Industry Integrity · Confidential Reporting

Report Fraudulent Practices

Help protect the public and uphold the integrity of the lie detector test industry. If you’ve encountered dishonest, deceptive, or unethical polygraph practices — whether from a fake lie detector service, unqualified examiner, or fraudulent provider — your report can make a difference. All submissions are treated with strict confidentiality.

Your Report Is Strictly Confidential

All reports are handled by our compliance team with full confidentiality. Your identity is never disclosed without your explicit consent. Providing contact details is optional but helps us investigate more effectively.

Common Signs of Fraudulent Practice

If you’ve experienced any of the following during a lie detector test, you may have encountered a fraudulent or non-compliant polygraph provider. Knowing how to spot a fake polygraph examiner helps protect you and others. Trust your instincts — if something felt wrong, it’s worth reporting.

Fake Qualifications

Misrepresentation of APA, BPS, or EPA certifications. Claiming accreditation from bodies they are not registered with, or using expired credentials.

Guaranteed Results

No legitimate examiner can guarantee a specific outcome. Claims like “guaranteed to pass” or “100% accuracy” are serious red flags.

Hidden Fees

Unexpected charges added after booking, undisclosed costs for the report, or prices significantly different from what was originally quoted.

Non-Polygraph Tests

Using voice stress analysis, EyeDetect, or other non-polygraph devices while marketing the service as a “lie detector test.” These are not polygraph examinations.

Phone/Online “Tests”

Any service claiming to conduct a lie detector test over the phone or via video call. A legitimate polygraph requires in-person physiological monitoring equipment.

Privacy Violations

Sharing test results with third parties without written consent, failure to secure personal data, or recording examinations without disclosure.

Known Scams & Active Alerts

We actively track fraudulent lie detector test providers and polygraph scams reported to us. Below are current and recently resolved alerts. If you recognise any of these patterns, report them immediately.

“Phone Lie Detector Test” Services

Multiple reports of providers claiming to conduct lie detector tests over the phone or via Zoom for $50–$150. A legitimate polygraph examination requires in-person physiological monitoring — it cannot be done remotely. These services have no scientific validity whatsoever.

Active Alert

Voice Stress Analysis Marketed as “Polygraph”

Some providers advertise voice stress analysis (VSA) or similar technology as a “lie detector test” or “polygraph.” VSA is not a polygraph examination and is not recognised by the APA, BPS, or EPA. If your test did not involve sensors measuring respiration, cardiovascular activity, and electrodermal response — it was not a polygraph.

Active Alert

“Guaranteed Pass” Coaching Services

Websites and individuals offering to coach examinees on how to “beat” or “pass” a polygraph test for a fee. Not only is this unethical, but modern countermeasure detection methods mean these techniques are increasingly ineffective. No legitimate provider guarantees outcomes.

Active Alert

Unlicensed Examiner Operating in Florida (2024)

An individual was reported conducting polygraph examinations in South Florida without proper APA accreditation or state licensure. After investigation, the matter was referred to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The individual has since ceased operations.

Resolved

How to Report — What We Need From You

The more detail you provide, the more effectively we can investigate. The register below shows what a complete report includes — then submit yours in the case intake form alongside.
Case Intake Register
A

What Happened

Describe the incident in detail — where it took place, when, and what occurred that concerns you.

B

Who Was Involved

Names, company names, websites, phone numbers — any identifying information about the individual or business.

C

Attach Evidence

Upload emails, invoices, receipts, screenshots, or any documentation that supports your report.

D

Your Details (Optional)

Sharing your contact info lets us follow up with questions or provide updates. This is entirely optional.

Submit Your Report

Complete the form below. All fields marked with an asterisk are required. Evidence uploads and contact details are optional but strongly encouraged.
1
Your Info
2
Fraud Type
3
Provider
4
Details
5
Evidence
6
Submit

Your Information

Your identity is kept confidential and will never be shared publicly.
I want to report anonymously

Type of Fraudulent Practice

Select all that apply.

Provider Being Reported

The more detail you provide, the better we can investigate.

Incident Details

Describe what happened in as much detail as possible.
Minimum 50 characters. Be as specific as possible.

Evidence & Impact

Upload supporting docs and tell us how you were affected. Evidence is optional but strengthens your report.
Click to upload or drag files here
PDF, JPG, PNG, DOC, DOCX — max 10MB per file, up to 5 files

Review & Submit

Confirm the details below and check the consent boxes to submit.
Complete previous steps to see your summary.

Report Submitted Successfully

Thank you for helping protect the public. Our team reviews every report.

Save this reference number for your records.

What Happens After You Report?

Every report is reviewed by our compliance team. Here’s what to expect after submission.
Within 24 Hours

Acknowledgement

If you provided contact details, we’ll confirm receipt of your report and outline next steps.

1–3 Business Days

Initial Review

Our compliance team assesses the report, verifies available evidence, and determines the severity of the allegation.

1–2 Weeks

Investigation

We cross-reference with accreditation bodies, check certifications, and may contact the reported party for their response.

Ongoing

Action & Follow-Up

Depending on findings: warnings issued, referrals to APA/BPS/EPA, public advisories, or reporting to relevant authorities.

Your Rights During a Lie Detector Test

Every examinee is entitled to the following

Informed consent — You must give written consent before any polygraph examination begins. You have the right to understand exactly what the test involves.

Right to stop at any time — You can end the examination at any point without penalty. No examiner may coerce you into continuing.

Right to see your results — You are entitled to a written copy of your polygraph report, including the examiner’s conclusions and methodology used.

