A Friend Uses False Credentials. Why?

Reader’s Question

I am concerned about a friend (age late 60’s), male, retired, divorced. He has a degree in economics and is very intelligent. However, he is obsessed with establishing his “importance.” He tells his friends that he is a millionnaire, yet lives in a subsidized rental area, saying that he hides his wealth from them. He does do some auditing work and tax work, so has some income. Lately a mutual friend discovered that this man has many business cards, different types, with his name that he hands out to people he thinks are “important” people. The cards carry false job titles. He has attempted to talk a couple of friends into opening a business that he knows nothing about, but thinks he does, as well as attempting to do some household upkeep jobs for a friend (painting, etc.) with no experience. Is there a possible disorder that may fit behaviors such as these?

Our Consulting Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

There are some disorders that fit, as well as some situations. On the surface, we might consider Narcissistic Personality Disorder due to his preoccupation with being important, wealthy, and talented. This would be likely if he has a life-long pattern of such behavior. Bipolar Disorder, Manic cycle is not likely as he’s too organized and purposeful in his deceptive activities.

Several situations are possible however. First, in an immature and inappropriate way, he may be attempting to “fit in” with the community by assuming a social and financial status he doesn’t have in reality. With his age, he can produce a business card that suggests he’s a brain surgeon but he’s not likely to be asked to prove it — he’ll just say “I’m retired”. Some folks assume a false identity or false credentials for attention, credibility, etc. Doing so suggests something about their honesty, true credibility, and maturity.

It’s also possible that your friend is a type of con-artist. The manufacture of business cards to support false credentials, then attempting to enroll people in business projects is pretty alarming. Using false credentials, in an effort to obtain money, may be a criminal act. Be very cautious here. If he is a type of con-artist, what you’ve discovered will be the tip of the iceberg.

Lastly, your friend may be operating in “survival mode”. He may be financially desperate and in a panic to generate additional income. This may be why he does everything from offering business deals to house painting.

No matter what situation is present, you’ll need to have caution in your relationship with him. He’s engaging in very questionable — yet very purposeful and organized — patterns of deception with those around him. Due to his deceptions, people who fall for his false credentials are actually victims, not his friends. Importantly, there is little evidence that his behaviors are the product of a psychiatric disorder. He knows exactly what he’s doing!