BOSTON — Authorities in Massachusetts are warning the public of a fake Boston-based university that touts itself as “one of the finest educational experiences in online learning.”
You’ve probably never heard of Massachusetts Central University because it’s a bogus operation seeking to scam prospective students, according to state officials.
The phony, but convincing website promises to prepare students for “dynamic careers” with a 95 percent placement rate that will lead to a “competitive advantage over your peers.” The school also claims it employs “top-class professionals,” 45 percent of whom hold Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Not a single one of NCU’s listed accreditors could be found on the United States Department of Education’s website.
Photos of purported faculty members appear to be stock images and also appear on a similar website called Houston University of Science and Technology.
The school also claimed to be “ranked in the top 2 percent of universities globally” with more than 10,000 enrolled students.
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education said it was made aware of this fraudulent website in 2021 and that it sent the entity a cease-and-desist order that resulted in the site being taken down.
In a statement, a DHE spokesperson said, “We are disappointed that the website has resurfaced, and we will be following up with the entity.”
The department has since notified the University of Massachusetts, as well as the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
The AG’s Office also confirmed that it is “aware of this entity and it’s one we have taken action against in the past.”
“This is a matter AG Campbell and her office take seriously and we are reviewing what actions we may take,” a spokesperson said.
Anyone student who believes they were victimized by the scam is urged to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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