Do hiring managers even check to see if you have a degree?

Obviously I'm not talking about any job that requires a masters or PHD. But I see a lot of jobs say “BA degree preferred but not required”. Are these hiring managers really verifying proof of graduation/degree? Because if not… Someone just became a college grad!

Also, no disrespect to those who have spent the time/money to get their degrees. I just don't have either to spare.

Edit

I realize if your job REQUIRES a degree this obviously will not work. I'm talking about the companies that just slap on BA degree PREFERRED to the end of the job ad.