Free State police have urged parents to be vigilant about fake student accommodation and higher learning institutions, as the new academic year approaches.

“We urge parents to be vigilant of bogus accommodations that are only available over the phone and online. There are also institutions of higher learning that only exist by name and have no campuses or classes. Parents should not deposit any money into any account before they physically visit the institution or accommodation,” said Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli.

Kareli added that such precautions could prevent parents from falling victim to scams, as has happened in the province in previous years. He also encouraged parents to reach out to the Department of Higher Education and Training to verify the legitimacy of any institutions of higher learning.

OFM News/DB