Open the newspaper and you will find that 90% of the paper is filled with negative news like cheating, rape, abduction, accidents and many more. Unfortunately ‘Study abroad’ also falls within that list.
As abroad education consultants in Vadodara, with a proven track record of more than two decades, we wish to guide you about the kinds of frauds that students need to take care of.
1) Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
According to CNBC Report, “About 41 per cent of college students said they were asked to pay up when applying for a scholarship, according to a recent survey of 1,000 college students by The Student Loan Report. Of those who were asked to hand over money, 73 per cent did.”
As overseas education consultants in Vadodara, we often see the sparkle in the eyes of students and parents when they are going for an abroad education. However, you mustn’t fall prey to scholarship and financial aid scams.
You might not remember the scholarships you have applied for and the fraudster might ask for details of your bank account.
By asking for a bank account, the fraudster knows your details and can use them to his advantage. According to the National Credit Union Administration1, such frauds include:
- Scammers calling to award a non-existent scholarship
- Fraudulent websites steal the information
- Financial aid services that ask for money to complete the formalities
How to protect yourself from such frauds?
- Never provide your personal details
- If some fee is asked in return, there’s something fishy about it
- Visit the Federal Student Aid Website2 and check whether the scholarship is genuine.
2) Employment Scams
As overseas study abroad consultants in Vadodara, we find that people get lured by excellent job opportunities. It is essential to know all rules regarding the working possibilities that you can pursue parallelly with your studies.
If something looks too good to be true, it is that way! Don’t trust any enticing job offers that demand money, personal information or bank details.
3) Imposter Scams
We are all aware of imposter scams. Often the fraudster pretends to be a different personality and tries to steal the information. Sometimes the scamsters ‘spoof’ the call and pretend to appear real.
We recommend you not to entertain such calls and never pay for any money demanded by them or never share your personal information.
4) Student Loan Debt Relief Scams
Sometimes the fraudsters demand money from you on the pretext of paying your student loans. As a student, you should be cautious about it. As far as possible credit the money directly to the lender\’s account rather than paying through the intermediary.
5) Nonexistent Apartments, Books, and Moving Services
When a student approaches us for study abroad opportunities, as abroad education consultants in Vadodara, we guide them at every single stage. Right from documentation, to preparing for IELTS, documentation and post-arrival guidance.
Many crooks know what students desirous of studying abroad are searching for. So they can trick you into getting you better deals for new apartments, moving services or other things.
How can you save yourself from such scams?
Well, we’ll guide you through the resources that you can trust when you move abroad. However, you should not blindly book great deals just by visiting the website. You must read reviews, ask for referrals or check with authorities to check the authenticity.
6) Misleading Credit Card Offers
Going abroad to study is a fascinating experience. When you decide to go abroad the first thing you are worried about is ‘finance’. Day in and day out we find students who get trapped in credit card scams.
Credit card scams relate to unfavourable terms, fees, and interest rates. Better do your research or ask the connect with professionals like us before you accept offers.
7) Public Wi-Fi Scams
We are all connected via the internet but unfortunately using public Wi-Fi can make students susceptible to scams especially if they are accessing sensitive information while using public Wi-Fi.
Never access sensitive information from public Wi-Fi.
8) Social Media Scams
Students often trust social media like FB and Instagram and join various groups when want to get information about universities or accommodations. However, as overseas education consultants in Vadodara, we guide our students not to get lured by attractive offers. Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are not reliable sources to access such information.
Rather than that get references from some of your friends directly. Avoid using 100% online information.
9) Blackmail
When you are going to a different country, you should be careful about your online presence. Take care if you are being photographed without your consent. Abroad universities are very strict in this regard and unnecessarily you can get trapped.
As a study abroad consultant in Vadodara we have more than two decades of experience, and we are always there to guide you. Approach us if you need any guidance for studying abroad.
