Playing Detective: Uncovering Fraudulent Transcripts and Diplomas By: Dr. Rheanna Plemons, Western Kentucky University Just the Facts. Why are college degrees so important? Job Opportunities Monetary Gain Loan Repayment Expected (Parents, Government, etc.) Counterfeit Diplomas and Transcripts Counterfeit Diplomas and Transcripts $60 Members/$80 Non-Members; Allen Ezell; 2008; Item #0121 Are your institution's diplomas and transcripts for sale? Counterfeit Diplomas and Transcripts gives educators the tools needed to aggressively protect the legitimacy of their documents, while helping employers evaluate credentials of new hires. Researched and authored by Allen Ezell as part of an AACRAO initiative, this publication introduces readers to the security printing methods and online marketing techniques used by counterfeiters worldwide, arming campus officials and employers for the intricacies of recognizing and handling counterfeit academic documents. Ezell also explores existing state and federal statutes that may provide relief against injury done to institutions by document counterfeiters.YGUY Case History on Counterfeiting History Defining Counterfeit a)A copy, an imitation of what is genuine, a facsimile, a fake. b)A copy or imitation of something that is intended to be taken as authentic and genuine in order to deceive another. c)Something that is an imitation and is made to deceive persons into believing that the forgery is genuine. d)An imitation that is made usually with the intent to deceptively represent its content or origins. (Ezell, 2008, p. 3) History Counterfeiting & 1350 English Statute Act of treason punishable by hanging, amputation of hand, etc. The American Revolution - Not worth a continental. The Civil War Half of the currency was counterfeit. National Currency President Andrew Jackson created the United States Secret Services (USSS) to combat counterfeiting. Worlds Largest Ink Library (analyze questionable documents, fingerprints, examine fake identification) History Chinas educational reform in 1990 boosted counterfeit diplomas and transcripts. Peddled in bookstores and on University campuses 500,000 fraudulent diplomas held by Chinese citizens United States leads the fake diploma and transcript market. History Counterfeits depreciate the value of a transcript, degree, or diploma. FBIs Operation Dipscam lasted from 1980 ,000 graduates were uncovered. One graduate was working as a psychologist in Virginia. Companies investigated had turned profits. How many fake diplomas are floating around? Lawyers? Doctors? Engineers? Purchasing from the Perps Scene of the Crime The Hustle Transcripts Watermarks Warning Messages Security Holograms Instant Verification (valid messages) Signature Protection Fake Quality Reviews No Spam (Searches only) Disclaimers I am ordering for novelty purchases only. I wont use it for illegal purposes. I am the person listed on the documents and a graduate of the school listed. I rely on my own skill and judgement in deciding to acquire these novelty products for my use. I declare that the laws of my country or state allow me to possess this type of novelty document. To the best of my knowledge the information I have provided above is certified to be correct. (Ezell, 2008, p ). An Eye for Detail The Clues Trust your instincts. No one knows your transcripts and diplomas better than YOU. Envelope Markings / Postage Feel it. Check Thickness & Raised Fonts. Obvious Errors like Color or Misspellings Vertical & Horizontal Alignments Clear, Crisp Signatures (Not Fluff) Similarities to Previous Documents Check personal information and courses. Do the courses match the degree? AACRAO can help inspect a record. Cases from WKU Original Transcript Cases from WKU Original Diploma Case File #1: The Case of the Cheap Businessman Case File #2: The Case of the Mysterious Diploma Lady Case File #3: The Case of the Invisible Building Case File #4: The Case of the Time Traveling Regent Case File #5: The Case of the Bad News Broadcaster Case File #6: The Case of the Ill-Fated Health Inspector Case File #7: The Case of the Sinning Minister Case File #8: The Case of Houdinis Vanishing Grades Preserving the Evidence Keep the files separate from real files. Initial and date the reverse of documents/envelopes to show proof the item was mailed. Handle the documents as little as possible; wear gloves. Work from copies; seal originals. Do not staple, fold, make marks, etc. Do not allow suspect to see questioned document. (Consult legal counsel at institution.) Take a Bite out of Counterfeiters Together Laying Down the Law Cooperate with 5-0 during open investigations. Cross reference names with institutions database Work with General Counsel to ask students to surrender fraudulent files Work with campus administration to form a zero tolerance policy. (students & employees) No raising grades, increasing GPAs, inflating resumes, or diploma mill (or fake) degrees. Laying Down the Law Investigative reporting assists with establishing state laws. Cut the demand through publicity. Dont do the crime; if you dont want to do the time (i.e., stigma, job loss, jail) Investigating the Culprits Search the web for diploma mills on a regular basis. Assign a student to the case! Find the list of institutions for which the diploma mill has agreed not to make documents. Is your institution listed? Issuing a Statement Document the site. (Copy the list of institutions and other pertinent information.) Work through General Counsel to send notification stating your institution should be removed. Include and carbon copy the : Registered owner of the website (or contact listed). State authorities (Attorney General). Federal authorities. Attorney General of the state in which the business is located. Issuing a Statement You may also contact: State senators and representatives. News sources (local newspaper; The Chronicle of Higher Education). AACRAO. Federal offices in Washington D.C. The U.S. Department of State and Foreign Embassy or Consulate (if an international student). Just One More Thing Help Your Buddies Research and share information with colleagues whether they are in Washington D.C., New Orleans, or Los Angeles. Counterfeit Diplomas and Transcripts Counterfeit Diplomas and Transcripts $60 Members/$80 Non-Members; Allen Ezell; 2008; Item #0121 Are your institution's diplomas and transcripts for sale? Counterfeit Diplomas and Transcripts gives educators the tools needed to aggressively protect the legitimacy of their documents, while helping employers evaluate credentials of new hires. Researched and authored by Allen Ezell as part of an AACRAO initiative, this publication introduces readers to the security printing methods and online marketing techniques used by counterfeiters worldwide, arming campus officials and employers for the intricacies of recognizing and handling counterfeit academic documents. Ezell also explores existing state and federal statutes that may provide relief against injury done to institutions by document counterfeiters.YGUY