Crackdown on Campus Scams: NWU Urges Public to Stay Alert
- Karen Scheepers
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
As incidents of financial fraud targeting university communities continue to escalate across South Africa, North-West University (NWU) is stepping up its awareness campaign to shield its students and families from being exploited by scammers.
In a recent public advisory, NWU reiterated a crucial warning: the university does not charge any fees for admission or registration outside of the formal online process, nor does it employ third-party agents to facilitate student enrolment.
The statement comes amid a rising tide of deceptive schemes exploiting hopeful students and their families, particularly during peak application and registration periods. “Any requests for payment outside of official channels should raise a red flag,” the university stressed, calling on both students and guardians to verify all financial communications and report suspicious activity immediately.
Common Scams in the Spotlight
NWU has identified several recurring fraud trends affecting its community:
Invoice Manipulation: Fraudsters have been known to alter official invoices or issue fake payment requests in an attempt to redirect funds into illegitimate accounts. Victims are often misled by documents that appear authentic but contain subtle discrepancies.
Student-Related Scams: Some scammers pose as facilitators, promising students placement in residences or fast-tracked admission — for a fee. These individuals may even claim affiliation with the university, but NWU has made it clear that no such agents are authorised to operate on its behalf.
Fake Application Services: Prospective students have been targeted by individuals offering "help" with the application process. NWU emphasizes that all applications and registrations are conducted strictly via its official online portal, which includes video guides to assist users step by step.
Only Trust the Official Channels
The university is urging students to remain vigilant and to use only the official NWU bank accounts for any payments. The Admissions Office is the sole authority for handling applications and registration, and all communications should be cross-checked with official university contact details.
Additionally, NWU has partnered with Whistle Blower, an external service provider, to offer an anonymous fraud reporting line for those who may fear repercussions for speaking out. “Fraud is a deliberate deception for unlawful gain, and we all have a role to play in stopping it,” the university said in a campaign message. “Defending the integrity of our academic space starts with vigilance.”
How to Report Fraud
Anyone who suspects fraudulent activity is encouraged to take swift action:
Email: report-fraud@nwu.ac.za
Anonymous Reporting: Use the Whistle Blower platform provided by NWU.
For those looking to educate themselves further, NWU has published additional safety resources, accessible at: https://brnw.ch/21wSbo9
Whistle Blowers Platform
In a decisive move to fortify its ethical framework, North-West University (NWU) has implemented an independent whistleblowing platform in partnership with Whistle Blowers (Pty) Ltd, a globally recognized specialist in secure, anonymous reporting systems. Spearheaded under the leadership of Professor Bismark Tyobeka, the initiative is a direct response to the findings of a 2020 ethics survey conducted in collaboration with the Ethics Institute.
The survey identified the need for a safe, confidential channel for reporting misconduct. This platform enables students, staff, and stakeholders to report bribery, corruption, fraud, and conflicts of interest without fear of retaliation. Crucially, the hotline is fully managed by Whistle Blowers (Pty) Ltd to ensure complete independence and the highest standards of identity protection. By integrating this tool, NWU not only aligns with its Council-approved policies but also reinforces its commitment to transparency, ethical leadership, and institutional integrity.
Report Unethical Behavior – Your Identity Will Be Protected
Contact Method | Details |
📞 Toll-Free Number | 0800 666 361 |
🖨️ Toll-Free Fax | 0800 212 689 |
📱 SMS | 33490 |
031 308 4664 | |
📬 Post | Freepost, KZN665, Musgrave, 4062 |
🌐 Website |
📝 Please provide as many details as possible when reporting: When and where the incident occurred Who was involved and what happened How the misconduct occurred and how often Description of vehicles used (if relevant) Estimated values, if applicable
✅ You will receive a reference number for any follow-up communication.
Let’s use this platform to eradicate corruption and uphold NWU’s commitment to ethical leadership and accountability.
A Community Effort
In closing, NWU is calling on all students, staff, and parents to remain alert and informed. As digital threats evolve, community cooperation and awareness are more important than ever. “Let’s join forces to ensure that NWU remains a safe, transparent, and trustworthy institution,” the statement concluded.
In an era where digital deception grows increasingly sophisticated, NWU’s proactive stance serves as a reminder that awareness and action are our first lines of defense. Whether you’re a student navigating university life for the first time or a parent supporting your child’s academic journey, staying informed can make all the difference. Trust only official sources, question unusual requests, and never hesitate to report anything suspicious. Together, we can create a safer academic environment for all.
#TheGoToGuy #Potchefstroom #potchgazette #stroomstories #StaySmartStaySafe #FightFraudTogether #MyNWUAlert
Comments