Fraudsters prey on prospective students as tertiary facilities open late applications
As universities extend late application deadlines, fraudsters are targeting hopeful students with promises of guaranteed placements. Stay vigilant and protect your future from scams.

With some institutions still accepting late applications, a disturbing trend has emerged; fraudsters are preying on hopeful young people desperate for a chance to study.
The warning comes in the wake of an alarming story shared by a local Alberton woman, who spoke to the Alberton Record about being scammed by a man who promised to help her and other learners secure places at universities.
The lady, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted how the fraudster infiltrated her school during her matric in 2022, offering to assist her and her classmates with university applications.
According to her account, the scammer targeted approximately 50 students, mostly girls, with promises of guaranteed university placements.
He claimed to have strong connections with universities and colleges. He insisted he could secure places for them, but only if they handed over their personal credentials, including identification documents and the application fees.
The victims, eager for the opportunity to further their education, complied. The scammer collected their credentials, told them they would receive their student numbers shortly, and promised to submit the application fees on their behalf.
However, months passed, and the victims heard nothing. The scammer had disappeared, leaving no trace.
It was not until recently that the victim discovered the application fees she had paid had never reached the institutions she hoped to attend.
Worse still, when she attempted to apply, she found her identity number was already used in the university systems. She could not apply again, as her information was already in their databases.
Thankfully, the Alberton Record stepped in to assist her in regaining access to the system, allowing her to reapply to universities and pursue her education. However, she, like many others, was in limbo for over a year, struggling to move forward.
SAPS has urged all students, particularly those in the class of 2025, to be vigilant when applying for university placements.
To avoid falling victim to similar scams:
• Always apply through official channels
Only use the official websites or platforms of the institutions you are applying to. Never trust a third-party individual offering special deals or guaranteed placements.
• Verify the source of help
If someone promises to help with your application for a fee, verify their credentials. Universities do not require third-party agents to submit applications on behalf of students. If an external individual claims they can help, be cautious and do research.
• Never pay application fees to an unverified person
Legitimate universities usually request application fees directly through their official payment systems. Never hand money over to someone not part of the official application process.
• Protect your personal information
Be cautious about sharing your ID number, personal documents, and other sensitive information. Only provide these details on secure, trusted university portals or during official interviews or communications.
• Trust your instincts
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Scammers often create a sense of urgency or make promises that seem too good to be true. Step back, talk to someone you trust, and double-check the information before proceeding.
• Report suspicious activity
If you suspect that you encountered a scam, report it immediately to SAPS or your local university. Universities also have fraud departments that deal with such cases.
Stay safe and double-check your application process to avoid falling prey to fraud.