© Conor Lawless

A recent investigation by the BBC found close to 150 British residents using illegitimate degrees from St Regis University, an American-based diploma mill.

They report:

"An investigation by the BBC has found that academic qualifications sold on the internet by a fake university are being used by thousands worldwide, including almost 150 in Britain. St Regis University, allegedly based in Liberia, was shut down in 2005 after the U.S. government found that it was actually being run by fraudsters based in Washington State."

One British woman was even using her fake doctoral degree to work in a pharmacy.

Remember: before enrolling in any online school, be sure to double-check its accreditation status.