Hiring the right people is one of the most important responsibilities for any organisation. But what happens when the documents candidates provide aren’t what they seem? Recent cases have revealed a startling reality: fake Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs) are being used to secure jobs in critical roles, such as security guards, drivers, and housekeeping staff.
This isn’t just about a few forged papers—it’s about the safety of your workforce and the credibility of your organisation. When corners are cut during background checks, businesses risk hiring individuals who may not be trustworthy, exposing themselves to potential harm, theft, or reputational damage.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the growing issue of fraudulent Police Clearance Certificates, the risks they pose, and how organisations can take practical steps to safeguard themselves through reliable police verification services.
Dighi Police Clearance Certificate Scam Exposes Gaps In Workforce Hiring
A shocking case of fake Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs) has recently come up, throwing light on the dangers of improper verification practices in hiring processes. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) recently uncovered this fraud during inspections at a telecommunications company in Dighi, Pune (Maharashtra). Investigators revealed that 41 contractual employees submitted fraudulent PCCs to secure their jobs.
Speaking to media outlets, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dr Shivaji Pawar, who supervised the operation, stated: “Our investigations revealed discrepancies in the serial numbers of several certificates. Many were either issued under false names or not issued at all by authorised entities. This highlights a systemic problem that employers must address through rigorous verification processes.”
The investigation uncovered a well-organised racket operational since 2021. Workers obtained fake PCCs from intermediaries for a fee of ₹1,200 to ₹1,600, often without meeting the agents in person. The entire transaction—from submitting personal details to receiving the counterfeit certificate—was conducted digitally, taking no more than 10 to 15 days.
Police Sub-Inspector Babasaheb Katpale, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that the racket is likely more widespread than initially estimated, with more cases expected to emerge. The scam not only exposes organisations to potential risks but also questions the reliability of current hiring practices, particularly in roles demanding high levels of trust.
How AuthBridge Ensures Confidence In Your Hiring
By partnering with us you can be rest assured that your workforce is thoroughly vetted. Here’s how our services stand out:
- Technology-Driven Verification: AuthBridge leverages AI and machine learning to analyse records, identify discrepancies, and flag potential risks.
- Secure and Reliable Processes: From collecting candidate information to delivering verified results, the process is secure and compliant with data protection regulations.
- Proactive Risk Mitigation: By tapping into comprehensive databases and verification tools, AuthBridge empowers organisations to proactively address risks, ensuring a trustworthy workforce.
Conclusion
The Dighi PCC scam is a reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in today’s hiring practices. While the risks are significant, the solution lies in adopting technology-driven, reliable verification processes to safeguard workplaces and maintain trust.
The stakes in hiring have never been higher. As the recent PCC scam demonstrates, fraudulent practices can infiltrate even the most established organisations, leading to reputational damage, operational risks, and compromised safety. Police verification is no longer optional—it is an essential step in building a resilient and trustworthy workforce.
