As college graduation season rolls around and new candidates enter the job market, employers must be extra vigilant about the authenticity of academic credentials. With the rise of diploma mills—unaccredited institutions that offer degrees with little or no academic work—there’s an increasing risk of applicants presenting fake degrees to gain a competitive edge.
Hiring someone with fraudulent academic credentials can lead to serious consequences, including poor job performance, legal liability, and damage to your company’s reputation. That’s why thorough academic verification is essential to protecting your business.
What Are Diploma Mills?
Diploma mills are organizations that offer degrees, diplomas, or certificates in exchange for payment and little to no legitimate coursework. These operations often use official-sounding names, falsified accreditation, and slick websites to appear legitimate. Some even offer “life experience” degrees or backdate credentials to make them look authentic.
Red flags include:
- Degrees earned in an unusually short period of time
- Institutions with no physical address or clear contact information
- Schools not listed in recognized accreditation directories
- Websites filled with vague language and no faculty information
The Risks of Hiring Based on Fake Credentials
Bringing on an unqualified employee due to a fake degree can impact your organization in several ways:
- Decreased productivity and errors due to a lack of proper education or training
- Legal or regulatory repercussions if credentials are required for professional licensing
- Loss of client trust if the fraud becomes public
- Workplace safety risks in technical or healthcare roles
How to Identify and Prevent Degree Fraud
- Conduct Academic Verifications
Always confirm degrees and attendance directly with the issuing institution or through a trusted verification partner. Don’t rely solely on resumes or transcripts submitted by the candidate.
- Check Accreditation Status
Ensure the institution is accredited by a legitimate body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Use a Professional Screening Service
A service like Metrodata Services provides accurate, FCRA-compliant education verification, helping you quickly identify diploma mills and fraudulent claims.
Protect Your Business During Graduation Season and Beyond with Metrodata
With an influx of recent graduates entering the workforce, now is the perfect time to strengthen your screening process. By taking a proactive approach to academic verification, you ensure you’re hiring individuals with the qualifications and integrity your company deserves.
Metrodata Services is here to help. Contact us today to safeguard your hiring process and maintain a high standard of excellence in your workforce.
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