Cal. Civ. Code § 24-5-0.5-12
False claim of doctoral degree
Operative Text
Sec. 12. (a) It is an incurable deceptive act for an individual, while soliciting or performing a consumer transaction, to claim, either orally or in writing, to possess a doctorate degree or use a title, a word, letters, an insignia, or an abbreviation associated with a doctorate degree, unless the individual: (1) has been awarded a doctorate degree from an institution that is: (A) accredited by a regional or professional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation; (B) a religious seminary, institute, college, or university whose certificates, diplomas, or degrees clearly identify the religious character of the educational program; or (C) operated and supported by a governmental agency; or (2) meets the requirements approved by one (1) of the following boards: (A) Medical licensing board of Indiana. (B) State board of dental examiners. (C) Indiana optometry board. (D) Board of podiatric medicine. (E) State psychology board. (F) Board of chiropractic examiners. (G) Indiana board of veterinary medicine. (H) Indiana board of pharmacy. (I) Indiana state board of nursing. (b) It is an incurable deceptive act for an individual, while soliciting or performing a consumer transaction, to claim to be a: (1) physician unless the individual holds an unlimited license to practice medicine under IC 25-22.5; (2) chiropractic physician unless the individual holds a license as a chiropractor under IC 25-10-1; or (3) podiatric physician unless the individual holds a license as a podiatrist under IC 25-29. (c) The attorney general shall enforce this section in the same manner as any other incurable deceptive act under this chapter. Repealed by Acts 1971, P.L.366, SEC.10.
Indiana Code § 24-5-0.5-12 establishes that falsely claiming to hold a doctorate degree—or using titles, letters, or abbreviations associated with one—during a consumer transaction is classified as an 'incurable deceptive act' under Indiana law. The rule applies unless the individual actually earned a degree from an accredited institution, a recognized religious institution, or a government-supported school, or meets the requirements of one of several named professional licensing boards. Similarly, claiming to be a physician, chiropractic physician, or podiatric physician without holding the corresponding Indiana license is also treated as an incurable deceptive act under this section.
Plain English — not legal advice.
While § 24-5-0.5-12 is not specific to landlord-tenant transactions, property managers and owners who market services or engage in consumer transactions in Indiana should be aware that misrepresenting professional credentials—including doctoral titles or physician designations—during those interactions can constitute an incurable deceptive act. Compliant operators ensure that any professional titles used in solicitations or service agreements are backed by legitimate, verifiable credentials from accredited institutions or recognized licensing boards. Keeping documentation of relevant degrees or licenses on hand supports transparency in consumer-facing communications.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Ind. Code § 24-5-0.5-12, consumers—including renters—who encounter a service provider falsely claiming a doctoral degree or a medical title during a consumer transaction may have recourse under Indiana's consumer protection framework. Because the conduct is classified as an 'incurable deceptive act,' the Indiana Attorney General is empowered to enforce this section, and tenants or consumers who believe they have encountered such misrepresentation can consider filing a complaint with the Attorney General's office. Tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services can help individuals understand what options may be available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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