Regina police are warning students to be cautious of a tuition scam that has resulted in financial losses exceeding $125,000.
In a news release, the Regina Police Service (RPS) said 23 victims have been affected by the scheme, in which fraudsters promise discounted tuition rates in exchange for upfront payments.
According to police, scammers take the victims’ money and then use fraudulent credit cards to make partial tuition payments to post-secondary institutions. Victims often don’t realize their tuition remains unpaid until they receive a notice from their school about a failed transaction.
RPS is reminding students never to provide their login credentials or personal information to anyone.
"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," police said in the release.
Police warn that legitimate organizations will not offer to pay tuition in full in exchange for a discount. Students who receive such offers are urged to contact their institution directly to verify legitimacy.
Authorities are also cautioning against so-called "recovery scams," where fraudsters claim they can help victims recover lost money—for a fee.
Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by fraud is asked to contact Regina police or Crime Stoppers.