Almeda University


Country United States
State Idaho
City Boise
Phone 208.475.3645
Website www.almedauniversity.org/

Almeda University Reviews

  • Jul 18, 2015

I earned a real bachelor's degree from a real Big Ten school in 1988 and started to attend grad school. I earned very good grades. My situation and a lucrative opportunity forced me to leave grad school and move overseas as an expat for many years in government and then corporate jobs. I furthered my education and training overseas (and I learned that almost half of the overseas degrees are bought or are frauds anyway and are accredited in the United States - many of these frauds who moved here have our jobs today).

Anyway, I came back to the states in 2009, I had enough credit hours for a Masters so I started to research schools who could help me to earn a Masters degree in Finance. I tried Purdue and all the others - nobody would help me to consolidate my credits and minimize the time and money (that I already paid) to earn my masters and have it accredited. So I started to look into on line schools. Almeda came up and back then I saw reports that one guy's dog got a bachelor's degree. But the website seemed legit - there were even students who's identity I could verify.. the "admission's officer." So I called the school's 866 number. A very official sounding man answered the phone. He explained how the school was accredited and convinced me that online schools were competing for business and that the claims on the Internet were written by competitor schools who "took the low road." I was told that the school was based in Boise ID and that it had was an international school with a strong Caribbean presence.

The guy asked for my transcripts and resume to be faxed to him and within weeks - I had my degree. After the degree, I started to see one shoe drop after another. I found more complaints on the web. I called them again and they said that this was again due to this nefarious competing school and not to believe anything on Google. By 2014 - I had it. I could not list this school on the resume. "Ben Freeman" called me again with a 215 area code (i recall and I am getting the phone records) and said that they could attest the degree meaning that it would meet all requirements for a degree anywhere in the world. I bought in (stupid me) to this latest scam. They sent me an attested degree and then my transcripts (with lower grades than MBA class grades I even showed him).

Unfortunately - one company that has an older resume wants to higher me. I have a lot of explaining to do... this has caused damages. My lawyer is looking into this and there may be criminal and civil complaints forthcoming. This has cost me 5 years. And now tonight I see that there website is down - they are "no longer accepting new students" - what a fraud. Whoever is behind this needs to have every penny of their soul stripped away from them and they should spend the rest of their life behind bars. Fortunately, I have government connections and I may see to it that this will happen.

  • Mar 25, 2015

I applied for a Bachelor and Master degree around 1995. I received both within a few weeks. Then I researched accreditation and found the Diploma's weren't worth the paper that they were printed on. I also discovered using the Degrees for employment could be considered fraud. Now 20 years later and after I have retired I am constantly, 3-4 times a year asking for money to have my courses attested. I guess if you're seeking a degree the University that you are applying at should have a website that ends in .edu

  • Aug 7, 2021

is this what you received?

This is Melissa with USDLAC– we are a regulatory body for private school, colleges and Universities offering distance learning and online education in USA.

We are contacting you because you obtained a Degree online from Almeda University and the University provided you an unaccredited Degree which means you cannot use the degree in your nationally or internationally until the degree is validated or equalized by State Approved accredited University.

The University no longer exists in the list of USDLAC nor even in the US Dept of Education so you need to equalize the Degree using USDLAC score point mechanism and obtain an accredited Degree provided by one of the accredited Universities that will transfer credits from your previous credentials.

Failing to comply with equalization of documents may result in reporting of your profile to relevant authorities so the benefits like employment, pay raise or any other kind of reward shall immediately cease as the diploma is no longer valid.

Reply immediately as the diploma needs to be validated within 72 hours of the receipt of this email. The fee to validate the diploma is $1,750 after which your new credentials will be sent to you at your mailing address.

You can start the process by paying an equalization fee of $1,750 and receive the following.

1) Accredited University Degree duly attested by US Dept of State

2) Letter of Credit Transfers and Equalization

3) Name in the national student database as verified student so you don't have to face the problem ever again.

Using an unaccredited diploma is an offence punishable by law and up to several years of imprisonment.

