Online Education Programs - How to Identify a Scam

Distance learning programs have been the answer to many individual's dreams who desire to advance their education.  The ease and convenience of doing your class work from home, or any location with an Internet connection, has made online education a booming industry.  However, caution is warranted when selecting distance learning courses and an online educational institution.  If an online college or university is offering degrees with minimal course work or credits, beware of a scam.  As the saying goes, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!" 

How to Protect Yourself Against Online Education Scams

It can be difficult to identify a scam or a fake program when looking at online e-learning programs. 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.

Unfortunately, the same problem can happen with distance learning programs.  Many people who should have known better have been victimized. Many distance learning programs sound so promising and legitimate that it can be difficult to tell the good from the bad.

Here are some helpful tips to help you identify a distance learning program scam or a fake:

Don't Believe All the Sales Hype

Regardless of where you find the distance program - online, an infomercial, or newspaper ad - remember that they are trying to sell you on their educational institution.  In other words, it should be regarded as a sales letter and you shouldn't immediately believe everything you read.  Many of the fraudulent companies have large advertising budgets so it doesn't pay to get overly impressed by lavish web sites and colorful brochures. The important point here is that you need to verify all of the information that's provided.

Verify That the Program is Accredited

If a program claims that it is accredited with a particular institution, confirm that fact.  Make sure the accreditation is current and the college or university is in good standing.  One further step is to ensure that the accrediting company is legitimate (see How Accreditation Affects Distance Learning Programs). Also check that the particular course that you are interested in is also accredited.

Verifying the accreditation of the institution and the courses is probably the single most important thing you can do. If the distance learning program isn't accredited, the certificate or degree you obtain likely will be worthless to a prospective employer or another college or university. 

Does the Institution Provide a Physical Address and Phone Number

Every online distance learning program should have a physical address.  Do not accept a PO Box is a substitute for a physical address.  Also, any legitimate distance learning school will have a phone number you can call to talk with a school representative.  Use the many resources available to you to verify the address to make sure it's legitimate. Always call the number that is listed for the institution to make sure the number is working and that it is actually for the distance learning company.  And if you get an answering machine, you may want to remove the program from your list and move on (unless you are calling after hours or on a weekend).  

Investigate the Distance Learning Company

Another way to check out the company is to confirm the number of years it has been conducting this type of business.  When you contact the program's representative, ask about the experience of the instructors and the testing criteria. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and various consumer affairs agencies in the company's home state can provide you information as to whether any complaints have been made against the company.

Visit the BBB online and research the category designed especially for online companies.  And don't be swayed by a company that has a top level domain such as .edu, because even non-educational institutions can obtain these. 

And by all means, be especially wary of institutions offering distance learning programs that make unrealistic claims. A common red "flag" is a claim of an 'accelerated' distance learning program.  Also be leery of online courses that are priced extraordinarily below those of other similar programs.

Do Your Research and Confidently Start Your Online Education Today

That said, you shouldn't shy away from online distance learning programs for your future educational needs.  The vast majority of institutions offering these programs and degrees are legitimate and highly credible.  Like with any other investment, and an education is an investment, you should perform your research before committing your first dollar. 

The best way to begin your distance learning "journey" is to go online, request information for your desired course of studies, and carefully read the literature provided.  Talk to distance learning institution's representative and don't be afraid to ask probing questions about faculty and programs. 

Remember, many online education providers have both standard campuses (with brick and mortar classrooms) and online programs for those not living near one of their main facilities.  For convenience and personal flexibility, a distance learning program is the perfect educational option.  Why not start your search today for online courses that will improve your future, your career, and your life!