Bogus ‘Glastonbury university’ website taken down following UKBA investigation
The so called ‘Glastonbury university’ does not exist and their website has been removed to protect unsuspecting Tier 4 student applicants.
An investigation carried out by Somerset County Council has seen the fake ‘Glastonbury University’ website removed.
It was feared that the website, which promoted a fictitious university as part of a scam, was being used to target unsuspecting Tier 4 student applicants, particularly in the Far East.
A London university reported the site after receiving an application from a student who claimed to have a degree from Glastonbury University.
Investigations by Somerset County Council trading standards officers have resulted in the domain name and site being removed by specialist Metropolitan Police officers.
The investigation also revealed that the address given on the website for the university is actually an empty office building in the centre of town, and the impressive glass building featured on the site is in fact a library belonging to the University of Leicester.
The trading standards investigation involved contact with overseas companies and regulators including the Florida FBI, as well as correspondence with central government, and culminated in the domain name’s removal from the world wide web. This was achieved in co-operation with the police central e-crime unit of the Metropolitan Police. Source: UK Border Agency.
A spokesman from UK University Services (UKUS) warned that students applying to colleges and universities purely on an internet based application process without making proper checks are taking a huge risk is sending money to these institutions.
‘International students applying to UK Universities and Colleges must make thorough checks or used an authorised overseas agent for the institution before sending funds for deposits.
‘The most obvious check is to make sure your university or college is on the Tier 4 Sponsors Register, which applies to non-EU students, or in the case of Bulgarian and Romanian students the DIUS register.’
EU students have the advantage of being able to visit the college or university, without the need for a visa, before parting with any money.
See also:
Pre Tier 4 students in the UK under the Immigration Rules that were in place before 31 March 2009
New Tier 4 student visa rules now in force
University of Wales cease validating degrees at colleges and other institutions
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