"Please ignore if you have recently applied for the documents Validation through USDLAC"

Thanks

Melissa Jones

Sr Credential Verification Officer

USDLAC

  • Mar 24, 2015

Almeda and blackmail

I received a similar call at home last evening. The caller explained that unless I immediately (within the next three days) paid $900. so that my degree work could be attested by the government, then my degrees would be canceled. I earned my degrees over ten years ago, and spent several thousand dollars. It seems a little beyond late to come back for this "attestation" now. It would seem that length of time would pull in a "grandfather clause" or something. I think it is also notable that they said this was a "new" requirement of the U.S. government, when it appears from the notes above that they have been making this pitch for a while. Feels like a scam? I explained that I would not pay the blackmail, and was told that my degrees would be canceled and no possible refund would be available. And a great time was had by all!!!

  • Jan 30, 2015

Unfortunately several years ago I "bought" into Almeda's scheme and obtained a BA degree from them. At the time they said they were accredited and to date, their website still says they are accredited. After paying several hundred dollars, I received a nice looking degree, transcripts and a wall plaque. I never thought anymore about this. Then, several years later I received an email from Almeda. In calling them, I was told that in order to validate my degree and make it accredited, I would have to pay them $2,500.00. I immediately became upset at which time I was told they would provide this service for half price or $1,250.00. I was still upset and demanded a mailing address, which for the next five minutes they gave me the run around and refused to give me the address. They then said they suspended or cancelled my degree, at which time I demanded a full refund. (Keep in mind I obtained this about 10 years ago). They continued to refuse me request for a mailing address and refused to refund my money. The subject, who identified himself was Harvey Kent - Student Advisor, refused to give me a supervisors name or any information about Almeda. He then hung up on.

Shortly thereafter, I started an online chat with a person who identified himself as Ben Freeman. Here is the chat dialog, You will notice that at the end of the chat, Harvey Kent makes a comment, and then I hear no more.

You are now chatting with 'Ben Freeman'.

Doug: Hey Ben how is it going?

Ben Freeman:

Good what about you?

Ben Freeman:

How can I help you?

Doug: Thank you

Doug: I would like to send a letter to the school. May I have the address please.

Ben Freeman:

Which letter?

Ben Freeman:

Are you an Alumni?

Doug: Yes I am

Ben Freeman:

May I have your complete name please?

Doug: Sure, but first I need the mailing address.

Ben Freeman:

I apologize I need your name so I can check your infomation

Doug: Are you there?

Doug: Oh there's no need to check my information Ben. I simply need the school's mailing address. Thank you.

Ben Freeman:

Yes

Ben Freeman:

I understand but I cannot provide you any information with putting your information in the system

Doug: Ben, I'm not asking you to do anything with MY information. I simply want the SCHOOL's mailing address. Thank you.

Doug: Hello Ben?

Doug: Ben, where did you go?

Ben Freeman:

You need to get the attestation process completed for the degree's

Ben Freeman:

Your degree's are already suspended

Ben Freeman:

I need your complete name to check your file

Doug: Thank you for the information. But how do you know that my degree is suspended? Also what is the school's mailing address please?

Harvey Kent:

Douglas in reference to our conversation over the phone your degree is been cancelled from the university

Doug: My name is Doug and I would like your mailing address.

Doug: Please don't force me to contact the USDOJ about this.

Doug: http://www.wxyz.com/news/region/macomb-county/almeda-university-reponds-to-7-action-news-investigation-about-fraser-officers-online-degrees

Doug: If this is a legit school and business you should have no problem providing me with your mailing address.

