That are not the kinds of lies we will be discussing today, though. Diploma fraud is the huge, bold-faced whopper of today’s theme. Nevertheless, phony degrees are more common, simpler to obtain, and harder to spot than you may imagine.

What exactly is degree fraud?

Diploma fraud, in essence, happens when someone chooses to purchase fake diploma online that they have a degree from a college or institution. The person might have attended the institution, but simply not completed his studies, or he might have never signed up for a class. Degrees and transcripts are readily available for a fee in any case.

Many websites that provide degree fraud can be found with a quick internet search. Simply input your name, contact information, and the degree you want, and presto! A few weeks later, your degree arrives in the mail. These diplomas are wholly fake while having a realistic appearance. A few of these companies even sell whole transcripts that include classes and grades!

Diploma fraud is a huge industry. The businesses that engage in these methods earn an estimated $1 billion annually, despite the lack of precise numbers. According to George Golan, a board member of the American Council for Higher Education Accreditation, over 100,000 phony degrees are marketed in the United States alone each year (source: http://www.diplomafraud.com).

Why would anybody do that?

They are in need. Job seekers are fiercely vying with one another for any open positions in the current economic scenario. This can motivate someone without a degree to use shady strategies to edge out the competition.

It is simple. Spending a few hundred dollars on a “degree” is simpler and takes a lot less time than paying thousands of dollars and taking many years to earn a real degree.

Hiring someone with a college diploma might have disastrous effects on a business.

– Lack of abilities: It’s possible that the person lacks the abilities that would have been learned during coursework for a real degree. A corporation can incur significant costs by employing an incompetent employee.

– Public embarrassment: Everyone has heard about the high-ranking CEO who was caught forging his degree. A company’s reputation suffers severe damage when an individual who misled about his qualifications is publicly exposed, and it can sometimes take years to recover.

– Dishonesty: Let’s face it; if someone is dishonest about their schooling, what is to stop them from being dishonest about other aspects of their employment, such as stealing cash or business secrets?

What can businesses do to safeguard themselves?

Recognize the circumstances. The first step is realizing that there are fraudulent degrees out there.

Any claim of education should be viewed critically. Analyze the purportedly earned degree’s dates and contrast them with work dates, address details, and other details. Investigate any discrepancies further

Verify your educational background. Spend the extra time having a reputable background screening business verify the education if the vacant post demands a degree. A reliable background checker will be able to unequivocally confirm the existence and accreditation of the school, the courses and dates the applicant took there, and whether or not they graduated.

With more major schools and universities offering comprehensive online degree programs taught by the same professors who teach in their classrooms, online degree programs are growing in popularity and credibility. These prominent colleges and institutions provide numerous trustworthy online programs. As a result, many students may find getting a degree online to be a desirable alternative; however certain “diploma mills” have compromised the credibility of these courses.

To avoid receiving a “Fake” online degree, safety measures must be taken if you intend to pursue a degree online. Although some “diploma mills” have sophisticated websites and may pass for actual universities, they do not offer college-level coursework or certification. To find out if a program is accredited, you should always check with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

The majority of “diploma mills” concentrate on producing and distributing phony degrees quickly. When you pay your tuition, you receive your diploma and they only grant credit for life experience. About practical experience, you need not worry. You can even graduate with honors and finish a degree, up to and including a doctorate, in 5 to 7 days if you pay a little extra. It is essential to take precautions to reduce the possibility of employing someone who is not qualified for a position.