Scammed by scammers: Fake degree hustlers fall victim to their own game

Fraudsters producing fake degrees are not only scamming educational institutions but are now targeting those attempting to rent out these fraudulent documents for profit. Ironically, those attempting to cash in on this illegal trade are themselves being swindled.

Fraud in new age: Scammers use high technology

• Utilizing modern technology, scammers create fake degrees that appear genuine, often complete with personalized barcodes that are difficult to verify.
• Despite efforts by the Higher Education Council (YOK) to crack down on fake documents through the Higher Education Information System (YOKSIS), the market for these counterfeits continues to thrive.
• Reports suggest that these fake degrees are being rented out for thousands of lira, with different prices depending on the institution and field of study.

Scams within scams, a bizarre twist

• Fraudsters who produce these fake degrees are turning the tables on their customers, often disappearing with large sums of money without delivering the promised documents.
• Victims of this double-edged fraud have taken to various platforms to voice their frustrations, with some claiming losses of up to ₺60,000.

Scammers’ testimonials

• Mehmet T. shared his ordeal: “I contacted ‘Diplo**.org’ and after payment, they blocked me. I’ve faced harassment and plan to file a complaint.”
• Ahmet A. expressed regret after losing a significant sum: “I sent ₺60,000 in parts, as they demanded payment in cryptocurrency. I’m devastated.”
• Kubra B. described her experience: “I found their number online, and they were responsive until they got my money. Now, there’s no contact. I’ll report them everywhere.”
• Sinan B. recounted his loss: “I agreed to pay ₺30,000 for a license certificate. They took the money but never delivered. I’ve reported them to the prosecutor.”

State of play

• Some victims of the scam are trying to rent out their fake degrees in industries like pharmacy, driving instruction, and hairdressing, further complicating the situation.
• Those caught using or renting fake degrees face severe legal repercussions, including up to 12 years in prison for users and up to three years for creators.

What do experts advise?

• Forensic IT Expert and Lawyer Emre Akman warns against such fraudulent practices: “These schemes often result in either being scammed or facing imprisonment. Fraudsters demand payments via anonymous methods, making legal recourse nearly impossible.”
• Levent Dicle, CEO of Eleman.net, stresses the importance of employer awareness: “Employers should verify diploma authenticity using barcode scans and physical inspections. Additionally, reference checks from previous employers are crucial to prevent hiring unqualified personnel.”