In many jurisdictions, using a fake degree to obtain employment or a promotion is considered fraud or forgery , which can lead to criminal charges.
Companies today use sophisticated background check services and primary source verification (contacting the school directly). Being caught usually results in immediate termination and being "blacklisted" within an industry.
Industry-standard certs (like those in IT or project management) can often boost a resume faster than a full degree.
Some colleges grant credit for work experience , significantly shortening the time needed to graduate.
A degree is meant to certify that you have mastered a specific set of skills. Without that foundation, an individual may struggle to perform their job duties, eventually leading to professional failure. Ethical Implications