The increased demand for distance education has also created an increased supply of cons looking to the fast-growing Internet market with an eye for easy money. The Internet is indeed a perfect media for creating illusions, thus making it incredibly easy to pull off a scam and an irresistible opportunity for unscrupulous tricksters slipping in to make a fast buck. Anyone can publish a web page and look quite legitimate. Wiser, but poorer learners from 'the school of hard knocks' not only loose their money but their self-esteem suffers a decided blow, which could discourage even the most determined learner. The freedom that makes the Internet such a democratic place for all cannot also function as a watchdog.
Dishonest opportunists can and do extract money from na ve consumers just as they have always done.
Conducting financial transactions with strangers, even those that appear to be old friends should be investigated with a skeptical approach initially. Verify legitimacy and check resources with the established and credible agencies widely known as trustworthy. Many trusted agencies for consumers also have a presence on the Internet. Verify even those educational institutions with familiar-sounding names. Although state licensing agencies regulate many vocational schools, the trend toward regional expansion and national chains has made this a matter a federal concern.