Free State police spokesperson, Mahlomola Kareli, says that January is also known as a month when parents and their children seek accommodation and others enrol at various institutions with the hope to further their studies. 

However, he says parents should be aware of scammers.

“Parents are advised to be aware of bogus accommodations that are only available over the phone and online, as well as institutions of higher learning that only exist by name and have no campuses or classes.”

He explains that guardians must not deposit cash into any account before physically visiting the institution or the available accommodation. Kareli says this is to avoid being scammed as cases of defrauded parents were registered in previous years at police stations in and around the province. 

Ways in which the public can confirm if the institution of higher learning is registered and legitimate is by contacting the Department of Higher Education and Training at 0800 872 222 or 012 312 6300/5881, before making deposits into accounts provided by any institution. 

"Let us stop these fly-by-night institutions and people who defraud guardians or parents of their education savings.  

"If you suspect something dodgy, it probably is a fraud. Confirm it with the relevant body so you can save yourself from being scammed of your hard-earned cash," said the provincial commissioner, Baile Motswenyane.

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