Fake degree peddlers who disappeared following a successful clamp-down by police some years ago have now reappeared on the internet.
Those desperate for paper qualifications to “upgrade their status” but do not want to spend years studying in colleges or universities can get it online, at a fraction of the cost.
Sin Chew Daily reported today that many China-based websites peddled fake degrees. Prospective buyers need only pay 2,800 renminbi (RM1,400) for a degree of their choice (bachelor’s, master’s or even doctorate, from any university) or double the amount for a degree that comes with a full set of results for examinations purportedly taken at the university.
During its chat with the online fake degree peddler, the daily was told that some of those who purchased fake degrees had actually gone to colleges or universities overseas but failed their examinations.
With nothing to show their parents for their studies, they resort to buying a fake degree.
“You should be safe as long as you do not use it to apply for the civil service as the fake certificate looks exactly like the genuine one,” said the website, which collects 30% of the fee from a prospective buyer upfront and the rest prior to the delivery of the certificate.
Although the websites advertise their services openly, all communication and transactions are done online to avoid detection by law enforcement authorities.
While the majority of those who purchase fake degrees hope to land a better-paying job with the “higher qualification”, there are some who just want a degree to show their friends and get that (false) sense of achievement, the report said.
Source: thesundaily
