– Pushpa Sathish, Staff Writer

It could happen to any of us – when we’re caught at a weak moment. Falling into a trap, being lured into a scam, taking the bait meant for a sucker, being taken for a ride, ending up with egg on your face – there are varied ways to say it, but they all mean one thing – some one has made money at your expense!

Online education is one of most lucrative playing grounds for fraudsters, simply because you never have to set foot in the campus. The whole experience is hidden behind the veil of the Internet, a vast domain that masks identities and intents. So if you’ve decided to take the online route to getting an education, ensure that you are actually earning a worthy degree, not just a fancy piece of framed paper.

Besides confirming the proper accreditation, check the background of your preferred school thoroughly; the Better Business Bureau usually has a list of complaints against suspect institutions – steer clear from them.

Too much money, too little time, a degree in your hand – this is a cocktail that spells trouble. Don’t touch it with a bargepole, it’s a definite scam.

Talk to people who have been to the same school, find out a little extra about the staff and other personnel. And do not be taken in by fancy websites that look authentic. They’re often facades for something more sinister.