In a major breakthrough, the Baddi police have busted a fake degree racket while investigating a cloned website case reported by IEC University, Barotiwala, in December 2020. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Baddi, arrested five individuals involved in selling counterfeit degrees from multiple universities, the Himachal Pradesh Education Board, and various professional institutions.
The probe revealed that the accused had created a fake website mimicking IEC University, misleading students into believing they were obtaining genuine degrees. Further investigations exposed a larger network operating across different states, providing fraudulent degrees without requiring attendance or examinations. The arrested individuals face charges related to forgery, cheating, and cybercrime under the Indian Penal Code.
IEC University Issues Warning on Fake Degrees
IEC University has clarified that it does not offer any online or distance education programs. If anyone has obtained a degree without physically studying on campus or has purchased it through unauthorized agents, the degree is illegal and fake. The university has urged students and employers to be vigilant, as many fraudulent agents continue to sell fake degrees, similar to previous scandals involving Manav Bharati University.
A Case of Immigration Fraud
One shocking instance highlights the risk of falling for such scams. A student who obtained a mark sheet from MCM Academic in Delhi later approached IEC University to collect his degree. However, upon verification, the university identified his documents as fake. The student was later caught in an immigration fraud case, as the university officially reported the degree as invalid.
Himachal Pradesh has gained notoriety for fake degree scams, with multiple institutions under scrutiny for illegally selling degrees. Authorities have warned that when official verification is conducted, these degrees are exposed as fraudulent, leading to serious legal consequences for the holders.
Stay Vigilant: The Consequences of Fake Degrees
- Legal Action: Holding a fake degree can lead to criminal charges, job termination, and even imprisonment.
- Immigration Rejections: Many students using fake degrees for visa applications face deportation and bans from foreign countries.
- Career Ruin: Employers conduct thorough background checks, and once caught, the individual’s professional credibility is permanently damaged.
Authorities continue to investigate the broader network behind these fake degree operations, urging the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities. Students are advised to verify the legitimacy of their educational credentials through official university channels to avoid severe repercussions.
A fake degree may open a door, but the truth will always close it
