Stay smart, study safe: The guide to identify online course scams

As India's digital education landscape expands rapidly, it has opened up numerous opportunities for learners to acquire new skills, pursue higher education, and boost career prospects. However, this surge in demand has also led to the risk of online course scams targeting learners. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) also revealed a troubling surge in cybercrimes targeting online learners in recent years. This rising threat demands immediate attention, especially as the global online education market is projected to reach USD 136.80 billion by 2025, with India being a significant contributor. As Safer Internet Day (February 11th) approaches, understanding how to recognise and avoid these scams becomes crucial for ensuring a safe and productive learning experience.

The growing threat of online education fraud

The digital learning landscape faces multiple challenges that put learners at risk. According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), 2024 has witnessed an alarming increase in data breaches involving e-learning platforms. The primary threats include phishing attacks, fake course advertisements, and fraudulent job placement promises. Many online courses lack proper regulation or accreditation, making it difficult for students to distinguish between trustworthy and deceptive providers. Additionally, students often unknowingly risk their privacy and security by sharing sensitive information on unverified platforms.

Spotting the red flags

Fraudsters employ various strategies to target unsuspecting learners. Non-existent institutions create convincing websites, collect course fees, and vanish without delivering educational content. Some scammers offer courses with false promises of guaranteed job placements or client acquisitions. Others exploit social media platforms to promote fake webinars supposedly conducted by celebrities or industry experts. Scholarship scams have become particularly prevalent, targeting students seeking financial aid with demands for upfront payments.

Several warning signs can help identify potential online course scams. For instance, watch out for courses that guarantee employment or promise a set of clients upon completion - these are typically fraudulent schemes. Be particularly cautious of webinars advertising celebrity instructors or industry experts at exorbitant fees, as these often feature unqualified presenters instead.

Identifying legitimate online courses

To protect themselves from online course scams, students and learners should adopt a few strategies such as verifying the accreditation and legitimacy of the course provider. Since verification requires a systematic approach, students should confirm accreditation through authorized bodies and cross-reference institutional approvals on official education department websites. It is important to know that legitimate courses provide detailed curricula, transparent fee structures, and clear refund policies. Professional endorsements and industry relevance serve as crucial indicators of course authenticity. Students should be wary of programs demanding large upfront payments or using unconventional payment methods.

Essential safety measures for online learners

Protection against online course scams requires vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. It is of utmost importance for the learners to be wary of unsolicited requests through emails or messages asking for personal information, such as passwords, credit card details, or bank account numbers. Students should use secure, private internet connections and enable two-factor authentication for all learning platform accounts. Regular software updates and antivirus protection are essential for maintaining digital security. When encountering suspicious activity, immediate reporting to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal is crucial. Learners should verify course providers through official websites and avoid sharing sensitive information through unsolicited emails or messages.

Conclusion

Creating a secure digital learning environment demands collective effort from students, educators, and institutions. With cybercrime rates on the rise, maintaining vigilance in online education has become more critical than ever. By understanding scam tactics, implementing security measures, and staying informed about digital threats, Indian learners can safely navigate the online education landscape and achieve their learning goals while protecting their personal and financial information.

(The article is written by Rohit Gupta, COO, College Vidya )