What is the ruling on one who obtains master's and doctoral degrees for a fee without exerting any academic effort?

Question:
He says: We want Your Eminence the Shaykh to clarify the ruling of the Shari'ah regarding those who compete to obtain degrees, such as master's and doctoral degrees, from specialized offices that grant these degrees for a fee without exerting any academic effort. It is known that the goal is for the person to obtain the title of doctor, knowing that one who is not addressed by this title is pleased (may Allah be pleased with him). Does the one who obtains this degree and displays it in society commit a sin?

Answer:
This is forgery. This is forgery and it is forbidden, and it is not permissible. A degree is not valid unless there is prior study and success in the examination. As for those who sell degrees and forge them, they are liars. What they take is forbidden, and the one who takes it is a sinner, because he is a forger and a liar.