Sri Lanka Warns of Foreign University Scams Targeting Students on Social Media

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka’s national cybersecurity agency has warned parents and students about fraudulent social media advertisements offering admission to foreign universities, visas, work permits and even pathways to citizenship.

Sri Lanka CERT said it has received complaints from several victims who lost hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankan rupees after responding to such advertisements.

The scammers reportedly claim to represent well-known universities and offer highly attractive packages, often asking students to pay only a registration fee and the tuition fee for their first semester.

They may also promise that students will be able to find jobs abroad to cover living expenses and could receive scholarships for subsequent semesters.

According to Sri Lanka CERT, scammers often use WhatsApp groups, email accounts, videos, photographs and documents to make their offers appear legitimate. Some of the material may be copied or stolen from the official websites of universities.

Fraudsters may also provide documents that closely resemble genuine university admission or registration papers. In some cases, they provide foreign bank account details for payments, making the scheme appear more credible.

After victims transfer large amounts of money for registration and tuition fees, the scammers may become unreachable and disappear.

How students can protect themselves

Sri Lanka CERT has urged students and parents to:

• Verify whether the university and the education agent are officially recognized.
• Contact the university directly using contact details from its official website.
• Carefully verify admission letters and other documents.
• Check whether the bank account belongs to a legitimate university or authorized representative.
• Be cautious about offers promising guaranteed visas, jobs, scholarships or citizenship.
• Avoid making large payments based solely on social media advertisements.
• Do not rely on WhatsApp groups, videos or testimonials as proof that an education offer is genuine.

Sri Lanka CERT said students should use legitimate and recognized channels when applying to foreign universities and should thoroughly verify all information before making any financial transaction.

The warning highlights the growing risks students face as scammers use social media and convincing digital content to impersonate universities and education agencies.