Privacy and confidentiality — Your results cannot be shared with any third party without your explicit written authorisation. This includes employers, family, and legal representatives.

Right to review test questions — A professional examiner will review all questions with you before the test begins. There should be no surprise questions during the examination.

Examiner credentials on request — You have the right to ask for and verify your examiner’s APA, BPS, or EPA accreditation and state licensure at any time.

Professional testing environment — Examinations must take place in a private, quiet, and controlled setting. Tests conducted in public spaces, vehicles, or homes are not standard practice.

Freedom from coercion — No examiner may pressure, threaten, or intimidate you before, during, or after a test. If this occurs, it is a reportable offence.

Know someone who was scammed by a fake lie detector service? Share this page to help protect others from fraudulent polygraph providers.

You Can Also Report To These Bodies

In addition to reporting to us, you may wish to file a report directly with the relevant professional associations or regulatory bodies.
USA

American Polygraph Association

File an ethics and grievance complaint against APA members or examiners trained to APA standards.

polygraph.org →
UK

British Polygraph Society

Report concerns about polygraph examiners operating in the United Kingdom.

polygraph.org.uk →
Europe

European Polygraph Association

Report ethical violations or concerns about examiners operating across Europe.

europolygraph.org →

How to Verify an Examiner

Not sure if your polygraph examiner is legitimate? Use these official directories to verify their credentials before or after your lie detector test.

Credential Verification Sources

Three official routes to confirm an examiner is who they claim to be.
USA

APA Member Directory

Search by name to confirm whether an examiner holds current APA membership and accreditation. Covers the United States and international members.

Search APA Directory →
UK

BPS Registered Examiners

Verify whether a UK-based examiner is registered with the British Polygraph Society, the UK’s professional body for polygraph examiners.

Visit BPS Website →
States

State Licensing Boards

Many US states require polygraph examiners to hold a state license. Check your state board below to confirm an examiner is properly licensed.

View State Boards ↓

State Polygraph Licensing Boards

Marked states (ⓘ) require specific polygraph examiner licensing. Contact your state’s board to verify an examiner’s credentials or to file a complaint about a lie detector test provider operating in your state.
Alabama ⓘ Alaska Arizona Arkansas ⓘ California ⓘ Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida ⓘ Georgia ⓘ Hawaii Idaho Illinois ⓘ Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky ⓘ Louisiana ⓘ Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan ⓘ Minnesota Mississippi ⓘ Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada ⓘ New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico ⓘ New York N. Carolina ⓘ N. Dakota ⓘ Ohio Oklahoma ⓘ Oregon ⓘ Pennsylvania Rhode Island S. Carolina ⓘ South Dakota Tennessee ⓘ Texas ⓘ Utah ⓘ Vermont Virginia ⓘ Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Outlined states (ⓘ) require specific polygraph examiner licensing — click to visit the relevant state board. Grey states have no dedicated polygraph licensing requirement but may require general private investigator or professional licenses. Source: APA State Licensing Boards directory, last reviewed March 2024. Always verify directly with your state.

How to Protect Yourself Before Booking

Follow these guidelines to ensure you’re working with a legitimate, qualified polygraph examiner. Visit our Learning Center for more information on the polygraph process.

Verify accreditation — Ask for proof of APA, BPS, or EPA membership. Legitimate examiners will have no problem providing credentials.

Confirm it’s a real polygraph — Ensure the examination uses a polygraph instrument measuring respiration, cardiovascular, and electrodermal activity. Avoid voice stress or “phone tests.”

Get all-inclusive pricing upfront — Reputable providers give you the full cost before booking. Our pricing page is fully transparent with no hidden fees.

Check for a physical office — Tests should be conducted in a private, professional setting. Be wary of mobile or at-home testing offers.

Request the written report format — Professional examiners provide a detailed written report. Ask what the report includes before you book.

Read reviews and check history — Look for Trustpilot, Google, or independent reviews. Check how long the provider has been operating.

Beware of guaranteed outcomes — No ethical examiner will promise you’ll “pass” or guarantee a specific result. This is a major warning sign.

Understand cancellation policies — Legitimate services have clear, written cancellation and rescheduling terms available before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about reporting fraudulent polygraph practices. For questions about the lie detector test process itself, visit our general FAQ page.
Is my report really confidential?
Yes. All reports are handled confidentially by our compliance team. Your identity is never disclosed to the reported party without your explicit written consent. Providing contact details is entirely optional.
Can I report anonymously?
Absolutely. The contact information step in the form is optional. You can submit a fully anonymous report. However, providing contact details allows us to follow up with questions and provide updates on the outcome.
What kind of evidence should I include?
Any documentation that supports your report is valuable: emails, invoices, receipts, screenshots of websites or ads, text messages, photos of equipment used, business cards, or any other relevant material. The more evidence you provide, the stronger the case for investigation.
What happens after I submit a report?
Our compliance team reviews every submission. Within 24 hours we acknowledge receipt (if contact details were provided), conduct an initial review within 1–3 business days, and begin a full investigation within 1–2 weeks. Actions may include warnings, referrals to professional associations, or reporting to authorities.
Can I report a provider that isn’t part of your network?
Yes. You can report any polygraph provider — they do not need to be affiliated with our network. We investigate all reports and, where appropriate, refer them to the relevant professional associations (APA, BPS, EPA) or regulatory bodies.
How do I know if my examiner was legitimately accredited?
You can verify APA membership through the APA’s member directory. Legitimate examiners should be able to provide their membership number, proof of training completion, and state license (where applicable). If they refuse, that itself is a red flag.

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