CERT: Beware of foreign Uni. scams on social media

The National Centre for Cyber Security (CERT) has issued a warning about an alarming scam targeting individuals looking to study at foreign universities through social media platforms. According to a recent press release, Sri Lanka CERT has received numerous complaints from parents and students who have been defrauded of hundreds of thousands of rupees.

Scammers are using social media to advertise fake opportunities to gain admission to top universities, secure visas, obtain work permits, and eventually even citizenship in foreign countries.

These fraudulent advertisements often present highly convincing information, making it difficult for victims to suspect that the content may be stolen or copied from legitimate sources. Scammers impersonate representatives of renowned universities, promising to provide admission for a minimal registration fee and first semester tuition. They may also claim that students can find employment to cover living expenses, and even mention scholarship opportunities for future semesters.

Victims are instructed to create email accounts or join WhatsApp groups, where scammers present convincing videos, photographs, and detailed information about the universities. Scammers provide foreign bank account details for transferring payments, further attempting to erase any doubts that the victims are falling for a scam. Once the scammers receive the registration fees and tuition fees, they disappear, leaving victims with no recourse.

CERT urges the public to exercise caution when encountering advertisements on social media that claim to offer admission to foreign universities. It is essential to select only legitimate university representatives who provide services through legal and recognized channels. Additionally, the public must verify the authenticity of any documents and bank account details provided by scammers before making any financial transactions.