area again.

OP posts:
longearedbat · 27/07/2019 12:52

If you're curious, why don't you ask him? The trouble is even if you get the information you are seeking, what are you going to do with it if it turns out he hasn't got a degree?
Also, are you sure he hasn't studied with the OU?
A few years ago, a relative of mine (rarely seen or spoken about, and who had been a sahm for years) became a nurse. The first I knew was that she was working in a specialised field in her local hospital. I was amazed, and though the info must have been wrong. Perhaps she was just a ward assistant or something, and had elevated herself in conversation. But no, at 30, she had decided to follow her hearts desire and trained and qualified. I was convinced for some time she was just pretending to be a nurse. Just shows how wrong you can be.

LIZS · 27/07/2019 12:52

Is he claiming to be affiliated to a professional body? Unless he has been with same employer a long time he would have needed to show a degree certificate.

Original poster
Shambu · 27/07/2019 12:54

He has been with the same employer a very long time.

OP posts:
hazell42 · 27/07/2019 12:55

Doctor? Yes
Air traffic controller? Yes
I'm struggling to think of any other situation where I would dob in my BIL for not completing his degree.
YABU. And spiteful
The partner of my relative told her he had won the George cross. I knew it was bollocks.
I said nothing. You should do the same
You are over invested, clearly dont like him, and if you did report him very few people would care

Original poster
Shambu · 27/07/2019 12:56

If you're curious, why don't you ask him?

Because he wouldn't tell me the truth. Because he a very unpleasant man. If I say something quietly to my sister I need to be sure what I am saying is accurate.

OP posts:
Nautiloid · 27/07/2019 12:57

I agree that it's wrong and should be addressed. However, your motivation is to protect your sister.

Your sister KNOWS and has made the choice to take any further action about this, as far as you are aware. Who knows what's gone on behind closed doors there?

Any other action you could take is limited. You either speak to him, which appears to be off the table, ignore and be there to pick up the pieces if needed...or you report him, which would definitely make your sister's situation worse.

Original poster
Shambu · 27/07/2019 12:57

I'm struggling to think of any other situation where I would dob in my BIL

Where did I say anything about robbing him in?

OP posts:
NorthEndGal · 27/07/2019 12:57

I think you need to leave this to your sister to deal with

Original poster
Shambu · 27/07/2019 12:58

dobbing - autocorrect.

OP posts:
Alsohuman · 27/07/2019 12:58

But you just said your sister knows. There are more holes in this than a colander.

Whisky2014 · 27/07/2019 12:58

I'm worried about the fall out for my sister if he's discovered
My sister knows but she's in denial about the whole thing
So she knows and just doesn't care. So again, why are you meddling?

He has been with the same employer a very long time.
So why now be all concerned about this? If it hasn't come out before why would it come out now? The only reason will be if you start fucking about and at the moment I just don't see what issue it is to do with you?

Thequaffle · 27/07/2019 12:58

You sound like you’ve got way too much time on your hands.
Mind your own business..

Whisky2014 · 27/07/2019 12:59

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

sweeneytoddsrazor · 27/07/2019 13:00

What exactly do you want to happen. Your sister knows about it so any consequences are their own fault. Is he going to able to keep his job if he suddenly comes clean?. Do you think he can suddenly switch jobs and still be on the same pay scale without this qualification. No good whatsover is going to come of you interfering. If the worst happens you can support your sister whilst thinking told you so. If you are responsible for it your sister still suffers the consequences but you will be the last person she wants any support from. Yoour relationship with someone you say you care deeply about will be irretrievably damaged.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 27/07/2019 13:01

My sister knows but she's in denial about the whole thing. She's used to him lying

In that case it's hard to know what you can do, beside being there to support her if it all comes crashing down - as a PP suggested, if you get involved in "outing" him there's every chance she'll turn the blame on you

titchy · 27/07/2019 13:02

I can't think of any profession where merely having a degree is the legal requirement to practice (graduate professions in healthcare, accountancy etc need membership of the professional body not just a degree) and as such I'd keep out of it.

If someone is stupid enough to employ someone who isn't a member of the appropriate body, and hasn't checked their qualifications that's their lookout frankly.