How to Identify a Scam or a Fake Program
When it comes to distance learning, it can be difficult to identify a scam or a fake program. For as much good as the Internet has brought us, it has unfortunately also become a breeding ground for scam artists and fraudulent activity. We've all heard stories about how easily people are fooled by email messages stating there's a problem with their bank accounts or their credit cards and how quickly some have become victims.
Well that same thing can happen with distance learning programs and plenty of people who 'should have known better' have been victimized. Many distance learning programs sound so promising and so legitimate and it's difficult to tell the good from the bad. Here's some information you can use to help determine whether a distance learning program is a scam or a fake.
Remember that you're reading sales copy
Whether you learn of a distance program online, from an infomercial or after reading a newspaper ad, the information you read first and foremost is designed to get you to take further action. In other words, it's a sales letter and you shouldn't immediately believe everything you read. Fraudulent companies have huge advertising budgets so don't get overly impressed by fancy websites and brochures. What's important is that you verify all the information that's mentioned.
If a program says it's accredited with a particular institution, confirm that fact. Make sure the accreditation is current and the company is in good standing. And make sure the accrediting company is legitimate. This probably is the single most important thing you can do before proceeding. If the distance learning program isn't accredited, the certificate or degree you obtain likely will be worthless when you're out looking for a job or a promotion.
Also be especially wary of companies that make unrealistic claims. A common one is an 'accelerated' distance learning program. Also be wary of costs that are extraordinarily lower than those of other similar programs.
Look for a physical address/phone number
Even an online distance learning program should have a physical address (a PO Box is NOT a physical address) and also a phone number you can call that will put you in touch with a representative from that company. Use the many resources available to you to investigate the address to make sure it's legitimate. Call the number that's listed to make sure the number hasn't been disconnected and that it is actually for the distance learning company. Beware if you get an answering machine!
Research the distance learning company
Confirm the number of years it has been in this type of business. Ask about instructor experience and testing criteria. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the consumer affairs agencies in the state where the distance learning company is located to see whether any complaints have been made against the company. There's even a branch of the BBB designed especially for online companies. Remember that any company can purchase a top level domain such as .edu, even those that are in no way affiliated with educational institutions.