Fake credentials have become a global problem. The National Student Clearinghouse, a US NGO that offers a degree verification service, reports that falsified academic credentials are a serious, prevalent and ever-increasing problem. In 2015 the New York Times reported on a billion-dollar industry consisting of over 3300 “diploma mills”, and the industry has only grown since then.
Buying fake academic diplomas is only part of the problem. With the proliferation of online retailers those who seek specialized professional certifications now find it simple to falsify their accomplishments.

According to the American Council on Education, over 7% of job applicants in 2020 falsified their educational qualifications, marking a significant increase from 2% in 2015. This rise in fraudulent certifications has led to detrimental consequences for businesses, with estimated annual losses in the U.S. alone reaching $600 million. This figure accounts for not only the direct costs associated with hiring unqualified individuals but also indirect costs such as damage to brand reputation, lowered productivity, and increased risk of legal implications. The misuse and fraudulent replication of certificates has become a critical issue, shedding light on the dire need for a secure and trustworthy verification system like Block Certified.