Ugandan University Unknowingly Certifies Fake Transcripts
The Daily Monitor, a Ugandan newspaper, has exposed a con taking place at the country’s largest and oldest university. Makerere University has become the target of a degree fraud scam most likely perpetrated by members of its own staff and a contractor hired to speed up the degree issuance process. The newspaper was able obtain a fake transcript from the university and then receive verification from the Academic Registrar that the transcript was genuine.
This is a trend that I think will definitely increase over the next few years and criminals get smarter and technology becomes more advanced. Schools should conduct background checks on employees that will have access to confidential student information and important tasks such as issuing degrees and awarding financial aid. There are numerous opportunities to commit fraud in these areas. Schools need to recognize this and protect themselves as much as possible.
In addition, employers should always conduct education verifications on prospective employees whose position requires a certain level of education and/or a primary course of study. There is no question that fake degrees are being sold worldwide. The question is: Who’s buying? Could it be your applicant?
Article by, Natalie Beck and courtesy of EmployeescreenIQ
