OMAHA, Neb. -- Some general education diplomas may not be worth the paper their written on, according to a consumer warning from the American Council on Education.

The department is warning people not to trust online companies that promise to deliver a GED over the Internet because many produce fake diplomas. The department said real GED tests are not currently offered online and can only be taken in person at an official testing center.

Omaha's Metro Community College offers classroom preparation and testing. Metro's Debbie Flower said that as more people search for ways to better their education, many are drawn to the dozens of Web sites that offer certificates online and through the mail.

Sometimes the sites charge a steep fee.

In Nebraska, GED classes are free of charge.

To be sure you're taking a legitimate GED course and getting a real certificate, log on to the American Council of Education's Web site.