Lax background checks in Singapore expose employers to potential fraud and hidden risks.
SINGAPORE: Fiona, a professional background investigator, recounts a case that left her stunned. In 2018, while verifying a candidate’s references, she discovered the supposed “supervisor” she spoke with was an imposter—a friend planted to provide a glowing recommendation. The elaborate ruse was uncovered only through a stroke of luck, preventing the fraudulent candidate from being hired.
Fiona’s experience underscores the growing prevalence of fake credentials and deceptive tactics among job seekers. From falsified pay slips and degrees to doctored employment histories, candidates are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods. Background investigators like Fiona face challenges that range from verifying overseas qualifications to uncovering discrepancies that employers might overlook.
Industries such as finance have stricter screening requirements, but most companies in Singapore still lack mandatory policies for employee background checks. This leaves room for manipulation, with some candidates even planting fake references to avoid detection.
Social media and public records checks remain underutilized, often due to cost or concerns over legality, even though such checks are perfectly legal when used for employment purposes. Fiona notes that employers who bypass these measures risk hiring individuals with hidden criminal histories, fraudulent qualifications, or past misconduct.
The trust-centric culture in Singapore contributes to the reluctance to conduct thorough screenings. However, as Fiona points out, the cost of a background check is minimal compared to the potential financial and reputational damage caused by a bad hire.
As regulatory bodies like the Ministry of Manpower begin implementing stricter verification processes, companies are slowly recognizing the importance of thorough background checks. Yet, the shift in mindset is urgent. “You’re just waiting for an incident to happen,” Fiona warns, highlighting the dangers of overlooking due diligence.
