Fake university website shut down for second time

The college claimed to be in "the heart of our city and leading the way in education"

A fake university website that looked to dupe overseas students into paying thousands of pounds in bogus fees has been closed down for a second time.

Suffolk Trading Standards said the "College of Suffolk" claimed it had been founded in 1990, with yearly fees between £3,500 to £8,900.

It said the college was on Queen Street in Ipswich and showed images of the real University of Suffolk. It also mentioned the county being home to singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

In 2019, another College Of Suffolk site was removed from the web.

The website said the college was "Suffolk and proud"

Suffolk Trading Standards said the bogus college offered courses in acting, musical theatre, dance and performance.

It said Suffolk was home to horse breed the Suffolk Punch and said Lavenham was the inspiration for Harry Potter, with it "known to be his birthplace".

It also mentioned other famous local faces including Anthony Horowitz, Ralph Fiennes and Delia Smith.

"Look out for them when you're out and about in Suffolk - you could have quite a collection of autographs," said the fake site, run from Hong Kong.

The website said the college offered a number of degrees, with fees in their thousands

Graham Crisp, head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said: "Websites like this can be used to attract students, collect personal information and course fees. They can also be used to sell fake degree certificates.

"It is trying to exploit overseas students unfamiliar with academic establishments and the enrolment process in the UK, something our officers have now thwarted."