Experts warning of Leaving Certificate scams circulating

As students across the country begin preparing for their State exams, experts are warning them to be wary of malicious downloads, fake papers, and scam links on social media.

​Last year, over 140,000 people sat both the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle exams, and a similar number is expected this year.

​ESET Ireland is warning people to be alert to fake exam papers, fraudulent study resources and malicious links targeting students.

​There has been a series of confirmed exam paper leaks worldwide, with Cambridge International Education investigating several significant ones.

​George Foley of ESET Ireland said: “Exam season creates exactly the kind of pressure cybercriminals exploit.

​“Students are tired, anxious, and looking for last-minute help. That makes fake exam papers, scam study notes, and suspicious download links far more believable than they would be at any other time of year.

​“Even where a so-called leaked paper is completely fake, the risk is still real. Students may be handing over passwords, payment details or personal information, or downloading malware onto a family device.”

​Students are being warned specifically to avoid engaging with messages or websites that claim to offer leaked exam papers, guaranteed exam questions, or suspicious downloads.

​As well as this, students are being warned to be especially cautious of unofficial WhatsApp groups, TikTok accounts, Snapchat groups or Discord servers.

​George Foley added, “Many of these scams spread quickly because they arrive through platforms young people already use and trust. If one student shares a link in a class WhatsApp group, it can travel across an entire year group within minutes.

​“This is not just about academic integrity. It is about protecting young people from fraud, malware, and identity theft at a time when they are already under pressure.”