CHEA Statement in Response to Fake Accreditor and Higher Education Institution Websites

August 14, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has issued a statement related to the recent surge in fraudulent higher education websites and fake accrediting organizations, many of which are now being generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.

These scams often use fabricated accreditor names, official-looking seals, and convincing web content to mislead prospective students. Victims are tricked into paying application fees, providing Social Security numbers, and sharing other sensitive personal information. In some cases, fake accreditor websites even mimic legitimate organizations, including CHEA, to lend credibility to fraudulent institutions.

“Accreditation is meant to assure quality and integrity in higher education—not to be misused as a tool for fraud,” said Nasser H. Paydar, Ph.D., CHEA President. “These fake accreditors prey on the trust of students and the public, and we are committed to exposing and stopping them.”

If applicants are uncertain if they are researching a legitimate higher education website, CHEA urges students, families, and the public to:

1.  Verify the Accreditor – Access a list of CHEA Recognized Accrediting Organizations.
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2.  Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers – If an institution reaches out by email, phone, or social media promising easy or fast admission to a higher education institution, or if they promise guaranteed degrees, you must verify the institution or accreditor before providing personal information or engaging with the site.

3.  Report suspicious activity – Contact CHEA at [email protected], and we will report it to the appropriate enforcing agency.
 
CHEA is actively searching and monitoring fake accreditor sites, working with media partners and government agencies, and providing the public with resources to identify and avoid fraudulent accreditation claims.

Media queries may be directed to Jeanne Hamrick, CHEA Director of Communications, at [email protected].