FTC files charges against alleged High School Diploma Mills

diploma mills charging between $135 to $349 for a certificate that is, essentially, worthless. The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The cases are decided by the court. In this instance, the FTC alleges that these two separate operations mislead consumers about their legitimacy, including their association with recognized programs. “The defendants took advantage of people who wanted a high school diploma,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “If a company says you can get a diploma in no time at all or by simply taking an online test, it’s almost certainly a scam.” The “courses” amount to four untimed, unmonitored multiple-choice tests, requiring that students answer 70 percent correctly. For some “high schools,” when students fail to meet that standard, they are redirected back to the test, where the correct answers are highlighted for students to change their answers. The FTC’s filings point to numerous consumers who sought to use the diplomas they received from the defendants to get jobs, apply for college, and join the military, only to find out that their diplomas were not recognized. The FTC has also produced a new consumer education article with advice on what to watch out for when it comes to online high schools.]]>