Usually when one obtains a post in virtue of a degree the place that is hiring requires information from the institution that granted the degree. Typically this is in the form of academic transcripts. A person who was granted an honorary degree would, of course, lack transcripts - the institution would probably provide some information on the grounds that the honorary degree was granted on, however.

It is possible to buy degrees online. Of course the degrees are fairly worthless. I'm sure that you can buy honorary degrees online, too. Of course the degrees are fairly worthless. People often go by institution because the assumption (probably fair) is that an institution with a reputation wouldn't risk their reputation by providing an honorary degree to someone who hadn't done anything meritworthy.

It is possible that this person has a mail order degree... That would tell you a little something about the place of work...