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 online education 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. See our list of top
schools for more information about accredited programs.
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 school 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 school is located to see whether any complaints have been made
against the school. 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. |
