Fake admission notices, payment fraud; Kerala University warns against bogus website
The University of Kerala has warned prospective candidates and the public about a fake website allegedly operating in the name of its School of Distance Education (SDE) and issuing fraudulent admission notices.
The university said the website is collecting registration details, personal information and online payments from prospective students. It has filed a complaint with its cyber cell and is taking further steps to prevent fraud and initiate action against those who misused the university's name.
Fake website offers distance education admissions
According to the University of Kerala, the fake portal is offering admissions to various distance education programmes and accepting applications and payments from students.
University officials warned that the website could be used to collect personal information and facilitate financial fraud.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Mohanan Kunnummal urged students and prospective applicants to exercise caution and not register through the unauthorised portal.
The university said applicants should not provide personal or academic information, upload documents or make any payment through the fake website.
Students told to verify admission notices
The university has advised students to treat admission notices, application links and payment requests received through unauthorised portals as fake unless they are verified.
Applicants should check all admission-related information through the University of Kerala's official website before sharing personal details or making payments.
Students have also been warned against clicking registration or application links circulated through the fake website or other unauthorised platforms.
Do not upload certificates or identity documents
The university has specifically cautioned students against sharing Aadhaar details, banking information, academic records or other confidential information through unauthorised websites.
Certificates, photographs and identity documents should also not be uploaded to such portals, the university said.
Students have been advised not to pay application or admission fees through websites that are not officially authorised by the university.
Admission notices shared through unofficial websites or social media accounts should be independently verified before any action is taken.
The authorities said all admission notifications should be checked through the official University of Kerala website.
Students who paid money urged to act
Students who have already shared information or made payments through the fake website have been advised to take immediate steps to protect their personal and financial information.
They should also inform the University of Kerala and the relevant authorities about the incident.
The university urged prospective students to independently verify any website claiming to offer admission to its School of Distance Education before submitting information or making payments.