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Michigan AG Cautions Students on Fraudulent College Websites
8 Aug
Summary
- Eastern Michigan University reports a deceptive website impersonating the university
- Michigan Attorney General warns students of scams targeting education decisions
- Recommendations include checking accreditation and researching beyond school websites
As of August 8th, 2025, the Michigan Attorney General's Office is cautioning students and their families to be on the lookout for fraudulent college websites. This warning comes after a recent complaint filed by Eastern Michigan University regarding a website with a name similar enough to the long-standing public university in Ypsilanti that it could be mistaken for the official institution.
"Fraudsters know that students and families are making big decisions about education, and they're exploiting that moment to steal their hard-earned money," said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. To help protect students from these scams, the AG's office is urging the public to thoroughly research any college or university before sharing personal information. One of the key recommendations is to check the U.S. Department of Education's website for accreditation listings.
Eastern Michigan University Vice President for Communications, Walter Kraft, expressed gratitude for the Attorney General's proactive efforts. "Protecting students from deceptive and fraudulent schemes is a shared responsibility, and we commend Attorney General Nessel's leadership in safeguarding the integrity of Michigan's higher education system."
In addition to verifying accreditation, the AG's office suggests searching online to find information from past students, alumni, and instructors, rather than relying solely on the school's own website. By taking these precautions, students and families can make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to scams targeting the education sector.
