The scammers are said to be luring students to deposit money to them in order to be admitted to places of higher learning.
The University of Mpumalanga said a man claiming to be a representative of the varsity has been demanding up to R2 500 from would-be students in order for them to get registered and accepted.
The police have now been made aware about the operation of the man and were asking the public to stay alert and not fall victims.
A number of students have been told to go deposit the money into a PEP store money transfer system or FNB’s eWallet for them to be admitted.
The money is anything between R2000 to R2 500.
“The University of Mpumalanga does not demand cash for applications,” management said in a statement this week.
It said potential students are always advised of the entry requirements “through official channels” and whoever doesn’t qualify there is advised not to pay money to anyone.
“Also students are not admitted without approval from the Registrar’s office. Applicants should apply online and wait for an SMS and a letter confirming their admission,” the university said.
Police spokesman Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said during this time in January a lot of people fall victim to scammers who claim they would assist people to get access to universities, then disappear with the money.
Also job-seekers were always victims…
“Unsuspecting victims after depositing money, they will never hear anything from the so called “bogus representatives”. These are just criminals who take advantage of people who are desperate and who might lack information.
“As police therefore we caution the public about this trend and advise people to enquire thoroughly about schools and employment.
“We would also like to warn members of the community to desist from paying money to individuals who promise them employment because there are no jobs for sale where one will be requested to make payment for them to be employed. Legitimate vacant posts are advertised through the media (print and electronic) as well as on the relevant websites,” Hlathi said.
(edited by MLM)
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