I know using a fake diploma by citing it on your resume is definitely a crime of fraud. I am wondering, however, if just purchasing one or possessing one is a crime as well. I'm looking to report on diploma mills for my college newspaper and wanted to purchase one for investigative purposes. However, I'm afraid to do so in case it comes back to haunt me - even though I'd never intend to use it for employment purposes. Is anyone aware of the laws surrounding this...? Fraud is illegal - but is it illegal simply to possess a fake? This information would just be helpful in general in terms of writing my article - as most information I can find on this topic on the web seems to speak only of people using the diplomas for fraudulent gain. Please let me know if you have anything to add. Thanks!
2007-04-24 16:40:46 · 8 answers · asked by Krampz12 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Getting a fake diploma will cost you money, but having one and not using it is not a crime - you are the victim - you spent money for something that is worthless. The simplist way to deal with the kind of concerns you are concerned about is to get a letter from your editor assigning you to the story and for you to write a plan which says "I intend to contact various diploma mills and purchase at least one diploma during the next six months." Take it to a notary and sign it before the notary and have your signature and date notarized. If anyone questions your intent, the letters extablish that.
2007-04-24 16:49:00 · answer #1 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I remember back in the days I had this software program that let's me print out cool looking certificates such as smartest in class award or best friend award.
Unless your intent is to deceive someone, I don't see why a mere possession of a worthless piece of paper is illegal, unless it's a forgery from a real university. The diploma you are buying is not a fake but it just happens to come from a non-existent school.
2007-04-24 17:05:46 · answer #2 · answered by gradjimbo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I do think an aspect of fraud is intent to deceive.
News organizations have bought them multiple times, even bought a dog one- which I think was done by the Pennsylvania attorney general's office... read into that what you will.
Not a lawyer, by the way...
2007-04-24 16:45:20 · answer #3 · answered by Bradford B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You sort of answered your own question. There has to be "intent" to do something illegal with that diploma. With no intent, and no fraud, there's no crime.
2007-04-24 16:47:26 · answer #4 · answered by Jolly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think the penalty would be about the same as a fake ID. I don't think you should have one in your possesion. Unless you use it for your report and then get rid of it or write void on it clearly.
2007-04-24 16:50:42 · answer #5 · answered by ruth4526 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's just in the catagory of 'novelty item'. As long as you don't claim its a real degree that you earned, I don't see the problem.
2007-04-24 16:46:55 · answer #6 · answered by eri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay away from that kind of thinking because you don't know when you can be tempted
2007-04-24 16:49:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont do it
2007-04-24 16:43:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