The rise of “zombie colleges” presents a perplexing and troubling trend in the landscape of higher education. These institutions, once closed due to various reasons such as financial difficulties or loss of accreditation, have resurfaced online with their names and branding intact, but without the necessary accreditation or authorization to operate as legitimate educational entities.
One striking example is Stratford University, which, despite its closure two years prior, found its name resurrected in the digital realm. The new incarnation of Stratford, along with other similar sham universities like Morrison University and Jones International, lures unsuspecting applicants with promises of education and career opportunities, only to leave them disappointed and potentially defrauded.
The motives driving the creation of these counterfeit sites remain murky, with speculation ranging from identity theft schemes to financial fraud. Kari Kammel, head of the Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection at Michigan State University, suspects that some of these sites may be harvesting personal and financial information from applicants for illicit purposes.
Despite efforts by regulatory bodies and affected parties to combat this phenomenon, including issuing cease-and-desist letters and pursuing domain takedown requests, the proliferation of these fake universities persists. The perpetrators exploit regulatory loopholes and leverage inexpensive domain registration to maintain an online presence, evading accountability and scrutiny.
Individuals associated with these sham universities, such as Jonathan Doe and Roy Virgen Jr., offer vague and contradictory explanations when questioned about their involvement. Virgen, in particular, has been linked to multiple closed schools and LLCs associated with their names, raising suspicions about their role in the proliferation of these deceptive operations.
While some attempts have been made to hold perpetrators accountable through legal action and domain dispute resolutions, the underlying motives and beneficiaries of these operations remain elusive. As investigations into these zombie colleges continue, prospective students are urged to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with any educational institution online.
Vigilance, skepticism, and awareness of red flags can help mitigate the risks associated with these deceptive practices, safeguarding individuals from potential harm and financial exploitation in the pursuit of higher education.