HEC warns of surge in online admission scams targeting students

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Apr, 2026) With the start of the admission season in higher educational institutions across the country authorities have warned of a rise in online fraud targeting students and parents through fake admission portals,here on Monday.

The Higher education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has taken notice of the situation,cautioning that scammers were collecting admission fees by impersonating representatives of educational institutions and operating fraudulent websites.

According to HEC officials,several complaints have been received from students who were deceived into transferring money to fraudsters posing as official admission facilitators.

The commission has issued a formal circular in this regard and shared links to suspected fake websites to help students identify and avoid them.

The HEC has directed students and parents to ensure that no admission-related fee was transferred without proper verification,including an OTP confirmation and emphasized that only official websites and verified channels of recognized institutions should be used.

Officials further stated that awareness and precautionary measures were essential to prevent financial losses,urging applicants to remain vigilant during the ongoing admission season.