{"id":357764,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/employment\/hiring-process\/lying-on-a-resume-or-job-application.html"},"modified":"2026-06-29T08:52:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T13:52:37","slug":"lying-on-a-resume-or-job-application","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/hiring-process\/lying-on-a-resume-or-job-application.html","title":{"rendered":"Is It Illegal To Lie on a Job Application or Resume?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Is It Illegal To Lie on a Job Application or Resume?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Lying on a job application<\/span> or providing false information<\/span> about your background to a potential employer<\/span> may not be a crime, but doing so can result in your termination, civil lawsuits for damages, or loss of legal claims against your employer. Fraud charges may apply if you lie about professional licenses<\/span> or government roles.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In most instances, lying on resumes<\/span> is not a crime. However, signing a false job application<\/span> can be. Depending on the misrepresentation<\/span>, you may face termination, civil liability, or, in some cases, criminal charges<\/span>.<\/p>\n

In today’s competitive\u00a0job market<\/span>, resume lies are more common than ever. The risks are often greater than job seekers<\/span> imagine. A\u00a02023 ResumeLab report<\/a>\u00a0found that 70% of U.S. workers admitted to lying on their resumes. Not understanding the consequences of doing so and getting caught can lead to a harsh realization when sanctions are revealed. If you are dealing with employment-related legal issues<\/span>, an\u00a0employment attorney<\/a>\u00a0can help you understand your options and what to expect.<\/p>\n

What Are the Consequences of Lying<\/span> on a Job Application<\/span>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to consider all of the issues that may arise from lying on a job application<\/span>. Consequences can range from discomfort to career-ending outcomes, and in some cases, criminal charges<\/span>. The nature of the lie matters, but any false statement<\/span> carries risk.<\/p>\n

Termination is the most common result. Employers often verify credentials during background checks<\/span> and may discover discrepancies after hiring. Under employment-at-will laws in most states, employers can terminate employment at any time for any reason. This includes discovering a lie at any point after it occurred.<\/p>\n

Civil liability is less common, but it remains a real risk. If your misrepresentation<\/span> causes harm to your employer, such as performing work you are not qualified to do, they may pursue a civil claim. This claim could be for fraud or misrepresentation<\/span>. This is especially relevant in licensed professions such as healthcare, engineering, or architecture.<\/p>\n

Criminal charges<\/span> are rare, but they do happen. Most resume lies won\u2019t result in prosecution, but certain falsehoods<\/span> cross into criminal territory. Examples can include falsely claiming a professional license<\/span>, lying on a federal job application<\/span>, or forging official documents. Under\u00a0federal law, making a false statement<\/span> to a federal agency is a federal crime. Many states have parallel statutes.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that repercussions for telling a lie never expire. Background checks<\/span> may be repeated for promotions, allowing inconsistencies to be noticed by colleagues or supervisors. Employers discovering credential fraud years later is a very real possibility and often results in termination.<\/p>\n

Even a minor lie can affect your ability to bring claims against your employer. Courts may allow employers to use after-acquired evidence of dishonesty to limit what you can recover in a wrongful termination suit.<\/p>\n

When Is Lying on a Resume or\u00a0Job Application<\/span>\u00a0Illegal?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In most cases, lying on a resume is not illegal. A resume is not a\u00a0legal document<\/span>, but a\u00a0job application<\/span>\u00a0might be. The key difference lies in what you’re being asked to certify as true.<\/p>\n

During the\u00a0hiring process<\/span>, potential employers<\/span> may ask you to affirm the accuracy of the information you provide. Many\u00a0job applications<\/span>\u00a0include a statement above the signature line that says something like, “I certify that the information provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.” As a result, it could be illegal to lie during the signing process, as you’re making a sworn statement that could constitute fraud.<\/p>\n

Lying on your resume isn’t illegal unless you provide false information<\/span> about certifications<\/span> or licenses. Most states have employment-at-will laws that allow employers to fire you for dishonesty, even if you never checked a box saying that your application was accurate. While the firing itself is legal under at-will employment, certain types of lies can cross into criminal territory.<\/p>\n

Lies become illegal when they involve:<\/p>\n