So many times, so many of us received an e-mail offering a free degree in virtually any area of expertise. Offenders of this scam often sell degrees to unwitting victims who may think that they are now qualified after paying the requested fee.

What few victims realize is that they have lost their money and will be in possession of a worthless piece of paper. Many victims may realize this the day they are in an interview when the prospective new employer realize that the degree was bought.

Often offenders make use of names of non-existing universities or education institutions. In instances some offenders may make use of fraudulent degrees of existing universities, which may make the victim liable for prosecution when presenting such degree.

Protecting oneself against these scams

Always remember that a degree can not be bought! You need to have studied for the degree. Be careful of people offering degrees without the need of undergoing studies.

Always ensure that you research the institution. Are they a legitimate training istitution? In the United States, you can visit http://www.chea.org/ in order to determine the validity of training or education institutions.

Always contact the insitution on number you find in telephone directories and ask if they indeed distributed e-mails offering degrees for sale. You are likely to be informed that such e-mails are scams.