Who hasn’t embellished something about themselves on a resume, LinkedIn profile, company website or interview? Selling yourself requires thoughtful salesmanship, however crossing the line into fantasy and fabrication will not only denigrate your social character but can possibly constitute a crime.
As licensed private investigators with a quarter century of investigative experience, Integrated Security Services has conducted hundreds of pre-employment and general background investigations. Most investigations result in verifiable data, validated work histories and personal profiles. However, on occasion we encounter subjects that, by way of omission or inclusion, present background histories that are either false or embellished. For years now we have blogged about the WHY background investigations are so critical, particularly now with an abundance of personal media on full display with hand crafted identities for sale or commoditized to influence a brand, product, or procure financial gain.
We have approached this subject from many perspectives, professional and personal, and the outcomes are always the same: that knowledge is power, and knowledge mitigates risk and liability. Never have we talked about the resume of political candidates until New York Representative George Santos and perhaps in retrospect, Donald Trump. Historically, politicians and public officials have always been subjected to opposition research, a dirt digging exercise to discredit political opponents. However, what the George Santos matter has revealed is a systemic failure in government and our election process to validate basic personal and professional credentials of candidates seeking public office. Like police officers and officers of the court, public officials must be held to the highest level of trust and integrity before they are entrusted with public’s business.
What’s fundamentally important to recognize is the seriousness of having a rogue elected official seated in a position of legislative authority. Their decisions can have a direct impact on your taxes, freedom, and our democracy. While private corporations may be subject to brand damage and loss of stock value, a corrupt government official can be compromised by drug cartels, organized crime enterprises, or authoritarian foreign governments putting the entire country at risk.
What began with an investigative report by the New York Times has now uncovered multiple misleading statements and fabrications by Congressman Santos. Resume misrepresentations, false investment and election declarations, and omissions of alleged international crimes are just some of what is now under investigations by prosecutors and law enforcement. Mr. Santos’ lies about his education, employment history, religious and sexual proclivities, coupled with a questionable financial history would be considered low hanging fruit for any competent investigator. Our investigators have both domestic and international contacts in law enforcement and government to help pull back the curtain and help reveal official records not captured in web-based only background databases.
Integrated Security Services conducts numerous pre-employment screenings and background investigations for schools, nonprofits, property managers, religious institutions, and small business owners. We often encounter clients on a limited budget, disappointed with the results of internet driven background search mills, or simply confused by the data report they receive. We can accommodate quick turnaround time and limited budgets by tailoring your background investigation targeting only relevant subject matter. We utilize proprietary databases which are detail oriented and provide our investigators with validated data. That said, regardless how reliable the data, it’s only as reliable as the trained investigator interpreting the results. For more complex background investigations we can conduct field canvasses meeting with neighbors, store owners and business professionals to help uncover social behaviors that again are not tracked in data reports or on social media platforms.
Conclusion
Mr. Santos is not the first high profile politician caught in a lie or bending the truth to get elected, raise campaign funds or influence a personal agenda. In fact, lying permeated the landscape of the 2022 midterm elections, most notably by Herschel Walker, who lost a very close senate race possibly due to his social character. Mr. Santos’ lies, and omissions are beyond the pale and so outlandish that Long Island prosecutors have now launched a criminal investigation into his background. While it is too early to know the fate of Mr. Santos, this has been a wake-up call for all institutions that rely solely on resumes, glossy social media profiles and friendly referrals to hire, acquire or otherwise transact business with dubious characters.
Our investigative staff is available 24/7 to discuss your background investigation needs. We can be reached toll-free number of 888-808-9119 or via our website at www.intesecurity.com. All inquiries are free of charge and are handled in a confidential, professional, and timely manner.
