Monday, May 20, 2013

CNN and AllVoices Spammed by Fake University Report

CNN has a feature called iReport, where it engages regular netizens into helping CNN with certain coverage of hot events as well as some local or national interest stories. Unfortunately, it seems that scammers have managed to infiltrate a fake article advertising a nonexistent university (so-called "empty diploma mill") called Riverbanks University. 

Below is the CNN iReport, as shown at 10PM, 20-MAY-2013


This alleged report was posted in March, and was the ONLY report ever posted by this user. 

A quick check of the photo provided shows it's just a stock photo from iStockphoto



There is no record of this university physically existing anywhere in the world. Its only presence is a website, and it's a .COM, not a .EDU. 

Searching Google revealed that a different blogger also infiltrated AllVoices.com and left an article about this nonexistent Riverbanks University as well. 

Strangely, a week later there was another iReport from CNN about a "Riverbank Academy", except this one stated clearly it's in Malaysia and it's an IT training firm, not a university. However, it also used a stock photo (this time, from Fotolia, an European stock photo site)  It is unknown if this is related or merely a coincidence. 

Checking the university website itself reveals a properly designed website, but completely absent of names, location, or such details, with text and photos that could have been copied or "spun" from any real university website. 

And what do we find at the University website? Links to those two reports. 


They reference each other. It's a circle-jerk. 

They say they are accredited by UCAIS. UCAIS accreditation is NOT recognized by US Department of Education as DoE have no listing for such an agency. 

Link to the UCAIS website shows that this supposedly "accreditation agency" can't even spell its own logo correctly. 


This is a FAKE school, using a fake accreditation agency, who then through shills created FAKE PROOFS of itself by abusing news outlets' "local news" reporting.  

Fake schools costs thousands of dollars for a diploma that's not worth the paper it's printed on. Don't you fall for the same tricks. 



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13 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 29, 2013 at 3:37 AM

    I thought the diploma mills of yesterday were gone. The I get the e-mail from Riverbanks Univ. I can have a degree for just a little over $300.00. One look at the diploma on their web site and you know it has the same worth as a sheet of toilet paper, not even a whole roll.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GuyReviewsJune 8, 2013 at 11:42 AM

      At least you can wipe your *** with toilet paper. You can't even do that with that fancy piece of ****. :D

      Delete
    2. AnonymousApril 20, 2015 at 8:21 PM

      Look at the name of the replier "Kasey Chang" - A typical Chinese name.
      She is the one who is operating the degree printing machine in the Diploma Mill probably!

      Delete
    3. GuyReviewsApril 21, 2015 at 12:23 PM

      Look at the picture, it's clear "anon" is blind, since I'm clearly a guy. Such potty mouth for being blind... But then that would be insulting the disadvantaged community.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 15, 2013 at 7:11 PM

    Another fake university is Mayfield University. I fell for it and dont think anyone else should.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMarch 13, 2014 at 1:38 AM

    is granttown university also fake?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GuyReviewsMarch 14, 2014 at 1:28 AM

      Yes. See ConsumerWatchDog's report from 2013

      http://consumerwatchdogbw.blogspot.com/2013/06/and-another-fake-university-grant-town.html

      Delete
    2. GuyReviewsMarch 14, 2014 at 1:33 AM

      In fact, Consumer Watchdog has a whole listing of them... all offering "masters" or other diplomas for several hundred USD

      http://consumerwatchdogbw.blogspot.com/search/label/diploma%20mills

      Not worth the paper they're printed on, of course.

      Delete
    3. AnonymousMarch 16, 2014 at 4:23 AM

      after they took my money only I got to know that they r fake. now what to do I lost my money.but still they r coming after me by sending threatening mails....

      Delete
    4. GuyReviewsMarch 16, 2014 at 10:33 AM

      Time to get your local law enforcement involved. It's fraud, pure and simple.

      Delete
  4. AnonymousMay 3, 2015 at 9:09 PM

    I got on the phone with them and the legitamacy was ok. I then asked about attending classes. They redirected me to a farse course system that I unknowingly attended with huge expense. They said, "what do you want to do, get a degree, or sit through classes?" I said "I want the degree the right way." They charged me and sent me a worthless piece of paper. I am currently enrolled at another university that is accreditted and I am spending nearly 70k so when someone offers you a degree for less than 5k GET SUSPICIOUS!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMay 18, 2015 at 8:10 AM

    People, it's all here, they're all fake, and they're all one company!: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/18/world/asia/fake-diplomas-real-cash-pakistani-company-axact-reaps-millions-columbiana-barkley.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GuyReviewsMay 20, 2015 at 10:45 AM

      Thanks for the lead! Definitely worth an update.

      Delete

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