Well the real life references aren't 100% beivable either. I have been asked more than once by my colleagues to speak refer them regarding the work that they have not done. Or role that they have never played and this is not just for the referrals but for public sites such as linkedin.
The Philosophy that I always recommend s hire slow fire fast. You take time interviewng the person, probing them if you feel something sounds fishy. Give them a chance to prove themselves and if it doesnt work out don't hesitate to fire in the first year. A few months is a good time to understand how a person works and what their calibre is.
I know here in Ontario that you're on probation for the first 3 months and your employer doesn't need to justify a reason to dismiss you. So I really don't think a 'reference mill' or a 'diploma mill' would even be capable of working here as you can hire anyone who sounds good and if they turn out to be crappy, you can just fire them.
I don't really see this as being useful unless you're already talented. IE my brother is a great programmer and has been asked to speak at conferences, but because he never got a degree he has no hope at certain companies, which IMO is absolutely moronic.
The Philosophy that I always recommend s hire slow fire fast. You take time interviewng the person, probing them if you feel something sounds fishy. Give them a chance to prove themselves and if it doesnt work out don't hesitate to fire in the first year. A few months is a good time to understand how a person works and what their calibre is.