Important notice about fake courses and phishing attempts targeting international candidates.
Scams targeting Council’s candidates are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often mimicking official communications and may appear convincing at first glance. These fraudulent entities are promoting fake courses that claim to be compulsory or endorsed by the Council. To help you stay safe and informed, we’ve compiled some key information and practical tips to help you avoid being misled.
How these scams work
Scammers are contacting candidates via email, pretending to be the Council or an affiliated body. They often provide instructions regarding third-party courses or coaching, attempting to lure candidates into paying for unauthorised services. Remember, these third parties are not associated with the Council, even if their messages seem convincing.
How to Protect Yourself
- Only trust information from the Council’s official website or candidate portal. If a course claims to be affiliated with us but is not found on our portal, it is not legitimate.
- Do not rely on information from third parties or hearsay. Always verify details directly through our official channels.
- Carefully check the sender’s email address before responding to any instructions. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to official ones.
- Do not share your card or personal details with anyone claiming to represent the Council, as most of our transactions are handled via our candidate portal.
- If you receive a suspicious email or are unsure about any course or offer, do not respond or act hastily. Take a moment to read emails carefully and look for signs of fraud.
- Contact the Council directly using the official contact details on our website. Do not reply to the suspicious email.
- If in doubt, give us a call – we’re here to help.
If you ever have concerns or uncertainties, please contact the Council immediately for assistance.
Stay vigilant and always verify before acting. Together, we can prevent scams and protect our community.