Online High School Diploma Scams: How to Avoid them
When it comes to earning a high school diploma, there are many different ways to go about it. You can attend a local public school, or you might choose to homeschool. You also have the option of earning an online high school diploma.
However, with so many different scams and schemes out there, it can be difficult to know which program is legitimate and which one is not.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to avoid online high school diploma scams. We’ll also discuss High School of America, the best online high school diploma program for consideration.
So, if you’re thinking about getting your high school diploma online, read on!
What is a Fake Online High School Diploma?
A fake online high school diploma is a worthless piece of paper that has been purchased from a diploma mill. These “schools” are not accredited and are not recognized by the US Department of Education.
They will often claim to offer “fast and easy” diplomas, but in reality, they’re just out to make a quick buck off of unsuspecting students.
What are the Consequences of Getting a Fake Diploma?
There are several consequences that can come from getting a fake diploma. Some of these disadvantages include:
1. You will not be able to get into college
Because these diplomas are not recognized by the US Department of Education, your fake diploma will be useless when it comes to college applications.
2. You may not be able to get into a job
Many employers nowadays require at least a high school diploma or GED certificate if you want to apply for certain jobs. If you show up with a fake alternative high school diploma won’t make the cut, and you might miss out on a great opportunity!
3. It can negatively affect your credit score
This especially happens in cases where people try to use their phony high school diplomas to obtain loans or other financial assistance fraudulently. Not only could this put you into serious debt, but it also has the potential of ruining your good credit score.
4. It’s a waste of your time and money
Not only could you end up wasting hundreds or even thousands on these fake diplomas, but you’ll also have to spend additional time and effort trying to prove them wrong when you encounter other unexpected obstacles down the road.
5. You won’t get a real education
A real high school diploma provides you with valuable knowledge that will help prepare you for college or university study. On the other hand, a fake diploma from an unaccredited “school” is essentially meaningless and can never compare to the benefits of a legitimate online high school program.
6. You could get sued
In some cases, people have been successfully sued for fraud after being caught with fake diplomas. Not only will this put you in legal hot water, but it also has the potential of damaging your reputation and causing you financial ruin.
7. You could go to jail
Finally, if you’re caught selling fake diplomas or using one to commit fraud, then you could be looking at some serious jail time. This is definitely not worth the risk, no matter how tempting it might seem at first.
How to Avoid Online High School Diploma Scams
There are several things you can do to help avoid getting scammed out of your money when looking for an online high school diploma. Here are some of the top tips to guide you:
1. Research the school thoroughly
One of the best ways to avoid getting scammed is by doing your due diligence when researching schools. Make sure you read reviews, compare programs, and contact them directly with any questions or concerns you may have.
2. Check accreditation status
It’s important to only work with accredited online high schools that are recognized by reputable institutions such as the US Department of Education and AdvancED.
This will help ensure that your diploma is legitimate and can be used for college applications and other important purposes. It is also important to check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
3. Ask about student support and resources
Another important thing to consider when evaluating online high schools is the level of support they provide their students, both during and after graduation.
You’ll want to make sure that you have access to qualified teachers, educational materials, and other resources that will help ensure your success in school.
4. Compare curriculum quality
Don’t just choose a school based on its accreditation status or pricing alone – take a close look at the curriculum as well. It should be up-to-date and relevant, providing students with all the tools they need to succeed in a 21st-century workforce.
Choose online high schools with a rigorous and relevant curriculum that experienced educators have developed.
5. Get a detailed price quote
Many online high schools will advertise prices without providing all the details or any fine print, making it difficult to determine how much you’ll actually be paying.
Before signing up with an online school, make sure you get a detailed price quote that outlines all of your costs up front so there won’t be any unexpected fees down the road.
6. Look for real testimonials from past students
You should always take the time to look at reviews from past students before choosing a specific school. While some positive reviews can be faked, if you see a lot of negative reviews and complaints, then you’ll know to stay away.
7. Avoid “quick” or “instant” diplomas
If a school claims that they can provide your diploma in less than 24 hours, you should be very wary. In most cases, these schools provide little to no educational support, and the diplomas they issue are essentially worthless.
8. Investigate their licensing status
Before signing up with an online high school, make sure to check their licensing status by doing a quick search through your state’s department of education website. If there is information about them being shut down due to illegal activity or fraud, then it’s best to steer clear.
9. Be cautious of student loans
While some legitimate online high schools do offer student loans, you should be very cautious of those that don’t require a credit check or cosigner. In many cases, these are predatory lenders that will trap you in a cycle of debt that’s difficult to escape from.
10. Don’t pay upfront for services
A reputable online high school will never ask for payment upfront before providing any services. If a school asks for money before you’ve even started taking classes, then it’s likely a scam.
11. Check for transferability
If you’re planning to pursue higher education or other professional opportunities in the future, then make sure that the school you choose offers transferable credits. This will help ensure that your diploma is accepted by other schools and employers when applying for college or a new job.
12. Guard your personal information carefully
Finally, you should always be careful about sharing your personal information with anyone online. Be sure to use a secure connection when transmitting any sensitive data, and don’t give out more information than necessary.
If you follow these tips, you’ll have a much better chance of avoiding online high school diploma scams and finding the program that’s right for you.
Questions to Ask Potential Online High Schools Before Enrolling
Some questions to ask potential online high schools before enrolling might include:
- What is the curriculum like, and how does it prepare students for success in a 21st-century workforce?
- What are the qualifications of the teachers, and what support do they provide to students both during and after graduation?
- How does the school assess student performance, and are there academic or career counseling opportunities as needed?
- Are tuition costs clear and transparent, with no hidden fees or unexpected charges?
- Are past students satisfied with their experience at this school, and what do they say about its effectiveness in helping them achieve their goals?
- Is this school accredited by a known accrediting agency, and what does that accreditation mean for the quality of education provided?
- What are the school’s policies regarding transferability of credits, and will my diploma be recognized by other schools or employers?
- Lastly, is this school legitimate, and what steps have been taken to protect my personal information from fraud or identity theft?
Asking these questions can help you weed out online high school diploma scams and choose the right program.
High School of America: The Best Real Online High School Diploma Program
Are you looking for the best real online high school? Look no further than High School of America! High School of America is accredited by AdvancED.
Our accredited, rigorous curriculum is delivered by experienced teachers who are dedicated to helping students succeed. With comprehensive course offerings in a wide range of subjects and flexible scheduling options, we have everything you need to achieve your academic goals.
And our affordable tuition makes it easy to fit quality education into even the tightest budget. So why wait?
Final Thoughts!
If you are in need of a high school diploma, it is important to do your research and find a reputable program. There are many online high school diploma scams out there, but High School of America is the real deal.
We offer an accredited online high school diploma program that is affordable and convenient. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get a great education without ever leaving home!
Thank you for reading!
