Watch out for scams in paper chase

IN view of the numerous dubious post-graduate qualifications that are offered to the public, I would like to suggest to those who wish to pursue programmes such as an MBA or PhD , that the safest way is to verify with the following authorities: 

The British Council if it concerns a UK degree or professional qualification;  

The Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (Macee) for an American programme;  

The Irish Trade Board/Irish Embassy; and 

 The Canadian Embassy for Canadian degrees.  

You can call Telekom’s 103 if you don’t have the telephone numbers; you may further verify through fax or e-mail to get a black and white confirmation.  

There are too many degree mills advertised in the Malaysian papers nowadays to con undiscerning public members.  

Imagine paying about RM2,000 for a fake degree; I sympathise with those who have been duped. At the same time, there are those who deliberately print fake degree titles on their business cards. Fortunately, employers usually verify the legitimacy of the universities or professional bodies with the respective authorities. 

DAVID LING Via e-mail