Create fake pay stubs to qualify for auto loan?

My friend is without a car and Really wants one. She keeps getting pre-approved offers from her credit card company for local dealerships (she has a good history with this credit card company, always has paid on time). She works at a job that she doesn't like, and only gets VERY part-time hours (5-10 hours per week). She desperately wants to find a better job but feels stuck without a car. And getting a car would open up a lot of areas where she could get a job.

She told me that she opened one of the pre-approved auto loan offers and all she has to do is go to the Honda dealership with the letter & copy of her most recent pay stub. Because she receives so little from her current job (due to lack of hours), she told me she's thinking about creating a fake pay stub to make it look like she earns more. Then if she does get a better job, she'd earn enough to make the car payments. And she said to keep the cost down, she'd get a used car, not a brand new one.

She asked me what I thought of her plan. I said I had no idea. I believe her when she says she'll get another job. She's the type of person that when she says she's going to do something, she does it. And she's pretty bright.

But I don't know if this is illegal or anything? I mean best case scenario it works, she gets a better job, and the car payments are low, everyone is happy. She's Really miserable without a car. I want her to get one but I don't know if this plan would work. Thoughts?

It's illegal so tell her not to do it.

1] That is called FRAUD. Very bad idea. If she's miserable now it will only make things worse.

2] Credit card companies do not ''pre-approve'' car loans.

3] She doesn't work enough or earn enough to qualify for a car loan.

Not a great idea - she wouldnt be able to afford the loan payments and the running costs of the car. Better answer get a better job.

Its called fraud she could spend some time behind bars if she got caught

"And she's pretty bright."

Obviously, your friend is not as bright as you say she is. Otherwise, she would not even consider doing this. As others have already pointed out, it's a crime. There are employment and income verification services that lenders can use so it's unlikely she will get away with it.

"But I don't know if this is illegal or anything?"

Creating fake pay stubs? Nah, no red flags there.

Tell her to do it… Then come back and tell us the outcome.
Ahh, to be young and dumb.