DIPLOMA MILLS

The Sacramento Bee has uncovered the results of an investigation involving 16 firefighters who used diploma mills to gain pay raises between April 2005 and April 2006.

They collectively received $50,000  from the Sacramento Fire Department based on fake college degrees. However, the firefighters’ union blocked any attempt to recover the monies once the deception was uncovered.

Unlike several similar cases in police and fire departments throughout the country, the results of this investigation were quietly tucked away from the public’s eyes and ears, the firefighters were allowed to keep the raises already paid out, and they were not disciplined.  However, further pay raises were halted.

The firefighters received their fake college degrees from online businesses masquarading as colleges, and completed little or no academic work. Diploma mills usually accept any prior ’life experience’ and education – plus a hefty check – in exchange for an impressive-looking diploma.  Often, fake transcripts are also provided as a bonus.

The firefighters claimed to be unaware that their college degrees from Madison, Rochville and Almeda,  did not meet the rigorous standards of accredited online schools. Fire officials became suspicious when they observed that the majority of those applying for education incentive raises had chosen the same schools.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District is also investigating a dozen employees who used two fake degree mills to meet requirements for a pay raise. However, the department has disciplined and punished several firefighters as a result of the investigation.

These unfortunate situations underscore the importance of not using fake college degrees to pad a resume! Eventually, the deception is bound to be discovered!

diploma mill, fake college degree, bogus degree, degree mill, Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Fire Department, accredited online schools, Madison University, life experience degree, Rochville University, Almeda University, resume, education, online schools

Popularity: 3% [?]

Share This