Online certification scams have exploded as remote learning became the norm. Fraudsters build polished websites with professional logos, fake accreditation badges, and glowing testimonials that look completely legitimate. They target job seekers desperate for credentials to advance their careers or break into new industries. The trap works because these sites mirror real educational platforms so convincingly that even careful buyers get fooled. Victims hand over hundreds or thousands of dollars, complete their coursework, and receive official-looking certificates. The truth only surfaces when they try to use these credentials. Employers reject them immediately, or worse, a background check reveals the issuing organization never existed. Beyond the financial hit, there's the embarrassment of listing fake credentials and the time wasted on worthless training. Getting money back from phantom companies feels impossible, but several recovery paths exist depending on how fast someone acts and how they paid.

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Emily Jump, a 25-year-old marketing coordinator from Ohio, Columbus, hit a gold mine with her side hustle during the pandemic.