⚠️ The Growing Threat of Fake Polygraph Examiners in the UK
When it comes to polygraph examinations, trust, professionalism, and credibility are non-negotiable. Unfortunately, the United Kingdom is seeing a worrying rise in fraudulent individuals offering lie detector services without proper training, certification, or affiliation with any recognised professional bodies. These impostors deceive unsuspecting clients by fabricating credentials and displaying counterfeit logos from respected associations—compromising not only the integrity of the polygraph profession, but also public safety.
This article highlights the issue and provides clear steps on how to protect yourself from such scams.
Understanding the Risk: How Fake Examiners Operate
In recent years, unqualified individuals have exploited the growing demand for lie detector services, particularly in the private sector. They often claim to be “certified examiners” and go as far as:
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Creating fake polygraph associations,
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Displaying falsified APA logos and badges,
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Using deceptive language on their websites to mislead clients,
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Offering unusually low prices that undercut legitimate professionals.
Many of these impostors have no formal training, lack accreditation from reputable bodies such as the American Polygraph Association (APA) or the British Polygraph Society (BPS), and are not bound by any ethical codes or standards.
✅ How to Verify a Legitimate Polygraph Examiner
Before booking a polygraph test, it’s essential to do your due diligence. Here’s how to verify an examiner’s authenticity:
1. Check Accreditation Status
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Visit the official websites of recognized associations like the American Polygraph Association or British Polygraph Society.
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Look up the examiner’s name in their public member directories.
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Avoid websites that display association logos without proper links or verification.
2. Research the Examiner’s Background
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Look into their training history and where they received their polygraph certification.
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Ensure they trained at an APA-accredited school (e.g., PEAK, NPA, APA School).
3. Look for Genuine Reviews and Case History
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Read independent reviews on trusted platforms (e.g., Trustpilot, Google Reviews).
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Be wary of sites with only glowing testimonials and no third-party verification.
4. Ask for Proof
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A legitimate examiner should be willing to provide their certificate of accreditation, licensing information, or referrals from legal professionals.
5. Contact Associations Directly
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If in doubt, contact the APA or BPS and ask them to verify the individual’s membership or claims.
Why It Matters: Real Consequences of Fraudulent Exams
Using a fake polygraph examiner can have serious consequences:
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False positives or negatives leading to broken relationships or wrong accusations.
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Data misuse or privacy breaches if the examiner mishandles sensitive information.
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Legal risks, especially if relying on a test result for a court matter or workplace decision.
Furthermore, fraudulent operators undermine the reputation of genuine polygraph professionals and cast doubt on an entire science that, when conducted correctly, can be highly reliable and ethically sound.
Coming Soon: Our Series on Exposing Polygraph Fraud in the UK
To protect the public and uphold industry standards, we will soon launch a dedicated series exposing fake examiners and fabricated associations operating in the UK.
This series will include:
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Real-life examples of misleading advertising and unqualified practitioners,
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Tips to spot red flags on examiner websites and adverts,
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A list of verified UK-based examiners and trusted associations,
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Guidance on what to expect from a legitimate polygraph experience.
Final Message from the British Polygraph Society (BPS)
At BPS, we are committed to safeguarding the interests of clients and maintaining the integrity of the profession. We strongly urge the public to:
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Always verify accreditations,
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Consult our list of approved examiners, and
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Report suspected fraud to us or the APA immediately.
Together, we can help eliminate fraudulent practices, protect clients, and preserve the credibility of legitimate polygraph services in the UK.