Abstract:

Education has transformed traditional learning habits, of face to face in-class learning environment, to modern technology with online distance system allowing people to study from elsewhere where the Internet or WIFI connection is available. The crisis occurs when online distance education advents the fraudulent instance degree known as a diploma mill. The advanced development of technology has made diploma mills become more bizarre and is a greater challenge. The ethics in distance education has been in doubt by degree sellers and buyers. Awareness of such crimes need more intense observation. The aim of this paper was to examine the specific characteristics of online degrees for sale in a deeper and more constructive manner. The proposed guideline has consisted of publicly available information, professional licenses - accreditation of quality assurance, and passive reconnaissance. The suspicious characteristics and activities were highlighted and discussed. The outcomes of this study could help to reflect the forged attributes and create awareness in distance education.

Keywords:

Diploma mills, fake degrees, instance degree, phony education, online distance education.