I have a work collegue who always puts M.Eng after his name even though he does not have a Masters degree in Engineering (or any other degree). Could this get him or the company we work for in trouble with the law?
2006-11-07 02:43:04 · 17 answers · asked by flems 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Not really, but it could most definitly lead to civil litigation. For example, if he changed that to "PE" or anything else that could lead one to believe he's a professional engineer, the Society of Professional Engineers will send a cease and decist letter, and if he doesn't stop, then they will sue the bejeezus out of him.
If he put MD, that in and of itself isn't a criminal offense, until he starts treating people.
2006-11-07 02:50:02 · answer #1 · answered by Manny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt it unless you used them to establish yourself as properly qualified to act as an expert witness in court. You may then be guilty of perjury. But don't take my word for it, try it out on a judge.
Personally I could use a number of letters for qualifications and institute associations after my name but I think it looks ridiculous so I just sign everything with good old ***** **** and and they should know who I am and what I'm qualified to do by the standard of work I give them
(nearly typed my name there didn't I)
My advice is why bother people will only laugh there arses of when they see it. I know I do
2006-11-07 10:58:02 · answer #2 · answered by Yeah yeah yeah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know there are criminal penalties for pretending to be a policeman, lawyer, or doctor, but I'm not sure about other professions.
My favorite of such phony degree claims was in George C. Scott's perfomance as Mordecai Jones in "The Flim Flam Man". His business card read "Mordecai Jones, MBS, CS, CS&DD", for "Master of Back-Stabbing, Card Sharking, Cork-Screwing and Dirty Dealing".
2006-11-07 11:17:28 · answer #3 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if he misrepresents himself as a professional engineer and screws-up. The company could be in for an expensive law suite. Also, the professional institution or registration body may want to have a go too.
As a professional myself I hate people who try to take credit for work qualifications they have not achieved
2006-11-07 10:49:06 · answer #4 · answered by huge001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Flem,
Strictly speaking, if he has obtained a job by doing this, he could be instantly dismissed, and the company could take him to court to recover all the wages that he has been paid.
He could also possibly be charged with obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception.
If the company knew about this, and they have been awarded contracts based on this person's qualifications then they could be in all kinds of trouble.
Personally I have MSc BEng LLB MIQA MIAQP after my name and they are all legitimate. 3 degrees and two full memberships to professional bodies.
I earnt mine. I suggest you tell your friend to stop professing he has something he does not.
He will get caught out eventually.
2006-11-08 06:05:20 · answer #5 · answered by LYN W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is totally unethical to hold yourself out as someone you're not. And if he so practices this bogus title in his work, he can be fired and held accountable in civil court. In the case of a person claiming to be a doctor when actually not, and is practicing medicine, he could be held criminally liable. An engineer who may do architectural design and building may be also held criminally liable for damages for flaws in his work
2006-11-07 11:04:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if it would be a criminal offence, but he and the company could get in trouble for fraud. If there would be any charges I'm not sure, but either way there goes the companys reputation.
2006-11-07 10:46:52 · answer #7 · answered by mhireangel 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just let us know the name of your company so we can avoid it! Why would people pay their good money out to be served by an unqualified idiot? Does he have an inferiority complex or is this the firms policy (hiring cheaper employees)?
I have attended several universities and have letters after my name, should I care to use them - but I dont, why brag? If you truly have got it then you dont have to flaunt it!!!
2006-11-07 10:54:41 · answer #8 · answered by A Teesside Smart**** 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not criminal; I think it would be a civil offence only if somebody took this to be true and acted upon it. Then the colleague would have acted fraudulently.
2006-11-07 10:47:11 · answer #9 · answered by migdalski 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some job apps, especially for government will state any knowingly false information can form the basis for prosecution. ANY job has the right to fire you for exaggerating your qualifications. It is typical trend right now to "hype up" your resume. However, it is really called lying!
2006-11-07 10:46:11 · answer #10 · answered by monsoon05 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