China alerts students to online course-related fraud amid epidemic control

APD NEWS

text

A national office against unlawful and unreasonable educational charges on Monday warned students and their parents about online course-related fraud amid the epidemic control.

In the alert, the office said that students and parents should sharpen their vigilance for charges under the name of online lessons to avoid being defrauded and suffering unnecessary economic losses.

China's Ministry of Education has launched a number of online learning platforms, such as a "cloud platform" for students in elementary and secondary schools, to provide students with free education resources during the postponement before the new semester, it says.

Over 70,000 people have been infected as the country postponed the start of the new school semester and encouraged students to study at home over safety concerns during its fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The alert also urges students and parents across the country to immediately report suspected fraud cases to teachers and schools, and in the meantime, preserve evidence for reporting to the police.

Schools and educational departments at all levels should guide students and their parents to independently choose to receive online courses, as well as prevent placing an extra burden on students' families due to the need to purchase new devices for online learning, read the alert.

For necessary online charges in line with regulations, it advises students and parents to confirm with teachers before payment.