
Local experts provide the latest information on Healthcare issues that matter to you
Some Web sites selling custom-made fake doctor's notes
11:54 AM PDT on Saturday, April 26, 2008
In the working world, not everyone who calls in sick, really is sick.
An April 8, 2008 national survey done for Career Builder.Com found 24% percent of workers admitted calling in sick when they were fine, at least once.
File Photo
Also: Workers admit making up fake excuses
An earlier report by the same company (November 2006) found 32% admitted calling in with fake excuses…and 10-percent said they'd done it three times!
Judy Clark is the founder of HR Answers, one of the largest HR consulting companies in the Northwest.
She's heard all the excuses.
“For a long time employees learned to practice their---“I’m sorry I can’t make it today—I’m sick,” she said in a raspy, horse whisper.
“And then everybody got smart about that and said you know, I need a doctor’s note,” said Clark.
Now the internet is offering up just that.
Phoney Excuses.com is one of many offering up customizable—fake excuses: PhonyExcuses.com
In moments, for a fee, you can get a template to a real-looking doctor's note.
I logged into the site and created one for our special projects producer in just a few minutes.
I also made him a summons calling him to jury duty.
Both looked very legitimate.
Don’t tell the boss. I think the producer still them it in his desk---just in case.
Other excuses include funerals and other family emergencies.
Here’s another site: MyExcusedAbsence.com
Judy Clark, the HR expert says---it’s one more challenge for employers.
“It’s perpetuating a fraud! And I believe it to be a fire-able offense if it’s discovered!” she said.
On the streets of Portland - many are reluctant to admit faking a sick call.
I randomly asked one college aged woman walking past Portland State University.
“Ever called in sick when you were not?” I asked.
After a long pause she replied—“I don’t remember!”
She later admitted lying to skip school, but not work.
Actually, we couldn't find anyone to admit lying to skip work on camera...
But with 24% percent of workers admitting to it in a national poll - we know you're out there.
And so are the web sites that help you back up the lie.
More Headlines...
Most Viewed Stories
Below is a list of the most popular stories read by our subscribers this week.
Officers in Oregon tourist's death may not be charged for 30 days
Winter storm gets credit for Coast baby boom
Police: Lowe's employee stole elderly customer's identity
Popular Stories






You must be logged in to contribute. Log in | Register Now!
You are logged in as screenname | Log Out
You are logged in, but do not have a "screen" name. Update Your Profile