A Facebook post warns that a fake organization is operating under the names “Missionary Leadership Academy” and “Missionary Daycare Center,” and falsely claims to run several schools and institutions in Starkville, Mississippi, the post said.
The post cautioned that individuals and groups continue to use the online world to defraud people, organizations and critical infrastructure. It said advances in artificial intelligence make it easier to build highly polished and convincing websites that appear legitimate.
The post urged people to verify any organization through official state or federal education directories before sharing personal information or making financial transactions. It also asked anyone contacted by, or who has information about, Missionary Leadership Academy or Missionary Daycare Center to contact the department that issued the alert.
Scams involving fake schools and nonprofits can lead to identity theft and financial loss, officials and consumer protection experts say. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
