e-Help Report: Don't Be Fooled By Online Diploma Mills

Most people get a high school diploma the old-fashioned way..they earn it. Now there are companies out there claiming you can buy a diploma. And that your "life experiences" will make up for any credits you're missing. But there are no shortcuts...

There is no substitute for hard work. Many people have fallen for an online come-on: send in money and you'll get a diploma in the mail. When they try to present it to an employer, it's rejected.

We spoke with an admissions officer at St. John's University who tells us this is a problem. "It is an issue," said Karen Vahey. "No one is immune from these sort of fake diplomas. We did have a number of students this year who applied with a diploma from the diploma mill, so they were not admitted."

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) put out a warning about diploma mills that sell you empty promises. Do your homework. Find out if they're accredited. Call or go online to www.msche.org and click on "institutions". This is the website for the Middle State Commission on Higher Education. It lists every institution that is accredited. There are no shortcuts. You've got to learn it to earn it!

Vahey stresses, "High school takes four years and a bachelor's degree takes four years. You can't pay for four years with $250. These aren't things you can't just get in the mail by simply writing a check or paying a bill online."