What Happens If I Lied on My CV?

Lying on your CV can have serious legal and professional consequences. In the UK, it is illegal to provide false information on your CV, particularly if it is used to deceive an employer. Under The Fraud Act 2006, providing false information with the intent to gain a benefit for yourself or another person is classified as “fraud by false representation.”

If you lie in your CV about qualifications, work experience, or other critical details, you could face legal penalties, including a maximum 10-year prison sentence or a fine. This is because lying on your CV can be considered a conscious attempt to mislead employers for personal gain, which is treated as a criminal offence.

Beyond legal risks, dishonesty on your CV can significantly damage your professional reputation. If an employer discovers that you lied, it could lead to immediate dismissal, even if you’ve already been hired. It's always best to be truthful when writing a CV to maintain your integrity and avoid the risks associated with deception.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.