can players get a fake title banner on their profile

recently I beat a player from Qatar who had the grandmaster banner on his profile, however, the highest rated player from Qatar is an international master rated 2329, I'm wondering if it's possible for the player to not to really be a grandmaster, but somehow got the banner anyways? I don't know how players verify their titles and don't know if this is possible. I would appreciate enlightenment on the matter from anyone else who knows more.

If it's a site official banner the it's not accidental. Staff verify accounts and titles.

All I know is that I'm a world champion GM, but chess.com refuses to add my title because they're jealous

Hey @littlemanpaul,

I believe you can change which flag your profile displays in settings. He could very well be a grandmaster identifying as a player from Qatar. To change: Settings > All Settings > Profile > Country > Change Country. Hope this helps!

-ATEP