Review the applicant's unofficial transcripts. Transcripts include information like the applicant's name, college courses, GPA and degrees conferred. Keep in mind that dishonest applicants may alter unofficial records.
Request that official transcripts be sent directly to you from the applicant's school. Official transcripts are more reliable than unofficial transcripts, since they are signed and sealed by the college registrar. Upon request, colleges and universities will send these directly to you; official transcripts do not pass through the hands of the applicant.
Call the college to ask for confirmation of the degree. The registrar may not release information like a GPA over the phone. Many will confirm degree type and graduation dates. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires written permission to release official transcripts, but does not limit the release of directory-type information like awards, degrees and dates of attendance.
Ask the applicant to show you a copy of his degree. Although a degree may be falsified, you can eliminate some dishonest applicants by asking to see a copy of his degree.