Introduction
Unfortunately, educational fraud and scams continue to be a growing problem, with new tactics and schemes emerging as technology and society evolve.
There are several reasons, as brought into attention at the Education 2.0 Conference platform, why there is an emerging trend of fraud and scams in the education sector:
Rise of Online Learning: With the increase in online learning, there has been a rise in fraudulent websites that offer fake courses, degrees, and diplomas. These websites often promise quick and easy access to educational opportunities and financial aid, but they are scams that can lead to financial loss or identity scam, says an expert using the Education 2.0 Conference’s global platform. ● High Cost of Education: The high cost of education has made students and parents more vulnerable to fraudulent schemes that offer financial aid or scholarships. Scammers exploit this vulnerability and create fake scholarship programs requiring personal and financial information, reviews the Education 2.0 Conference’s Winter Edition.
●
Limited Regulation: The education sector is not as heavily regulated as other industries, making it easier for fraudsters to operate. This limited regulation allows scammers to create fake institutions and courses, misrepresent accreditation, and offer fraudulent financial aid.
● Targeting International Students: International students are particularly vulnerable to fraud and scams in the education sector. As per the thought leaders of Education 2.0 Conference, a fraudster may pose as educational institutions, offer fake scholarships or financial aid, and target students unfamiliar with the American education system.
● Lack of Education on Fraud Prevention: Many students and parents are unaware of the risks of fraud and scams in the education sector. They may not know how to identify or protect themselves from fraudulent schemes
— Education 2.0 Conference.
●
Emerging Trends In Educational Fraud & Scam
● Diploma mills and fake degrees: The proliferation of online degree programs has made it easier for diploma mills to create fake degrees and certificates with little to no educational value. These fake credentials can be used to deceive employers, obtain professional licenses, or secure admission to graduate programs.
● Online course scams: Education 2.0 Conference’s 2023 edition is going to be a hub for cybersecurity experts. One such expert who attended its Winter Edition state that, scammers may create fake online courses that promise to teach in-demand skills but are a way to collect money or steal personal information from unsuspecting students.
● Fake scholarship and grant scams: Fraudsters may use fake scholarships and grants to obtain personal information or steal money from students. They may also ask for an upfront fee to "process" the scholarship or grant application, which is a clear red flag.
Impersonation scams: Scammers may pose as college officials, recruiters, or financial aid officers to collect personal information or convince students to pay fees for nonexistent services.
● Hacking and data breaches: Educational institutions are prime targets for cybercriminals, who may try to steal personal information, financial data, or intellectual property. These data breaches can severely affect students, faculty, and staff and should be considered as fraud, reviews an expert of Education 2.0 Conference.
● Contract cheating: With the rise of online essay mills and academic ghostwriting services, some students cheat on assignments and exams. This not only undermines the integrity of the educational system but can also lead to legal consequences.
●
Things You Can Do To Fight Back
With the increasing popularity of the internet and technology, fraud and scams have become more prevalent in the education sector. There are things you can do to fight emerging fraud and scam trends in the education sector, says a group of panelists at the Education 2.0 Conference:
● Be cautious of unsolicited offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers that promise quick and easy access to educational opportunities or financial aid. These offers may be fraudulent and lead to identity theft or financial loss.
● Research educational institutions and programs: Before enrolling in any educational program, research the institution and program to ensure they are legitimate. Check the institution's accreditation, reputation, and reviews from other students, concluded Education 2.0 Conference’s Las Vegas edition.
● Verify financial aid offers: If you receive a financial aid offer, verify it with the institution's financial aid office. Scammers may pose as financial aid officers and request personal and financial information.
● Protect personal information: Do not share personal or financial information, such as social security or bank account numbers, with anyone unless you trust them and verify their identity.
● Use secure websites and networks: When applying for educational programs or financial aid, use secure websites and networks to protect your personal and financial information from fraudsters.
Report fraudulent activities: When asked in Education 2.0 Conference’s Q&As session, an expert said that if you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Education, or your state's attorney general's office.
Educate yourself and others: Educate yourself and others about emerging fraud and scam trends in the education sector. Share information and resources with friends, family, and colleagues to help prevent them from becoming victims of fraud or scams.
●
●
