Sri Lanka CERT issues alert over fake foreign university admission schemes

Sri Lanka's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has issued a public advisory cautioning citizens against an escalating wave of online fraud targeting those seeking higher education overseas. The warning follows numerous reports from parents and students who have fallen victim to elaborate scams advertised through social media platforms.

The fraudulent schemes typically involve imposters claiming to represent well-known foreign universities. These con artists promise various incentives including guaranteed university admissions, student visa facilitation, work permits, and in some cases, pathways to citizenship. Victims report losing hundreds of thousands of rupees after engaging with these false agents.

Scammers typically initiate contact through social media channels, establishing credibility through fake institutional credentials and professional-appearing communications. They then persuade victims to transfer funds for application fees, visa processing costs, or other purported expenses required to secure overseas placement.

The CERT has advised the public to verify university credentials through official institutional channels before engaging with recruitment representatives. Individuals considering overseas education are urged to contact universities directly using official contact information from their authentic websites rather than through social media contacts or third-party representatives.

Authorities have urged anyone who suspects involvement in such schemes or believes they have been defrauded to report incidents to the CERT and relevant law enforcement agencies immediately.