There are numerous opportunities for countless students all around the globe to complete their education online, through the distance learning programs. Many accredited colleges and universities offer exceptional degree programs that can be completed entirely online, providing options for anyone who need to study with flexible hours. Students, who cannot attend or afford the traditional on-campus school, are benefiting from these easy, flexible, and convenient study programs.

Yet, there is a disadvantage of these distance learning programs. There are several “diploma mills” on the Internet that pose as reputable schools but sell worthless diplomas. A ‘Diploma Mill’ is defined as a company that awards unaccredited degrees though provides either an inferior education or no education at all. They don’t provide you with real education but take your money and provides fake degrees/diplomas. You should learn as much as possible about these diploma mills, it you are considering attending an online school.

Unaccredited Programs and Diploma Mills

If you want your degrees to be accepted by employers and other schools, your best option is to enroll in a school that is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies including the Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools, the New England Association of Schools and College, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Degrees may also be recognized if they are accredited by any other organization recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Types of Diploma Mills

The diploma mill industry is a billion dollar industry awarding thousands of fake schools. There are two categories:

1. 1. Diploma mills that openly sell degrees for cash: – These “schools” are honest with their clients. They openly provide customers a degree for money. Both the diploma mill and the customer know that the degrees are illegitimate.
2. 2. Diploma mills that pretend to be real schools: – These companies pretend to offer legitimate degrees. Students are mislead by promises of life experience credit or fast-track learning. Students are required to do minimal work and are usually awarded degrees in a very short time (a few weeks or a few months).

Some Warning Signs

• Endless promises are made to you about the degree program.
• You are charged are on a per-degree basis
• Several discounts are also offered when you enroll into multiple programs.
• The school has no phone number.
• The address is a P.O. Box or apartment number.
• Emphasis of promotional materials is made on credit for life experience.
• The school does not have a .edu web address.
• On the website, there is no mention of faculty names such as of deans, directors, or professors.
• The school names are very similar to the names of some traditional, more popular school.
• Degrees are awarded in a very short period of time – only a few weeks or months.
• The school claims to be accredited by an organization that is not listed as an accrediting body approved by the Department of Education.

What to Do if You Get Tricked?

1. Immediately request a refund of your money.
2. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
3. File a complaint with your state’s attorney general office as well.
4. Warn other potential students about the diploma mill school via many online forums and chat rooms.