How Can Fraudulent Credentials Negatively Impact Issuing Organizations?

In today's fast-paced, globalized economy, credentials play a critical role in an individual’s professional development. In a recent survey by Coursera, 88% of employers confirm professional certificates strengthen job applications. Given the long-term impact credentials can have on individuals, educational institutions and certification providers are responsible for ensuring the authenticity and credibility of the credentials they issue.

However, with the rise of digital technology and the prevalence of online education and certification programs, the risk of fraudulent credentials has grown considerably. In this article, we'll explore why credential issuers, such as higher education providers, professional associations and certification providers, must take fraudulent credentials seriously and the consequences falsified credentials can have on their reputation and credibility.

What are Fraudulent Credentials?

Certification and qualification fraud refers to the act of dishonestly obtaining, presenting, or using qualifications or certifications that are unearned, altered, or counterfeit. This can include fake degrees, forged transcripts, or fabricated certifications.

Fake certificates and qualifications can be challenging to detect, especially if they are presented professionally, with well-designed logos and convincing language. While the issuing organization might not be aware of those who committed credential fraud, these "indirect" or "deceptive" frauds, if left unchecked, can severely impact a legitimate issuing organization’s growth and profitability.

The Negative Impact of Fraudulent Credentials

One major impact of fraudulent credentials is their effect on the brand reputation and credibility of the credential issuer. If it is discovered that individuals can easily obtain credentials fraudulently, it can cast doubt on the issuing organization’s ability to verify the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who hold their credentials. This can lead to skepticism about the value of all credentials from that organization, legitimate or otherwise, and erode the trust employers and stakeholders place in their credentials. Eventually, it can lead to decreased enrollment or certification rates, decreased funding, and decreased market share.

Moreover, the issuance of fraudulent credentials can also harm the reputation of the profession or industry in which the credentials are used. Individuals who obtain jobs or promotions based on fake credentials may lack the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job effectively. This can result in reduced quality of work, which can negatively impact a company's or industry's overall performance. In some industries, such as healthcare or construction, fake credentials can even pose safety risks to employees and customers.

Lastly, fraudulent credentials can impose indirect costs that may accumulate over time. Credential issuers who become aware of fraudulent credentials in the market may need to allocate additional resources to identify and remove the fake credentials manually. They may also need to implement new credential verification and monitoring processes to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Digital Credentials as the Line of Defense

Digital credentials offer verified proof of a learner’s competency and skills. They’re a smarter, data-rich alternative to traditional paper-based certificates, providing earners with a shareable portfolio of verifiable achievements that can continue to grow throughout their careers. By leveraging digital credentials that rely on verifiable data to authenticate credentials, the need for manual authentication is eliminated, while ensuring a rigorous verification process is in place.

Investing in a digital credentialing platform, like Acclaim, also offers robust security and verification features, such as a tamper-proof storage system using blockchain technology. This ensures the authenticity of each credential, protecting issuers from fraudulent credentials and safeguarding their industry reputations. By implementing these measures, credential issuers can establish themselves as trusted authorities in their respective industries.

Lastly, digital credentialing platforms like Acclaim offer real-time analytics for monitoring and tracking issued credentials. Issuers can easily keep track of each credential's status, such as when it was issued, who received it, and when it will expire. Combined with automatic email notifications sent to badge earners when their digital credentials are about to expire, this ensures they stay informed about their credentials' validity and prevents accidental use of expired certifications.

Be Proactive Against Fraudulent Credentials

It is essential for credential issuers to be vigilant and proactive in preventing fraudulent credentials. Credential issuers must not take a "wait and see" approach, as it can result in costly consequences that damage their reputation. Instead, they should invest in a secure credentialing platform to build trust and loyalty with badge earners and customers and establish themselves as trusted authority in their respective industries.

To learn more about the benefits of using verifiable credentials and the different features that Acclaim has to offer to help prevent fraudulent certification and qualifications, download our latest whitepaper: ‘‘How Digital Credentials can Prevent Fraudulent Certification and Qualifications’’ below.