Ikhala TVET College Issues Urgent Fraud Alert Over Fake Application Fees

Ikhala TVET College has issued a strong public warning to prospective students, parents and guardians, cautioning them against scammers demanding money in exchange for assistance with college applications.

According to the college, applications to Ikhala TVET College are completely free, and no individual, agent or third party has the authority to charge fees to “secure a space” or fast-track an application. The alert comes amid growing reports across the Eastern Cape of fraudulent schemes targeting young people desperate to access higher education.

Scammers Targeting Prospective Students

The college says scammers are posing as college staff or representatives and approaching applicants through social media platforms, WhatsApp messages and informal community networks. In many cases, victims are asked to pay money for supposed application help, guaranteed placement, or quicker processing.

Ikhala TVET College has stressed that no payments are required at any stage of the application process and that all official applications must be made through the college’s recognised channels only.

Key Warnings Issued by the College

As part of the fraud alert, the college has urged the public to take the following precautions:

• Do not pay anyone claiming they can secure a space at Ikhala TVET College

• Do not share your ID number, application login details or personal documents with strangers

• Do not apply through social media links or individuals pretending to be college staff

• Avoid responding to unsolicited messages offering application assistance for a fee

The college emphasised that once personal documents and login details are shared, scammers can misuse this information for identity theft or further financial fraud.

How to Protect Yourself

Ikhala TVET College has encouraged applicants and parents to verify all information directly with the institution. Anyone who encounters suspicious messages, phone calls or payment requests linked to college applications is urged to report them immediately.

Suspected scams can be reported directly to Ikhala TVET College via:

• Email: tvetmis1@ikhala.edu.za

• Telephone: 047 873 8830

A Warning to Communities

Education institutions across South Africa have repeatedly warned that fraud peaks during application periods, particularly affecting rural and township communities where access to reliable information may be limited. Ikhala TVET College has appealed to community leaders, schools and families to help spread the message that education opportunities should never come at the cost of exploitation.

Prospective students are advised to rely only on official college announcements and verified communication channels. The college says staying informed and alert is the best defence against losing money or compromising personal information.