How to Avoid Fake Internships and Certificates

A fake internship wastes your time and money, and a false certificate can harm you if a college or employer checks it. A few simple checks can protect you.

Look at who is offering it. Is there a real office address, a company website and phone numbers that work? Search the company name with the word review.

Be careful of offers that promise a certificate without any work, a guaranteed job or a huge stipend for a small fee. Real internships involve real tasks.

Ask what you will do, who will guide you and how the certificate can be verified. A genuine certificate should have a number or QR code that anyone can check.

Paying a fee is not always wrong, but you should know exactly what it covers, and get a receipt. Talk to a senior or your department before you pay.