Michigan AG Warns of Rising Fake College Websites Targeting Students

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a consumer alert warning students and families about the rise of fraudulent college websites impersonating legitimate institutions, specifically citing a website using the name Southeastern Michigan University to exploit Eastern Michigan University's reputation. The fraudulent site, smich.education, is not affiliated with EMU and appears to target prospective students seeking online education, aiming to steal personal and financial information. EMU filed a complaint prompting the Attorney General's investigation and praised Nessel's efforts to protect students from these scams. Nessel emphasized the importance of due diligence, advising students to verify accreditation and avoid providing sensitive information to suspicious sites. The Attorney General’s office highlighted typical red flags of fake institutions, such as non-.edu domains, improbable promises, and unusual payment methods like cryptocurrencies or gift cards. Both Nessel and EMU officials stressed that protecting students from deceptive schemes requires vigilance and shared responsibility amid increasing digital fraud attempts.