This Safer Internet Day on February 11th is a good time to drop attention to digital courses. It’s claimed that by 2027, nearly 44% of workers’ core skills are expected to be disrupted, driving a surge in AI-powered tutors and courses as a go-to solution for upskilling. While these tools promise accessibility and efficiency, they also raise concerns. There can be bias in AI training, often with a lack of human oversight. When we over-rely on automation we risk creating more problems than we solve and there are scammers out there, so you need to know how to misleading fake AI courses…
Searches for โAI training coursesโ surge by 90%, so how to spot misleading AI courses?
With this in mind, experts at AIPRM set out to uncover the warning signs that the promises outlined by AI courses are misleading.
1. How to spot misleading AI courses and avoid fake certificates & degrees
Some AI courses misleadingly advertise “official” degrees or certifications that are not recognised by employers or academic institutions. These programs may use flashy titles to appear legitimate but ultimately fail to provide the credentials that will help you advance in your career. The lack of affiliation with reputable universities, well-known platforms like Coursera or edX, or established tech companies should raise significant concerns. Without these endorsements, the value of the certification is often nonexistent, and it won’t carry weight in the job market or academic circles.
Be cautious if the course doesn’t have ties to accredited organisations or recognised industry leaders, as this could indicate a lack of credibility or industry recognition. Accreditation ensures that the course meets established standards, while connections with reputable organisations can enhance your learning experience and career prospects. Always research the institutionโs credentials and affiliations before enrolling.
2. Premium Prices for Outdated or Shallow Content
Some platforms charge large fees for AI courses that provide outdated, low-quality, or surface-level information. These courses may claim to offer expert-level training but often lack depth and fail to equip students with real-world, applicable skills. You may find similar content for free or at a fraction of the cost elsewhere.
Itโs best to be cautious if the course doesnโt include a detailed syllabus or clear learning outcomes, and promises unrealistic results, such as โBecome an AI expert in 7 days,โ without a robust curriculum.
3. AI-generated or repackaged content
Scammers sometimes offer AI courses that are essentially AI-generated or repackaged free content from other sources. These courses often lack the expertise or personal touch from experienced instructors, leaving students with little more than automated, generic lessons. This approach is designed to cut costs but sacrifices educational value.
Be wary of instructors without credible credentials or proven experience in AI or related fields. If their profiles appear vague or overly promotional, with little tangible work in the field, the course may lack quality.
4. Fake job placement guarantees
Some AI courses make bold promises about job placements in the AI field upon completion, yet fail to provide actual job opportunities. These courses might lure you in with the promise of guaranteed employment, but in reality, they often do not have connections to real tech companies or clear pathways to secure a job.
Watch out for courses that promise job guarantees without evidence of partnerships with reputable companies or a clear hiring process. Without follow-up or structured recruitment support, itโs likely a scam.
5. Pay-to-work schemes
Certain โAI coursesโ require students to pay for access to job opportunities that turn out to be little more than unpaid internships or fake job offers. The promise of work placement is used as a tactic to collect upfront fees, but the reality is students are left without a meaningful job or career path.
Itโs a warning sign of a scam if a course asks for an upfront payment for job placement services without providing concrete details on how these placements work, especially when the opportunities seem vague or nonexistent.
6. Unrealistic claims & hype
Some AI courses make outlandish promises, such as “No coding required” or “Earn six figures in AI in a few months.” While AI is a lucrative field, these exaggerated claims can often be misleading. AI education requires significant learning and hands-on practice, and there are no shortcuts to becoming an expert.
Be vigilant if the course doesnโt provide a clear, realistic roadmap to learning or offer a concrete methodย to build a portfolio, as it’s likely relying on hype rather than actual skill development. Avoid courses that promise instant success without any groundwork.
Christoph C. Cemper, founder of AIPRM provides expert comment on the red flags to look out for when doing AI courses:
โAI-powered courses can make learning more accessible and efficient, opening doors for students around the world. But they do come with risks. Many of these courses miss out on the human touch, leading to outdated or even biased content. Some AI-driven programs focus too much on automation, leaving learners with lots of theory but not much practical know-how. Plus, without proper accreditation or expert involvement, some courses may offer fake certificates or unrealistic job promises. AI can provide personalised learning experiences, but it’s important to make sure the technology is balanced with real expertise. Before enrolling in a course, take the time to check the course, the instructors, and whether itโs recognised by the industry. This will ensure you are getting the best value for money.โ
It’s also worth learning how AI could disrupt millions of job searches.
