A Degree from a Diploma Mill Could Land You in Jail

Posted on November 20, 2008 by Jennifer Brady

UMassOnline Jennifer Brady John Branton, a staff writer for the Columbian Publishing Company in Washington state published two separate, but very related, articles this month about the implications of diploma mills. Both reports are focused on institutions in Mr. Branton’s part of the world, but his findings have broad national application for anyone considering an online institution.

In the first, ‘Online colleges popular, but pitfalls lurk,’ in addition to noting the terrible waste of time and money these mills impose on unsuspecting students, he adds: …it’s a gross misdemeanor in Washington to knowingly use a false academic credential. But Michael Ball, associate director of Washington’s Higher Education Coordinating Board, seems to imply that any use of a fake degree or academic credential, knowingly or not, may be a source of trouble. Any fake degree would be considered a “false academic credential,” unlawful to use, Ball said. The feature goes on to explain the all-important accreditation process and why some institutions in the area don’t make the grade.

In the second article, ‘Diploma mills can bring trouble,’ Mr. Branton features a real world case of diploma fraud. He reports: …nine Washington State Patrol troopers are being investigated for allegedly using fraudulent “diploma mills” to qualify for better pay… If fraud is found, those troopers could lose their jobs or even face criminal charges. This feature also provides tips for spotting unscrupulous purveyors. My favorite: Having no address except a post-office box or suite number. Now there’s a clue, wouldn’t you agree?