Fake Language Certificates: Indian Student’s German Dream Dashed by Consultancy Fraud

In a case that has drawn significant attention, a student studying mechanical engineering at Technische Hochschule Rosenheim, a prestigious university in Germany, found his future jeopardized by a fraudulent act committed by the consultancy service he had hired. The consultancy in question, Indogerman Consultation Services, run by Privesh Chauhan in Surat, India, was involved in submitting a fake Goeth certificate alongside the student’s IELTS certificate as part of his application to the university.

This deception, which aimed to improve the student’s chances of admission, was uncovered by the university and led to severe consequences for the student, including a permanent ban from entering Germany. This case highlights the risks and consequences of relying on unethical consultancy services in the competitive world of international education.

[FRAUD ANNOUNCEMENT] Privesh Chauhan from Indogerman Consultants got a student banned from ever entering Germany by faking the student’s German language certificates.
byu/chaitanyadandekar inIndians_StudyAbroad

Exposure Through Reddit: Unveiling the Fraud

The fraudulent activities of Privesh Chauhan and Indogerman Consultation Services came to light through a Reddit post, where a source revealed the full extent of the deceit. The student had no knowledge of the forged certificate, and it was only after the university identified the discrepancy that the truth came out.

While the student had trusted the consultancy to handle his application, the consultancy had submitted a fake Goeth certificate, an internationally recognized language certification required for German visa and residency purposes. This fraudulent document was submitted alongside the student’s IELTS certificate to strengthen his visa application, but the deception was eventually uncovered, leading to dire consequences.

Indogerman Consultancy’s Role: How the Fraud Happened

Privesh Chauhan’s consultancy, Indogerman Consultation Services, was the key player in this fraudulent act. According to sources, the consultancy submitted the fake Goeth certificate without informing the student, who believed that everything was in order. In fact, the student was unaware of the fraudulent document submission until the university raised the issue.

The fraud didn’t stop there. Even after the discovery of the fake certificate, Chauhan’s consultancy suggested further unethical actions to the student. They advised the student to travel to France and then enter Germany on a domestic flight to avoid detection. This advice could have made the situation worse for the student, potentially leading to criminal charges or further legal consequences. The consultancy’s actions, therefore, not only harmed the student’s academic career but also put him at risk of long-term legal and professional repercussions.

• Also Read: 10 Best Study Abroad Consultancy in India

Legal Actions and Charges: The University’s Response

Once the university discovered the fraudulent documents, it wasted no time in taking action. The student’s admission was immediately cancelled, and a notice was sent to inform them of the cancellation. The university warned that, given the forged nature of the documents, they reserved the right to pursue criminal charges against the student should he attempt to enter Germany in the future. This was a clear indication that the consequences of submitting fake documents are not limited to academic rejection but extend to legal consequences as well.

The university also contacted the German Embassy, notifying them of the fraud. As a result, the student’s visa application was blacklisted, effectively preventing him from applying for a German visa in the future. This step highlights how the use of fraudulent documents can lead to a permanent ban on entering not only a university but the entire country.

What Exactly Did Chauhan Do?

Privesh Chauhan’s actions in this case were not only dishonest but also illegal. By submitting a fake Goeth certificate, Chauhan attempted to mislead both the university and the German authorities into believing that the student met the language requirements for studying in Germany. This fraudulent action was central to the student’s rejection from the university and the subsequent blacklist of his visa application.

Chauhan’s role in the submission of the fraudulent certificate is particularly concerning because the Goeth certificate is a crucial document for international students applying to study in Germany. It is used to demonstrate language proficiency, a requirement for visa applications, residence permits, and even citizenship. By forging this certificate, Chauhan’s consultancy essentially undermined the integrity of the student’s application and jeopardized his academic future.

Escalation of Deception: Further Attempts to Circumvent Detection

Even after the fraud was exposed, Chauhan’s consultancy continued to escalate the situation by advising the student on further deceptive actions. Instead of advising the student to come clean and take responsibility for the situation, the consultancy suggested that the student try to enter Germany via France and avoid immigration checks by entering Germany on a domestic flight.

