2010

The Arkanas blog reports how a doctor called Dr. Rhoda's doctorate, a Ph.D., comes from Belford University (a Diploma mill), an Internet operation which Dr. Rhoda acknowledged in a phone interview with the Arkanas blog Dr.Rhonda told them 'Belford University has it's critics'. He countered that some people don't think much of the University of Arkansas, either. (He was just making a point, he said, with the remark about UA, that many schools have both supporters and critics.) He said he holds an Arkansas Tech undergrad degree.

An Arkanas Times associate who is was a member of the state's education establishment, decided to investigate Belford University by having his English bulldog, Max Sniffingwell, apply for a degree in "theriogenology/animal reproduction." On payment of $549 by money order, a diploma, transcript and letter of recommendation shortly arrived from the United Arab Emirates. 

Please see below for a copy of the letter of application to Belford University from Max Sniffingwell the English Bulldog:

March 1, 2009

Belford University

RE: Online Application for Doctorate Degree in Theriogenology/Animal Reproduction
Description of Experience in the Requested Degree Program

Dear Applicant Reviewer:

My very first job was working in an AKC breeding kennel. Later I went to work for my current employer, a veterinarian whose special interest is reproductive veterinary medicine. Although I have never benefitted from formal education in the breeding sciences, I have learned much in life from my successes and failures both clinical and in the field.
My job as a breeding specialist has primarily centered around predictions of ovulation timing based on observations and sensory detections of hormone/pheromone cycles, vaginal changes, and courtship clues—all very important indicators for successful insemination either by natural or artificial means. I have come to believe that I have a natural ability in theriogenology, especially in the field of canine reproduction where my successes are well documented with the American Kennel Club.
I have done some experimental field work with felines. However these studies, while highly insightful, have served primarily to underscore the scientific value of postulations gone bad, and led to my somewhat reluctant realization that my talents and natural inclinations are best suited for canine reproduction. Also since my employer is a pet doctor, I have experienced only limited exposure to the ins and outs of farm animal breeding services. So in my chosen field of theriogenology, which of course includes all animals, as much as I would like to just “do them all”, I’ve come to understand the prudence of specialization.
However, I do not know if the doctoral degree program at Belford University recognizes species specialties. If not, and, of course, only if I qualify, I respectfully request that you grant my doctoral degree in either “canine” or “general” theriogenology/animal reproduction. 

Thank you for considering my application. Your payment of $549 will be mailed as soon as I hear good news from your board of examiners.

Sincerely,

Max Sniffingwell

PS — Max's owner is Dr. Ben Mays, a Clinton veterinarian and member of the state Board of Education. He explains that his investment was to make a point (though he declined the opportunity to make Max an honors grad for an extra $75!)

Fourteen states have laws that make it illegal to use this kind of false credentials in one's line of work. But in Arkansas, stud dogs like Max, and unscrupulous individuals in other fields can use fake diplomas to dupe their clientele.

The Daily Mail reports how a bogus dentist with no qualifications managed to fool her employers at NHS hospitals for nine years before being discovered.Vinisha Sharma used a fake degree certificate to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) and was employed by seven different hospitals where she operated on patients under supervision.

Despite having been investigated by the GDC in 2003, her deception was only discovered after a colleague raised concerns about her skills and knowledge of the job, prompting the Council to take another look at the case.Sharma, who claimed she had a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree in India, earned roughly £230,000 as a senior house officer on annual contracts over the period.The 37-year-old said that she had studied at the Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Amritsar, but the university had no record of her ever attending or graduating.

Such was her self-delusion that she even had the letters BDS - Bachelor of Dental Surgery - as part of her personalised Mercedes numberplate. Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that from February 2000 to February 2009 she was employed by seven NHS hospitals.She found work at the Oral and Maxillofacial departments at hospitals in Wolverhampton, Burton, Southend, Essex, Peterborough and Stamford and Sussex.Sharma was also employed at Basildon and Thurrock hospital but was signed off sick for the entire period of her six month contract.Her role involved examining patients, carrying out minor surgical procedures and dealing with trauma alongside senior consultants.

Dentists working in hospitals take on the more difficult cases that cannot be done in the community.Sharma, of Willenhall, West Midlands, was charged after an investigation by the NHS Counter Fraud Service.Prosecutors said her fraud was only discovered when a consultant, Patrick Magennis, raised concerns about her qualifications in 2008.He had already raised a complaint about her fitness to practise in 2003, telling the GDC that she needed close supervision due to her lack of skills and knowledge.But investigators from the Council closed the case in 2004 without discovering her secret.In 2007, Sharma tried to gain full registration with the GDC.This was a paper exercise, but it was turned down because she did not appear to have the requisite knowledge and skill for full registration as a dentist.However, she managed to carry on working due to her temporary registration. This included operating on people under supervision.She appealed this decision and was turned down in April 2008, but her fraud again remained undiscovered.Sharma told investigators that she had 'never had any complaints ' from her patients

HR Vendor news reports how a North American background screening provider EmployeeScreenIQ has formed a strategic alliance with Verifile Ltd, the UK’s leading provider of CV Verification & Background Screening Services.

The partnership will allow EmployeeScreenIQ clients with a European presence to streamline their screening efforts through local support, reinforce local privacy laws and align them with the top service standards they currently experience in the U.S. Likewise, EmployeeScreenIQ will offer the same support for Verifile’s clientele with a U.S. presence.

“Verifile’s commitment to best practices and compliance make this synergy a natural fit for our clients that view us as a global leader in the employment screening field,” said Jason B. Morris, EmployeeScreenIQ president and chief operating officer. “Their vast experience and capabilities in Europe will allow us to offer both consultation and services that expand beyond what we currently offer.”

Both companies are the foremost authorities when it comes to educating the marketplace about employment background checks. In fact, they have already worked together to share data and consultation in combating the ongoing threat of academic fraud and the rise of the Diploma mill. Together, they will continue this commitment to collaborate on greater learning opportunities for human resource professionals.

“EmployeeScreenIQ’s award-winning customer service and US marketplace leadership makes them a perfect fit for our European clients,” said Verifile managing director Eyal Ben Cohen. “With the ever growing movement of workforce between the US and Europe, EmployeeScreenIQ and Verifile can now offer greater capabilities to our global clients.”