Stratford University once promised to prepare students to “Be the Boss,” but those hoping for a Stratford education as a guarantee of future success are in for disappointment: The Virginia institution closed its doors two years ago this fall.
However, Stratford is just one of many defunct colleges whose names have been resurrected on the internet. These “zombie universities” lack accreditation or eligibility for federal financial aid, key indicators of legitimacy. The motives behind these counterfeit sites remain unclear, with no apparent efforts from federal oversight agencies to investigate. Kari Kammel, who leads the Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University, expressed concern about identity theft on some of these sites, suspecting they might be collecting personal and financial information from unsuspecting applicants.
Several imposter websites are linked to long-closed colleges like Morrison University and Jones International, while others pretend to represent recently closed institutions like Marymount California University. Brian W.G. Marcotte, the last president of Marymount California, expressed confusion and dismay over the creation of these replica sites, emphasizing the misrepresentation of the university's legacy and current status.
Efforts to combat these fraudulent websites have had mixed results. While some, like the imposter Marymount California site, were taken down after warnings were issued, others, such as the copycat version of King's College in Charlotte, remain online despite legal action and regulatory involvement.
Regulators, including the Federal Trade Commission, have faced challenges in addressing these fake university websites. While the Education Department confirmed the closure of the nine identified schools and their lack of accreditation, it stated that it does not oversee unrecognized accrediting agencies or schools ineligible for federal aid.
The administrators listed on these websites often have little to no digital footprint, and contact information leads nowhere. Investigations into these entities reveal a web of connections, raising questions about their true nature and purpose.
The process of applying to these counterfeit universities reveals further deception. Application forms are nearly identical across these sites, requesting personal information and charging an application fee, despite lacking any actual educational offerings. These sites often fabricate faculty, student, and program information, leading to suspicions of identity theft and financial fraud.
Efforts to uncover the individuals behind these fake universities have proven challenging. Domain registration through various web addresses allows for anonymity, making it difficult for law enforcement and internet regulators to take action. Despite these challenges, investigations continue to shed light on the deceptive practices of these counterfeit universities, highlighting the need for greater scrutiny and regulation in the online education sector.