This advice was not only unethical but also highly dangerous, as it would have made the student vulnerable to legal consequences if detected. The consultancy’s refusal to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and instead encourage the student to take further illegal steps only compounded the harm caused by their original fraudulent act.

Chauhan’s Consultancy Practices and Student Impact

The actions of Privesh Chauhan and his consultancy, Indogerman Consultation Services, reflect a pattern of unethical and potentially illegal practices. This case highlights how students can fall prey to fraudulent consultancies that prioritize their financial gain over the well-being of their clients. Students who trust such agencies with their future are at risk of severe consequences, as evidenced by the student’s experience.

The impact of Chauhan’s actions goes beyond the immediate academic rejection. The student now faces a permanent ban on entering Germany, which could significantly affect his career prospects. Moreover, the student’s future academic opportunities may also be impacted, as other universities and countries may view the fraud as a serious violation of trust.

Exposure and Consequences: A Permanent Ban and Blacklisted Visa Application

The consequences of submitting a fake certificate were swift and severe. The student’s admission was cancelled, his visa application was blacklisted, and he was permanently banned from entering Germany. The German authorities have made it clear that submitting forged documents is a serious offense, and this case serves as a reminder of the potential long-term consequences of such actions.

Additionally, the German Consulate in India has raised concerns about the growing trend of fake documents being submitted by Indian students. As a result, there is increased scrutiny on student visa applications from India, and fraudulent activities like this one have led to stricter controls on visa issuance.

Lessons for a Study Abroad Aspirant: What Can Students Learn?

This unfortunate incident serves as an important lesson for students who wish to study abroad. It underscores the necessity of choosing a reputable and trustworthy consultancy that adheres to ethical practices. The consequences of relying on fraudulent consultants can be devastating, both academically and professionally.

Students should be aware of the risks of working with consultancies that make unrealistic promises or offer “guaranteed” admissions. Such claims are often a red flag and may indicate that the consultancy is willing to engage in dishonest practices to secure the student’s admission.

Preparation Tips for Genuine Applicants: How to Avoid Fraud

To avoid falling victim to fraudulent practices, here are some crucial steps students can take:

• Do Your Research: Before engaging any consultancy, thoroughly research their credentials, reputation, and history. Reputable consultancies usually have positive customer reviews and a transparent web presence.
• Verify Documents: Always cross-check the authenticity of any documents submitted on your behalf. Be proactive in ensuring that the documents are legitimate and meet the university’s requirements.
• Direct Applications: If possible, consider applying directly to universities. This eliminates the risk of intermediaries misrepresenting your application or submitting false documents.
• Choose Ethical Consultancies: Work only with agencies that have a proven track record of honest and ethical practices. Look for consultancies that prioritize the student’s long-term success over immediate profits.
• Beware of Shortcuts: Avoid consultancies that offer “guaranteed” admissions or recommend unethical behavior. Ethical and merit-based admissions should be the standard.

Key Takeaways

• Do Your Research: Always research the consultancy’s reputation and track record before engaging their services.
• Verify Documents: Ensure that all documents submitted are legitimate and accurately reflect your qualifications.
• Direct Applications: Apply directly to universities to avoid the risks associated with third-party consultancies.
• Choose Ethical Consultancies: Opt for agencies that follow ethical practices and prioritize your best interests.
• Remember: Faking documents is a serious offense that can lead to severe consequences, including a permanent ban from entering countries like Germany.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates how fraudulent practices in the study abroad process can have far-reaching and life-altering consequences. While shortcuts may seem tempting, students should understand that the risks of engaging with unethical consultants far outweigh any potential benefits. The consequences of fraudulent actions can lead to academic rejection, blacklisted visas, and a permanent ban from entering certain countries.

At Project LLM, we emphasize honesty, integrity, and transparency in every step of the application process. We are committed to guiding students through their study abroad journey without compromising their future. By following ethical practices and avoiding fraudulent consultants, students can ensure a smooth and successful academic career overseas.