Police caution public about fraudsters targeting students
These scammers exploit their victims by soliciting bribes in exchange for fake admission and non-existent accommodation
The police are cautioning the public about fraudsters targeting students who are eager to pursue higher education at tertiary institutions.
With the academic year under way, prospective students and parents are actively seeking admission and accommodation from various universities. Fraudsters employ various tactics, such as claiming connections to higher authorities within these institutions or impersonating their employees, to deceive victims and lend credibility to their schemes.
During this period of heightened activity, these scammers take advantage of desperate students and parents who may be more susceptible to such offers.
Once trust is established, they exploit their victims by soliciting bribes in exchange for fake admission and non-existent accommodation.
Parents are warned against depositing their hard-earned cash into personal accounts or transferring money via unofficial channels.
In response to this trend, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, the provincial police commissioner, urges the public to exercise caution.
“Parents are urged to do background checks of these tertiary learning institutions as some of them are non-existent. Before one makes payments to any institution, the authentic admission letter must be verified. People should avoid taking shortcuts, otherwise you will be scammed.”
