Polygraph Scam Alert
Taking a lie detector test is an important decision for the Examinee and the Client, both wish to prove the real truth.
When submitting yourself to a medical checkup, a professional medical practitioner must analyze the findings. Based on that practitioner's expert knowledge, significant implications of one's health can be determined. Trust matters and is crucial!! If you cannot have a basic trust in these findings, then there is no point in consulting that doctor in the first place. Makes sense?
The Los Angeles area includes various businesses offering lie detector services. The real questions you should be asking yourself are:
1. Can I fully trust an actual professional examiner to administer this lie detector test?
2. Can I really make an informed decision based on this practitioner's lie detector results?
3. Am I willing to jeopardize my relationship, marriage, work, friendship, reputation, legal status, or freedom, only because I did not select a true lie detector professional?
If the answer to any of these questions is NO, then you have only one of two options: Either save your time and money and don’t take a test on which you cannot rely, OR do your due diligence and find a real certified lie detector examiner, one you can absolutely trust!!
Unfortunately, there are no licensing requirements in the state of California or in Los Angeles County as to who is or is not certified to administer lie detector testing. Anyone can claim to be a certified polygraph examiner, even you, and our office often deals with clients who have fallen victim to lie detector scams.
Here are some warning signs for a possible lie detector scam:
1. Cheap Lie detector test cost- Usually under $200 per single test
Explanation - Due to professional limits as to the number of tests per day per examiner, reliable test average length (2 hours), top-of-the-line equipment, private office, insurance, continuous training mandatory requirements, and additional costs, a real certified lie detector examiner will not be able to offer this low price for a single lie detector test in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
2. A Complete lie detector test in 1-hour or less
Explanation: A real lie detector test is a scientific procedure that requires the examiner to follow stringent protocols, based on the American Polygraph Association regulations, all of which take time, typically NO less than 90 minutes and often longer. See: Polygraph Test Procedure
3. Focusing the test on the Polygraph instrumentation - as if it is only a technical matter
Explanation: The polygraph machine is an electronic device that utilizes medical sensors to record physiological responses. The device itself does not differentiate between truth and a lie! It requires a skilled examiner to collect the data in a validated scientific method and analyze the graphic polygraph charts. This requires a large, knowledgeable skill-set and an abundance of experience, as every lie detector test is different.
4. Offering a Lie detector test- “As seen on TV.”
Explanation: Lie detector tests often shown on TV and YouTube are mostly staged and mockery. They are typically for entertainment value, as no one would film the entire 90-minute test procedure, only to get the test results.
5. Permitting a third party to be present in the examination room during the test
Explanation: The lie detector test is a stressful situation. Allowing the accuser to be present in the room during the test dramatically reduces its validity. Studies showed that false results occur due to the external threat and inconvenience projected to the examinee by that third party. Polygraph conduct and ethical regulations prohibit any third party (except for an interpreter) from being present in the examination room during the administration of a lie detector test. (APA Model Policy, #9). APA regulations require the recording of the entire procedure, audio, and video! If you cannot trust the examiner’s ethics, professionalism, and reputation, don’t use his services!
6. Not a member of the American Polygraph Association (APA)
Explanation: Although some regional lie detector organizations exist, there should be NO reason why your selected lie detector examiner in the Los Angeles Area is NOT an acknowledged member of this globally recognized professional organization (affiliated with the US government), other than NOT meeting the minimum required qualifications.
Don’t fall victim to scammers. Treat this decision the same way you would your personal health. Choose a verified professional polygraph examiner.
How?
The easiest way is to ensure your examiner is at least an accredited member of the American Polygraph Association (APA). The APA is the world-leading professional organization for lie detector examiners, setting most rules and regulations for polygraph testing.
GPS examiner, Mr. Gelfer, is a Full APA Member, in addition to the California Association of Polygraph Examiners (CAPE) and the American Association of Police Polygraphists (AAPP), which ensures he is an accredited polygraph examiner with many years of experience, has administered thousands of validated lie detector tests. In addition, he maintains high ethical standards, follows all polygraph protocols and scientific regulations, and is current with all continuing education training requirements.
