True Crime: F is for “Fake” College Degrees
If you’ve decided to pursue a college degree, do your homework first. Some diploma mills promise degrees with no studying, no exams, and no interaction with professors. They may also offer degrees based completely on your experience, or claim you can earn a degree in days, weeks, or a few months. While it may be tempting to sign up for a program that promises quick gratification, a fake diploma could result in you not being hired, being fired, or – worst case – facing possible prosecution for falsifying your credentials. Before investing in higher education, check your college choice on College Navigator. You can also do a search online for the school’s name and the word “review”, “scam”, or “complaint”. Suspect you’ve fallen for a fake? Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general.