Oxford University Targeted in Fake Awards Scam

Ukrainian businessmen used the academic prestige of [[/universities/university-oxford|University of Oxford]] to sell fake awards and titles worth millions of pounds, [[https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/oxford-university-in-fake-awardsfarce-fh9876jnw|according to a newspaper investigation]].

The Europe Business Assembly (EBA) issued thousands of awards from offices in [[/where-to-study/europe/ukraine/guide|Ukraine]] and central Oxford, selling titles such as the “Queen Victoria Memorial Award” for as much as £9,300 (about $12,115).

In its advertising, the group prominently displayed photos of Oxford colleges, copied the university’s typeface, and claimed to offer opportunities for “exclusive lectures at Oxford University.”

The group, however, had no official ties to the university. A former EBA employee told The Times: “The idea we sold was that [[recipients]] were becoming part of this great Oxford institution. We weren’t offering networking. We weren’t offering the chance to broaden their academic horizons.”

Another former employee said: “What’s so bad about paying £8,000 for a certificate? £8,000 to hang on the wall and say Oxford is no small matter.”

EBA targeted potential award winners, focusing on countries it believed were more willing to pay for awards. A former employee said: “We were told to focus on places where people were willing to buy them. The Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Russia... there is still a belief there that credentials can be bought with money.”

The process of approaching potential recipients also appears to have been random. Another former employee told The Times that when people were told their city could win a “best city” award, they reacted with surprise. “One city replied, ‘Why are you contacting us? We have only 5,000 people and not even any tourism.’”

The organization rented venues in Oxford and across Europe to stage lavish ceremonies for winners, with prominent displays of traditional British decor. At one award ceremony in Oxford before Christmas, there were trumpeters, bagpipers, a person dressed as a ceremonial guard, and a red carpet laid out for guests.

EBA’s business model was not, in fact, illegal, because nothing prevents companies from selling “vanity awards,” and there was no explicit claim of a connection with Oxford University.

A university spokesperson said: “We can confirm that [[Europe Business Assembly]] has no affiliation or other connection with the University of Oxford. We have no further comment on this company.”