Technology · Sri Lanka Bureau
Cyber security agency alerts students to foreign university admission scams
Sri Lanka's National Centre for Cyber Security has issued a warning following reports of fraudulent schemes targeting prospective university applicants. Scammers are exploiting social media platforms to deceive both students and parents seeking overseas education opportunities.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Sri Lanka CERT has received multiple complaints from parents and students who fell victim to fraudulent university admission schemes operating across social media channels. The scams typically involve criminals posing as representatives of foreign educational institutions, offering guaranteed admissions and scholarships to unsuspecting applicants.
According to the cybersecurity agency, perpetrators contact potential victims through messaging platforms and social networks, building trust before requesting fees or personal financial information. The fraudsters often use fake institutional credentials and fabricated documentation to appear legitimate, exploiting the aspirations of families seeking quality international education.
The CERT has urged prospective students and their parents to verify university credentials directly through official institutional websites and contact channels rather than relying on social media communications. Authorities recommend avoiding any service that guarantees admission or requires advance payment through unofficial channels.
The agency has advised the public to report suspected scams to relevant authorities and refrain from sharing sensitive personal or financial information with unverified contacts. Prospective students are encouraged to apply through established educational consultants and official university application platforms to minimize risks.