Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Action Halts Online High School Diploma Mill That Made $11 Million Selling Worthless Diplomas to Students

At the Federal Trade Commission's request, a U.S. district court in Florida has temporarily halted a diploma mill that allegedly grossed more than $11 million from marketing and selling fake high school diplomas online to consumers nationwide. The FTC's lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to stop the deceptive practices and to return ill-gotten gains to consumers.

The complaint alleges that the defendants violated the FTC Act by misrepresenting that the diplomas were valid high school equivalency credentials and that the online schools were accredited. The FTC says the defendants actually fabricated an accrediting body to give legitimacy to the diploma mill operation.

Aurico reminds employers when obtaining high school diplomas from a candidate further scrutiny may be required.  Aurico through the “Aurico Audit” does review high school legitimacy and compares high schools against a list of diploma mills.