ATTN: Professional Engineers
Illegal Use of Seals and Registration Numbers
In recent years, the Maryland State Board for Professional Engineers (“the Board”) has witnessed a significant increase in the misuse of engineering seals and misrepresentation involving licensees’ registration numbers. Historically, these violations occurred infrequently and were limited to local offenders. However, over the past several years, the Board has received multiple complaints arising from design professionals and members of the public, including those who obtained design services through online platforms.
Two notable platforms that have been identified in complaints are Fiverr and Upwork, which provide global marketplaces for freelance design services. In many cases, the misuse is discovered when a property owner, design professional, code official, or inspector attempts to contact the professional whose seal was unlawfully used. In one case, seals belonging to three engineers were misused as part of freelance services procured through an online platform. The perpetrator was ultimately traced back to Bangladesh. In another case, the person claiming to be a professional engineer was determined to be residing in Ukraine and not a Maryland professional engineer. Similar fraudulent activity has been increasing nationwide.
To help mitigate this problem, the Board recommends the following measures:
- Implement digital signatures to enhance security and ensure the identity of the signer, as well as the integrity and authenticity of signed documents.
- Ensure that all documents comply with the Maryland Title Block Rules for Professional Engineers as specified in the Md. Code Regs. 09.23.03.09 - Signing and Sealing Requirements.
- Enforce the certification requirements outlined Title 14, Business Occupations and Professions, Annotated Code of Maryland.
- Establish a protocol for contacting all licensed professionals to verify their involvement in a project.
- Exercise caution when sharing your registration number online. Limit the use of your license number to only instances when it is required and avoid including your license number in your email signature or online social networks.
These violations can lead to unsafe construction practices, and it is critical that we take appropriate actions to prevent and address them.If you suspect possible fraudulent activities or violations involving a license seal or registration number, please contact the Maryland Board for Professional Engineers. For additional information regarding complaints, visit Maryland PE - Complaints.
We thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Maryland State Board for Professional Engineers
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