So hear me out — this happened so many times times.

I’ve been a designer for 7 years now. Over time, I’ve received more requests to forge documents than I care to admit. And yes, once, I actually gave in.

1. The Laptop Incident (When I Slipped)
I was in my 2nd semester at university when laptops (Nawaz Sharif Scheme - I hate those laptops btw, very bad product) were being distributed to students. A classmate who had dropped out after the 1st semester was still on the list to receive laptop but no longer eligible — and he didn’t have his student card anymore.

I used my design skills to create a fake university card for him. He printed it, used it to collect his laptop from the clerk... and got away with it.
But I remember thinking: “This is wrong. I just forged a document for personal gain. I’m no different than corrupt politicians we call out in news.”

I swore I’d never do it again.

2. The Certificate Request (When I Said No)
A close college friend once asked me to make a fake certificate showing he completed a 2-month design course. He needed it for his plans to move to Australia.

I said no. He got it done from someone else and did go abroad — but we haven’t spoken since. That decision still lingers in my mind. (Whether I am bad in this and I should have helped a friend)

3. The Receipt Forgery (A Hard No)
Recently, my girlfriend (a tour guide) asked me to edit a receipt — just a small increase — to pocket the difference for 6 guests who canceled their tickets. It wasn’t a huge amount, and she claimed the company sometimes underpays her anyway when the expense increases.

I refused. I called her out.

I’ve carried guilt from the first one. I stood firm on the second and third.
But still..

What would you have done?