The prevalence of fake degree certificates is on the rise, and it's becoming increasingly challenging for employers to differentiate between authentic and counterfeit certificates. However, with the following tips, identifying fake certificates and websites becomes less daunting.
Fraudsters often employ ornate, Gothic fonts on fake certificates, believing that they exude tradition and prestige. However, such typographical representations are outdated in the real academic world. Most contemporary fake certificates now mirror real-world certificates, with some exceptions such as old-school calligraphic designs. It's important to scrutinize the certificate design before accepting it as authentic.s.
Language Used in the Certificate. Fake certificates often contain flowery, pompous language, which is not typical of genuine degree certificates. For instance, no university would use cod-medieval lingo on their certificates. The use of Latin terminology is another warning sign. While "cum laude" is common in US universities, UK institutions use "with honours." Additionally, the use of Latin on UK certificates is no longer a practice. It's crucial to verify any certificate language that appears suspicious.
Fraudsters have become increasingly sophisticated in developing their versions of crests, seals, and holograms to mimic the security measures employed by universities. To avoid being conned by fake certificates, always ask to see the original certificate and cross-check the insignia on the certificate with the university website.
Location of the University. Fake university websites often provide contact information, including a postal address. However, it's not uncommon to find such websites located in car parks, serviced offices, or even on traffic roundabouts. Any doubts about the legitimacy of a university's address can be quickly confirmed by using Google Maps or similar platforms.
Domain Name. Fake websites often use domain names that closely resemble real university domain names. Ascension Island's .ac suffix is a popular choice for such websites, with the hope of tricking people into believing that it is similar to the .ac.uk domain. However, most genuine UK degree-awarding bodies have .ac.uk domains, which are tightly regulated.
Word Order. The order of words used to describe a university on a certificate can also be a red flag. For example, on paper, it's "The University of Manchester," not "Manchester University." Even though people may refer to the institution as "Manchester Uni," any certificate that reads "Manchester University" is fake.
University Authentication. The higher education sector in the UK is vast and diverse, and even within the UK, it can be challenging to differentiate between various universities. University authentication database provides a family tree for all degree-awarding bodies, which is a crucial resource for confirming the authenticity of a certificate. For example, it can show that Bell College of Technology gave awards between 1972 and 2007 and that its qualifications are now verified by the University of the West of Scotland.