False titles of nobility

False titles of nobility are claimed titles of social rank that have been fabricated or assumed by an individual or family without recognition by the current or past government of a country in which titles of nobility exist or once existed. They have received an increasing amount of press attention, as the number of schemes that attempt to confer or sell such honorifics have proliferated coincident with broadened access to and use of the internet. Concern at the use of titles which lack legal standing or a basis in tradition have prompted increased vigilance and denunciation.

Outside monarchies, a distinction is drawn between a legitimate historical title which may no longer be recognised by a successor state (such as a republic) but is borne or claimed by a hereditary heir, as distinct from an invented or falsely-attributed noble title that is claimed without any historic basis.

Self-assumption of a title is not necessarily illegal, depending upon applicable law in the jurisdiction where the title is used. The bearers of some self-assumed titles do not claim that such titles have been recognized by any nation at any time. Where such titles have existed historically, the current bearer may make no claim that the use thereof is pursuant to a hereditary grant to an ancestor by a governmental fount of honor.

Some individuals, associations or corporations purport to grant or transmit a legal or official right to a title, honour or membership in a self-styled order of chivalry to an individual or family upon receipt of a remittance or donation in connection with the alleged honour, a certificate thereof or associated services rendered (e.g., a "research fee").

The British peerage encompasses the titles of baron, viscount, earl, marquess and duke. All of these ranks save dukes are known by the designation "Lord" and in Scotland the lowest rank in the peerage is "Lord (of Parliament)" rather than "Baron". No peerage is capable of being sold, as such a transaction would be in breach of the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925. The British embassy in the United States informs that "the sale of British titles is prohibited".

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