Diploma mill has been in the spotlight for some time in China, with ‘Pacific Western University graduate' becoming a synonym for a person with a fake western university diploma. The issue of diploma mill speaks volumes about the blind worship of overseas degrees and distorted talent-evaluating standard in China. It also exposes the risks in studying overseas. Citing recent diploma mill incidents in China, this study provides a general description of fake foreign universities and their major characteristics. By offering measures in eschewing fake universities and regulating the overseas study market, the authors hope this study could raise people's awareness of identifying and avoiding diploma mills, thereby safeguarding overseas students' right. <<