They say education is an investment in the future—but for some parents in Greater Noida, it turned out to be an expensive lesson in fraud.
A fake coaching centre, Rising India IQ Academy, recently made headlines for scamming unsuspecting parents out of Rs 31.5 lakh. Posing as a skill and personality development institution, the fraudsters lured parents into paying hefty fees for courses that never materialized. Let’s break down how this scam unfolded and what you can do to stay safe.
How It Worked
The scam was carefully orchestrated, playing on parents’ desires to provide the best education for their children:
- Fake Courses & Grand Promises – The academy advertised advanced skill development courses like Vedic mathematics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and photogenic memory training.
- Tiered Pricing Plans – Parents were offered three options: Silver (Rs 25,000), Gold (Rs 35,000), and Platinum (Rs 50,000-60,000), with promises of superior educational benefits.
- False Reviews & Persuasive Tactics – Fake testimonials and marketing gimmicks convinced parents to trust the academy.
- Vanishing Act – After collecting payments, the scammers either stalled the classes indefinitely or shifted them online—until they disappeared altogether.
Who Was Targeted?
This scam primarily targeted:
- Parents looking for advanced learning courses for their children (up to 15 years old).
- Families willing to invest in skill development programs.
- Individuals unaware of the warning signs of fraudulent educational institutions.
Real-Life Case
Police arrested four individuals—Neeraj Kumar, his wife Shweta, and their associates Kanchan and Mohammad Aarif—after gathering evidence, including 146 approval letters and payment receipts worth Rs 8.19 lakh. Neeraj, a former BPO employee, had previously run a similar institution before pivoting to this fraudulent venture.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Shakti Mohan Avasthy, the accused convinced parents of Rising India IQ Academy’s credibility with fake success stories, only to abscond once parents demanded refunds.
Why You Should Care
Frauds like these don’t just cause financial losses—they break trust, disrupt education, and cause emotional distress. Parents reported frustration, anxiety, and helplessness upon realizing they had been deceived. And with online scams growing more sophisticated, this isn’t just an isolated incident.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to similar scams, consider these steps:
- Verify Credentials – Check an institute’s legal registrations, licenses, and past student reviews beyond what they provide.
- Demand Trial Classes – Legitimate institutes often offer demo classes before requiring full payment.
- Be Wary of Upfront Fees – Large upfront payments with no clear refund policy are a red flag.
- Check Online Presence – A lack of verifiable information about an institution should raise suspicion.
- Report Suspicious Activity – If you or someone you know has been targeted, report it to local authorities.
Quick Tips & Updates
- Did you know? Scammers often use limited-time offers and high-pressure tactics to make victims act without thinking.
- Pro Tip: Always cross-check claims with independent sources before investing in any educational program.
Education is valuable, but so is vigilance. Let’s work together to ensure that learning remains a path to success, not deception.
Definitions of Key Terms
- Fraudster: A person who commits fraud, deceiving others for financial gain.
- Vedic Mathematics: A system of mathematical techniques derived from ancient Indian scriptures, often promoted for its shortcut methods.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence in machines that perform tasks like problem-solving and learning.
- Electronic Surveillance: Monitoring individuals using electronic devices, such as tracking mobile phone signals, to gather intelligence.
- Approval Letters: Documents falsely used to create an illusion of credibility, tricking victims into believing a service is official and trustworthy.
- Breach of Trust: A legal term referring to the violation of trust placed in a person or entity, often resulting in financial or emotional harm.
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