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Have you always dreamed of having the prestigious "Dr." title on your business card – without a dissertation, exams, or sleepless nights with 500 pages of specialist literature?
Welcome to the title shop reloaded! For a few euros, a little bit of charitable love and an optional gold wax seal, you can now officially become a "Doctor hc of Important, VIP Institute".
Google helps with "buying a doctorate." And yes, there are even digital QR codes to prove authenticity—in case anyone still has doubts. All for €49.
Doctorate to go in your wallet
In the real world, doctoral degrees are earned through years of research, experiments, dissertations, and examinations.
Those who buy their title online skip all of that and instead receive:
◉ A pretty certificate that looks almost like the real thing.
◉ Optional: a graduation cap and gown for the perfect selfie.
◉ Wax or gold seals, so that even Grandma is convinced.
◉ QR code so everyone can quickly check: "Yes, he paid."
What's missing? Scientific substance. But who needs that when you can stylishly write "Dr. hc" under your name?
Legal, as long as you don't deceive anyone.
Some providers invoke the church's gray area. They claim that church titles can be used – as long as they don't look like a real doctorate.
So please do not write "Dr. Müller", but correctly: Doctor hc of Important, VIP Institute.
Further rules:
➡️ Specify the field of expertise explicitly.
➡️ Write down the country of origin.
➡️ Avoid abbreviations such as "div."
Anything else could be considered misuse of a title (§132a of the German Criminal Code). The irony: It's legal as long as you make sure nobody thinks you actually have a doctorate.
Why do so many people wear "Dr. hc"?
Because it works. Suddenly people nod more, listen more, even the waiter in the restaurant asks for autographs. Who can resist that?
The reality is different, because it only impresses laypeople on a CV. And with real scientists, you'll at best end up on the "funny but unserious" list.
Those who are unlucky will eventually receive a letter from the authorities or a fine. In short: psychologically it's a bullseye, legally a nightmare.
It must be said that not every honorary doctorate is a fake. Some honorary doctorates are awarded by recognized universities for outstanding achievements that do not require a dissertation.
Wax, frames, business cards and gown
The Online Stores However, they offer everything a doctor's heart desires: gold wax seals for shine and glamour.
We also offer pre-framed certificates in A4 and A3 sizes, so you can display them prominently in your hallway. In addition, we provide business cards with all titles – perfect for hotel reservations or cocktail favors.
The highlight is the doctoral hat and gown for the authentic photo during the Zoom meeting or in the home office.
One could almost think, therefore, that one is buying a Hollywood prop instead of an academic degree.
Beware, title hunters!
1. You can't buy a real doctorate.
2. Use ecclesiastical titles only if they are clearly ecclesiastical.
3. No fanciful abbreviations or simplifications.
4. A QR code does not protect against punishment.
Anyone who still insists on playing doctor should at least know: authorities rarely actively investigate, but when they do – trouble is guaranteed.
Respect doesn't need a fake doctor.
The internet makes it possible: buying a title with a click, a doctoral hat as an extra, and a gold seal optional.
But those who truly want to be recognized should focus on genuine qualifications, completed studies, certificates, or professional achievements.
Because one thing is certain: status bought for €49, like at the "Doctor hc of Important, VIP Institute", rarely lasts longer than a few selfies for Instagram or dubious business cards…
Sierks Media / © Photos: EdZbarzhyvetsky, de.depositphotos.com
