How Many People Are Being Deceived by “Title Evaluation Services” and “Guaranteed Pass” Schemes?
Human Resources Department: Full-Service Evaluations and Handling are Suspected of Fraud
In recent years, numerous agencies have emerged, promoting “exclusive channels,” “guaranteed pass refunds,” and “fast-track applications” for professional title evaluations. Staff at the HR department have pointed out that the title application and evaluation process follows a set protocol, and these so-called “full-service” offers raise suspicions of fraud.
“Is there a real need for title services?” Many professionals, like Gao Yewai, who works in engineering supervision, have found themselves inundated with promotional calls for title evaluation services since the annual application period began. The issue began when Gao paid 8,000 yuan to a training institution to help him obtain a senior title, leaving behind his contact number. In the end, he did not receive the title, and the agency only refunded him 3,200 yuan.
Professional titles are critical for recognizing the technical capabilities, work accomplishments, and academic levels of professionals. They are also significant for salary increases and promotions. Our investigation reveals a growing presence of agencies promoting “exclusive channels” and “internal connections” for title applications. Despite ongoing warnings and targeted efforts from regulatory bodies to combat scams, many individuals seeking shortcuts have become victims.
Agencies Claiming “Full Service” and “Guaranteed Pass”
In March 2023, Gao Yewai searched for “title evaluations” on Baidu and found a Beijing-based educational consulting agency boasting six years of experience. With his busy schedule on construction sites, Gao opted to pay for assistance, thinking it would save him time and effort.
By the end of August, Gao had yet to see any progress on his application materials. The agency claimed his evaluation was unsuccessful but offered to expedite the process for an additional “settling” fee of 6,000 yuan. Frustrated, Gao sought a refund, only to learn that the agency would only return 40% of his payment due to an agreement he had signed.
A quick search on various social media platforms and search engines revealed a multitude of agencies advertising title services. Phrases like “guarantee refund, all degrees accepted, intermediate titles for 8,000 yuan” and “official channels for a quick pass, please do not disturb civil service units” were commonplace. Many agencies asserted that by simply providing contact information and application details, they could handle the documentation and submission process for applicants.
Some accounts even uploaded videos offering “free consultations” for title evaluations. However, the comments sections were filled with promotional messages claiming “guaranteed passes” and “exclusive channels.”
We reached out to the HR department for clarification. They stated that the application and evaluation process are regulated, and individuals seeking titles must apply through their organization’s account. The applicant’s unit is responsible for auditing the materials, which should then be submitted up the hierarchy according to evaluation management regulations. Freelancers can have personnel agencies perform audits and submissions, but agencies may only submit title materials for those within their own organization.
A representative emphasized that “full-service evaluations” and “guaranteed passes” are deceptive practices that clearly violate the regulations governing title evaluations. They also underscored that applications cannot be submitted across different cities, rendering claims of cross-region applications untrustworthy.
Struggling to Get Refunds After Being Defrauded
This year, Gao Yewai meticulously prepared his application materials. Once his organization announced the title evaluation call, he confidently submitted his paperwork, hoping for a successful outcome.
Meanwhile, Chen Feibei, who works in traffic communications at a transportation company in Liaoning Province, faced repeated challenges, failing two consecutive applications for a senior title in five years. After reviewing the results, she was surprised to find two individuals ranked below her on the list had passed. Confused and in dire straits, Chen turned to evaluation agencies.
In May 2023, Lin Ying invested 2,800 yuan to an educational technology firm to handle her title application. After making the payment, however, she began to regret her decision, yet customer service refused to address her concerns or offer a refund. Left with no options, Lin consulted the market supervision authority, who merely suggested mediation between both parties. If illegal actions were detected, the case could be escalated to law enforcement. After getting minimal help from the HR department, which informed her they lacked enforcement authority, Lin filed a complaint on a major consumer complaint platform, but her issue remains unresolved.
A search on that platform for “title evaluations” revealed over 1,000 complaints, many relating to “failed evaluations with no refunds” and “false advertising about applications.” Some complaints mentioned issues like “disappearing agencies and running off with funds.”
Building a More Scientific Title Evaluation System
Recently, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security issued interim regulations stipulating that titles obtained through false documents would be revoked and logged in a trustworthiness database for three years.
“Those who purchase fraudulent materials through agencies also face severe legal consequences,” warned Meng Yuping, a legal expert from Liaoning’s Labor and Human Resources Dispute Research Association. He stressed the need for stringent action against illegal entities disrupting title evaluations. There must also be efforts to educate applicants on avoiding the temptation of purchasing fraudulent titles and the risks of engaging with dubious agencies.
Meng suggested that anyone encountering intermediaries boosting “guaranteed passes” for title evaluations should report them to relevant authorities. For false advertising, complaints can be lodged with online regulatory bodies or market supervision departments; refund disputes can be resolved through civil litigation; and fraud should be reported to law enforcement.
“A more scientific, transparent, and diversified title evaluation system tailored to the realities of various industries is the most viable solution,” stated Wang Lei, director of Sociology at Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences. He believes that cleaning up the title evaluation environment requires comprehensive measures, including enhanced training for evaluators, optimizing supervision mechanisms, and imposing stricter penalties for violations.
