South African businesses are facing growing risks from fake qualifications, with nearly one in five education verification checks uncovering fraudulent or misrepresented matric certificates and qualifications.
New data from recruitment platform Job Crystal shows that many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to skip basic background checks, leaving themselves vulnerable to financial, legal and reputational damage.
According to Job Crystal CEO Sasha Knott, many businesses still rely heavily on CVs and interviews without properly verifying whether a candidate’s credentials are genuine.
“Credibility is fast becoming the currency of hiring, yet many SMEs are still overlooking its importance,” Knott said.
She warned that information on CVs is often exaggerated, omitted or falsified, leaving employers vulnerable to hiring individuals who may not have the qualifications or experience required for the role.
