Sri Lanka CERT Raises Alarm Over Scams Promising University Places Abroad
October 10, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has warned students and parents about a growing financial threat involving fraudulent online advertisements that promise opportunities to study overseas, with victims reportedly losing hundreds of thousands of rupees.
The scams typically target aspiring international students by offering seemingly straightforward routes to foreign university admissions, student visas, long-term employment permits and, in some cases, eventual citizenship.
However, behind these appealing promises may be fraudsters seeking to exploit the ambitions of young people and the willingness of their families to invest in an overseas education.
According to the government agency, several parents and students have already reported substantial financial losses after responding to such advertisements on social media. The individuals behind these schemes often claim to represent prestigious international universities, presenting their offers as affordable and accessible alternatives to conventional admission procedures.
Prospective students may be told that securing a university place requires little more than paying a registration charge and the tuition fees for the first semester. They may also be assured that they can find part-time or other employment abroad to meet their living expenses, including accommodation and food. Promises of scholarships for subsequent semesters are sometimes used to make the proposals appear even more attractive.
Sri Lanka CERT cautioned that fraudsters frequently go to considerable lengths to establish credibility before requesting money. Victims may be instructed to create dedicated email accounts or join WhatsApp groups through which the supposed representatives distribute university photographs, promotional videos and other information intended to support their claims.
Such material can make the offers appear legitimate, particularly when the images and videos have been copied from genuine online sources. The agency also noted that documents supplied during the supposed application process may closely resemble authentic university paperwork, making it difficult for inexperienced applicants to identify inconsistencies.
The deception may extend to the payment process itself. Fraudsters can provide foreign bank account details and present the transfer of funds as a routine requirement for securing admission. By combining convincing documentation, professional-looking promotional material and seemingly formal payment instructions, they attempt to overcome the suspicions of prospective students and their families.
Once the victims have transferred substantial sums as registration charges and initial tuition fees, however, the supposed university representatives may suddenly become unreachable, leaving applicants without the promised admission and facing considerable financial losses.
Sri Lanka CERT has urged the public to exercise caution when considering overseas education offers advertised through social media or other online platforms. Students and parents have been advised to deal only with legitimate university representatives and education service providers operating through recognised and lawful channels.
The agency has also emphasised the importance of independently checking the authenticity of admission letters, registration documents and other correspondence before making any commitments. Bank account details supplied by agents should likewise be carefully verified, particularly when payments are requested to overseas accounts.
With overseas education representing a significant financial commitment for many Sri Lankan families, the warning highlights the importance of conducting thorough checks before handing over money. A convincing advertisement or a collection of apparently official documents should never be treated as sufficient proof that an educational opportunity is genuine.
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