I don't make these things up...

Many advertisements in Chinese cities, including some I occasionally receive by SMS text on my cell phone, promise to make "genuine," or at least, realistic official documentation of any kind - diplomas, work verification, temporary resident cards, awards, etc. But I never saw an advertisement offering pre-framed English-language certificates for your wall...

Last weekend, I took a bunch of items to be framed, including my Foreign Service Officer commission. When I returned this morning to pick them up, the framed items were waiting in the showroom, alongside many other beautifully framed items for sale and pickup. The salesperson pointed to the commission told me, "Someone asked to buy
this one, but I said no!" Although the customer presumably didn't know exactly what it was, he told her, "It would make me look like I had big accomplishments."