Texas Freezes Assets of Online University

December 16, 2004
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has won a temporary restraining order and asset freeze in district court against a for-profit “university” that represents itself as an accredited institution.

The Attorney General’s lawsuit alleges Trinity Southern University of Dallas and owners Craig B. and Alton S. Poe are operating a “diploma mill” in which they market, promote and churn out bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate “degrees” via advertisements on the university’s Web site. These “degrees” are being issued solely on the basis of a “student’s” testimony about skills and experience.

Trinity Southern • Diploma Mill Hit With Court Judgments • PA Charges Online University with Fraud • Texas Freezes Assets of Online University

“This unaccredited university offers ‘degrees’ for sale and charges from $300 to $500 for what amounts to worthless paper,” said Attorney General Abbott. “Texans who want an education deserve to receive proper credentials, and I’ll make every effort under the law to see that this wrongful practice stops for good.”

Trinity Southern also faces a consumer fraud lawsuit filed by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office after a sting operation that won an MBA degree for an investigator's cat.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has also been aware of this alleged fraud against the public and referred its information to the Attorney General for legal action.

The university’s Web site claims that a prospective student has “no classes to attend, no tests to take!” Despite having no classroom time to endure, the university assures students that, once “qualified” based on their experience, they will receive a bachelor’s degree comprised of 115-120 credit hours. Those pursuing master’s and Ph.D. degrees will be mailed transcripts reflecting 36-48 hours of course credit.

The university even tries to assure students its degree program is not a scam. The Web site’s “question and answer” page says the university accepts credit cards and a “no questions asked” 30-day guarantee.

The suit, which also seeks temporary and permanent injunctions, penalties and restitution for students, is filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. In addition to having its accounts frozen, the university was ordered to stop accepting payments from students and promoting unlawful services. A temporary injunction hearing has been scheduled for December 27.

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