Fake Online Diploma Mill Or The Real Deal? How To Know Which Is Which
Many are pursuing both their high school and college education online these days. While many accredited schools and universities do offer such an opportunity, there are plenty more than are only out there to scam people out of their money. These so-called ‘degree mills’ or ‘diploma mills’ try their hardest to look legitimate and often draw people in by promising fast and useful diplomas or degrees.
If you plan on taking advantage of the convenience that an online education offers to get your own college degree or high school diploma, it’s best that you know how to separate what’s real from what’s not.
1. Always Ask for Accreditation
It doesn’t
matter how legitimate a website looks, it’s important that you always ask for
certification. Many websites will try to draw you in by using terms such as “authenticated”,
“verifiable”, “licensed” and “internationally approved”. Don’t fall for such
words. Rather, only believe them if they show enough proof and that their ‘accreditation’
is verifiable.
2. Admission is Heavy Dependent on the Possession of a Valid Visa or
MasterCard
To these fake online and degree mills, any previous academic record or standing doesn’t matter. To them, what only matters is your money, specifically, if you have a valid Visa or MasterCard.
If the website is asking for such personal and sensitive information right from the start, be cautious and skip the site if you can.
3. You’re Promised a Diploma/Degree Within 30-60 Days of Application
Not a single diploma or degree comes that fast. Even certifications for technical and vocational courses take longer than two months.
If an online website posing as a credible educational institution promises you a diploma or degree within 30-60 days, they’re likely to be a fake online diploma/degree mill.
4. You’re Charged Per Diploma or Degree, Not Per Course
Accredited schools and universities do not charge their students per diploma or
degree. Rather, they charge depending on the credit or units taken by the
student, as well as other additional course tuition and fees.
5. The Admission Counselor Promises You That International Online Schools
and Universes Can’t Be Accredited In The United States
Speaking of accreditation, they’ll try to avoid the question or lure you in by telling you that they can’t be accredited. Most likely, they’ll tell you that they’re an international school and international schools can’t be accredited by the CHEA. However, that is not true. If they try to tell you this, don’t even bother talking to them.
6. The School’s Faculty List Is Nonexistent or Full Of Instructors Accredited By Bogus Institutions
This is a no-brainer.
7. The Institution Caters To Mostly U.S citizens But Is Located In A Foreign
Country
While not all online educational institutions are found in the United States, the majority of them are. Also, those that are located in foreign countries still are accredited by known institutions or organizations.
Whether it’s to get a high school diploma or a college degree, it’s important that you learn how to separate what’s real from what’s not. Remember, a fake high school diploma or degree will serve you no purpose. Be sure to do your research right, ask the right questions and if you see any red flags, skip them.
