UGC Warns Students Against Fraudsters Impersonating Officials for Fake Approvals

UGC urged universities and students to exercise caution and report any suspicious emails, calls, or messages that request money or personal details under the pretext of UGC affiliations.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a strong public advisory cautioning students, higher education institutions, and the general public against fraudsters posing as UGC officials and offering fake approvals, certifications, or affiliations in exchange for money. The alert was posted on the Commission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, July 21.

“These impostors are falsely claiming association with UGC and attempting to cheat unsuspecting institutions and individuals by demanding payment for approvals and recognitions,” the Commission stated in the advisory. It further clarified that no such demands are ever made by the UGC, and that any official communication from the regulator is published only on its official website (www.ugc.gov.in) or verified social media handles.

UGC urged universities and students to exercise caution and report any suspicious emails, calls, or messages that request money or personal details under the pretext of UGC affiliations. “All stakeholders are hereby advised to be vigilant and not fall prey to such fraudulent activities,” the statement read.

The advisory comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of fake approval letters and certificates by unauthorised individuals. In recent years, several students and private institutions across the country have been duped by scamsters posing as education regulators, sometimes using forged documents or even UGC’s letterhead to appear legitimate.

The Commission reiterated that any correspondence demanding payments or claiming expedited approvals outside the formal process is completely illegitimate and should be immediately reported.

This warning is also a reminder of the risks associated with fake universities and unrecognized degrees, which the UGC continues to monitor. The Commission maintains an updated list of fake institutions and urges students to consult it before enrolling. 

UGC has also asked victims of such frauds to immediately lodge complaints with the local police and cybercrime authorities, in addition to notifying UGC through official channels.

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