CSA hint of SHS/TVET placement fraud scheme targeting students
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has raised concerns about a second-cycle school placement fraudulent scheme targeting this year’s BECE for School and Private graduates including their friends and family.
In a statement sighted by Pretertiary.com, the Cyber Security Agency said some individuals claiming to be officials promise to change or upgrade their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results including changing their school placements for a fee.
The fraudsters according to the Security Authority impersonate officials from examination bodies specifically, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) using fake profiles on social media and convincing stories to appear legitimate.
“The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has also identified various WhatsApp groups created by the threat actors with its members being recent Junior High School (JHS) graduates.
The threat actors engage the graduates claiming to have the ability to alter examination results and change school placements for a fee but once payment is received the fraudsters cease communication with the victims.” the CSA said.
The Authority has therefore called members of the public particularly students who sat for the 2024 BECE to disregard messages or calls that promise to modify exam results, upgrade scores, or alter school placements.
It has also entreated the prospective students to always verify results through the official West African Examinations Council (WAEC) portal or their educational institution.
“The CSA has a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Points of Contact (POC) for reporting cybercrimes and receiving guidance and clarification on suspected scams. Contact us via Call or Text – 292, WhatsApp – 0501603111, or Email – report@csa.gov.gh,” the statement noted.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) early this week released the computerised second cycle school placement of students who sat for the 2024 edition of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
In a statement, MoE said out of the 563,339 results received from WAEC, 553,155 candidates qualified for placement adding 447,698 (80.93%) qualified candidates were automatically placed in one of their choices.
“However a total of 104,918 qualified candidates could not be matched to any of their choices. Out of this number, 73,390 (13.27%) qualified candidates have been placed in schools similar to those they selected, and such students are at liberty to accept or reject the offer
The total number of students placed in schools is 521,088, representing 94.20%. The students who were not placed must visit the Self-Placement platform to select a school of their choice,” the Education Ministry said in the statement.