I had ‘Fake’ verbal reference the other day – they’re quite rare but not unheard of. The referee confirmed she held an important management position at a well-known Australian organisation, so everything seemed in place.
The conversation started well, and she provided some detailed insights about the candidate. However, as we spoke, several red flags began to emerge, which made me question her true identity.
The reference was glowing (as they often are), but there were little tell-tale signs that felt compelled to investigate further. Here are the key concerns that raised suspicion:
- Unquestionable Praise: While opening with resounding 10 out of 10 for the candidate isn’t unusual, the referee’s unhesitant and authoritative delivery raised doubts. It was an overplayed hand.
- Vague Responses: When I asked open-ended questions about the candidate’s role, her responses were brief and evasive – something a real manager would not do.
- Lack of Specific Examples: I sought examples of the candidate’s achievements, but her answers were equally vague.
- Freudian Slips: She referred to the candidate in as both someone she “currently works with”, yet also as someone she “remembers”.
Thanks to some investigative work using LinkedIn, personal and social networks, and email domain testing, I quickly deduced that this referee was actually an old co-worker pretending to be the candidate’s current manager.
Emailed references are taken as gospel, but they can’t pick up verbal nuances or question the answers given. They are enticing as they appear to be a ready-made rubber stamp for success with the candidate. While I’m not dismissing the utility of email references (eg. overseas referees) they should always be accompanied by follow-up confirmation.
I’ve noticed a growing trend towards using emailed references, and software-as-a-solution for this fiunction with the assurances that IP/Email addresses can verify authenticity . However, I’m skeptical—especially with the prevalence of location-cloaking VPNs and the rise of remote work, where “workplaces” can be anywhere. Personally, I still prefer verbal references; they’re also great for fostering new business relationships!
Neither my candidate nor the referee could prove that the referee was who she claimed to be soon enough could not be contactable. No placement was made, but my client and I were grateful to have dodged the bullet of hiring a fraud.