The scams will include everything from fake admissions notices to forged documents to unlicensed agencies, etc. In addition to suffering a financial loss (potentially in the hundreds of thousands of rupees), you’ll also have lost out on valuable time and have had your dream of becoming a physician shattered. Therefore, being aware of the most common types of medical education scams or MBBS Abroad Scams is your first line of defense against becoming a victim.
Common Types of MBBS Abroad Scams
- Admissions to Fake Universities
An extremely common type of MBBS abroad scam primarily involves individuals being admitted to non-existent or unaccredited universities. These criminals produce highly credible websites, print counterfeit brochures, and fabricate recognition certificates claiming that a university has been authorized by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Students pay large amounts of money for many of these students only to find out they have either gone to a university that does not exist or that the university is not acknowledged as capable of teaching and practice in India.
Some scams go further by creating entirely fictitious universities that contain very impressive names with highly decorated websites. They create fake entrance exams, create fake acceptance letters, charge students ridiculous amounts of money to admit them, and then subsequently disappear.
- Rackets for Forging Documents
This may seem like a method to get into medical school, but it is a crime, and it can destroy your career as a medical professional permanently. For example, applying for admission to a medical school using a forged document can result in being charged with a felony and getting sentenced to state prison and receiving a lifetime ban from practicing medicine. Even if the individual completes his or her medical degree, the fraud will eventually be discovered, resulting in the individual having a degree that has no value and a felony conviction.
- Visa and Travel Fraud
In addition to the issues listed above, other instances of fraud include making airline tickets for students using unauthorized means or providing students with fraudulent itineraries. A student may arrive at their respective airport and learn that they possess invalid tickets or have travelled to the incorrect destination, resulting in a situation where the student is separated from their family and friends and experiences stress about their return to their family.
- Fee Structure Manipulation
Signal an MBBS Abroad Scam
- Unrealistic Promises
Never trust any consultant who states that they can guarantee you admission irrespective of your NEET score or educational qualifications. Anyone who claims to be able to get you into a particular university or states they are able to provide you with “100% admission” is more than likely running an MBBS abroad scam. All recognized universities have specific requirements that cannot be bypassed.
- Lack of Transparency
Consultants who are unwilling to provide complete and accurate university information, give you access to the official university website, or discourage you from making direct university contact should be viewed as a serious threat. An MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) abroad scam, and the most profitable avenue for these types of organizations, is dependent upon students’ inability to verify claims due to imbalances of power between the organization and the student.
- Unusual Payment Methods
- No Physical Office or Credentials
How to Protect Yourself from MBBS Abroad Scams
- Confirm the Academic Status of the University
The best way to ensure you don’t fall prey to an MBBS Abroad Scam is to verify that the International medical school/university you wish to attend appears on the Official NMC List of Recognized Foreign Medical Schools/Colleges/Universities. You should always access the NMC website directly; do not rely on lists or information provided by agents or consultants because these lists can be changed or outdated.
Contact the Indian Mission to that Country to Confirm Your Chosen University’s Legitimacy and Current Recognition Status. Completing this one step of verifying your chosen institution’s name & location can save you years of distress and regret.
- Research Independently
- Verify Consultant Credentials
Look for consultants who belong to recognized organizations that are dedicated to education and have a proven history of providing quality services. Request references from past students who have used the consultant and confirm their experiences directly with them.
- Do Not Pay Your Fees in One Full Payment
- Get Everything in Writing
- Visit the University, If You Can Afford To
When considering enrolling in an MBBS programmer abroad, it is highly recommended that you physically go to the university to verify its legitimacy. Many scams collapse as soon as students start to insist on visiting the campus, meeting the faculty, and seeing the facilities in person.
EOCL India (TT) stands for Trust & Transparency
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