COLUMBIA--When Judge Sheridan "Danny" Lee Lynn Jr. ordered a college diploma from the Internet last year, he learned it wasn't a credible way to showcase his academic and professional experience for the Aiken magistrate job.

The veteran police officer and part-time embalmer thought he met the state requirement to have at least a two-year associate degree. But Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken, said Lynn's degree from Americus University that advertises "degrees in only 20 days" based on "what you already know" was bogus.

It's a scenario that concerns state officials who think the online businesses make it easier to defraud the public with fake college degrees, some bearing the names of colleges and universities in South Carolina.

The Commission on Higher Education says it's worried people will confuse legitimate programs offered online with sites that don't make the grade.

The commission wants the Legislature to adopt a $1,000 fine or a year in jail for anyone convicted of using fake credentials for academic or professional purposes.

Lynn, who was confirmed as a magistrate after he agreed to continue his education to complete an associate degree from Aiken Technical College, said he never meant to be deceptive.