The Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) has issued a cautionary notice to students and parents concerning the increasing incidence of fake and unaccredited qualifications from overseas institutions. Director Dr. Eci Naisele has identified at least 12 instances of fraudulent qualifications this year, mainly linked to online universities offering Master’s and PhD programs without appropriate accreditation.
Dr. Naisele encourages individuals to visit FHEC’s offices in Suva, Lautoka, or Labasa to verify the legitimacy of educational institutions. The Commission emphasizes the necessity of checking with FHEC before enrolling in or paying for courses to avoid losing money to scams. It also advises employers to consult the Commission if they suspect the authenticity of an applicant’s qualifications.
In light of the sophistication and difficulty in detecting fraudulent certificates, vigilance remains essential. This warning comes amidst a global increase in online scams within the educational sector, underscored by reports from the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) about deceptive social media advertisements promoting free online courses and certifications, which often lead to identity theft.
This advisory acts as a crucial reminder for Fijians to thoroughly evaluate educational offers and verify their credibility through reliable sources. As digital scams become more advanced, maintaining heightened awareness and diligently verifying information is critical to safeguarding one’s educational path.