  • Dec 23, 2014

I have been contacted by Almeda University the past several months regarding legalization of degrees. I spoke today on 12/23/2014 with Almeda University. I asked them about the Apsotille process since my degrees were issued in Boise Idaho I asked them shouldn't the documents be turned over to the Secretary of the State of Idaho for certification and Apostille. They claimed no which was unusual because having gone through this process several times regarding my wife's country Russia and the United States in order for the document to be accepted legally it needs a Apostille I explained this to Almeda and they refused to accept this instead making threats of cancelling my 2 degrees based on life experience. They threatened to turn me over to the Federal Government and I explained to them as a Private Citizen if the government recognizes me than they will be required to pay money. I asked them don't you think it is kind of fraudlent paying 900.00 and asking for more money 900.00 ? they responded we are paying 51 % you are paying 49% I told them I already paid for this. I asked them for the physical address 3 times they refused to give it. I also responded because you are using the State Department and you are engaging in International matters this should be turned over to the Hague International Court since you are disregarding the treaty signed by the United States 1963 regarding authenticatioon and Apostilles. They said the Federal Government is cancelling your degrees not us I asked them well don't you think you are committing fraud they were nasty and wished me a Merry Christmas after stating they are going to cancel my degrees. I have asked them for a refund of the money I paid to them which is 900.00 since you wish to cancel my degrees they refused. I know how the Apostille process works a document must be notarized and than Apostille to certify the Notary it can than be translated with a red seal on the document and presented at a consulate to be stamped in the U.S. Passport This has gone on for several months making threats of cancelling and I have asked them for a refund. The Blackmail portion is if you don't pay the 900.00 we will cancel your degrees extortion 900.00 on top of the 900.00 I paid in full alreadt

  • Nov 29, 2014

Reading the other reports regarding Almeda 'attestation'; I was trying to get my education verified by a potential employer and had to contact Almeda to allow permission for them to provide that info. This is when I first head about their new 'requirement' for this attestation.

First call I was told the person to handle that was out and I would be called mack within 15 minutes. After better than 40 mins had passed I decided to try the online chat in the student section of their website and to let them know it was okay to allow verification. This is when I first learned of the attestation. The below is copied directly from the chat with my name redacted.

Even after this I tried calling them again and was told I needed to do this. I said that was unfair, wanting to carry out a conversation about it and instead was hung up upon, much like in the below.

After doing some searches on this attestation I find it important for doing business oveerseas and also for overseas educational facilities to have this done to be recognized in the USA. Perhaps the fact this place moved to offshore they are doing this now though mine was granted when they were in the USA.

'Dr' Brown in the below also stated that my credentials could be cancelled by governement authorites without any notice, then he turns around and threatens that they will cancel them Nov. 30 unless I pay them for this. I wonder if 'Dr' Brown is or was a used car salesman? Provide me with the government press releases or other factual evidence this is so; don't threaten someone.

It is a shame they have dropped so low to the point of scare tactics. If they cannot verify what was previously awarded that is a problem that will be reported elsewhere.

Dr. Alex Brown:

Have you completed the attestation process for your degree

J: what is that?

Dr. Alex Brown:

Well, Under the supervision of us federal government and online education bodies, important changes have been made towards us online education policy for all online universities who offer degrees on basis of life experience program. as a part of the legal education framework, it is now "mandatory" for all online universities operating in us to follow guidelines provided by the US State Department & us secretary of state in order to improve standard and acceptance of online credentials by getting them attested.

Dr. Alex Brown:

US State Department will now register all graduates who hold a degree from an online university to establish its legitimacy for higher recognition and make it a part of a credentials verification system internationally and locally in all 50 states. this process is known as us attestation which gets completed through following government authorities:- US Department Of State, US secretary of state & us notary public.

Dr. Alex Brown:

In this process your Degree with Almeda University is going to get reprinted and will be sent over to mention above Authorities for getting stamped and certified. After getting your Degree attested it will be verified as a traditionally earned online study based Degree, which means that if an employer or anyone else runs a background check on your credentials they will be able to verify that you went through the process of taking Online Courses with Almeda University for completing your Degree program.

J: First I have heard of this. In the meantime I do need to allow this employer to verify; I could simply scan the transcript and send though she wants to verify through you. Then we can proceed. Yes, that is correct.

Dr. Alex Brown:

Previously when you earned your Degree, it was being verified and recognized as a Life experience Degree which is no longer accepted in well over 12+ States by potential employers and educational institutions. After getting your Degree attested it will be verified as a Traditionally earned Online study based qualification and will be as good as qualification earned from a Campus based State University.

J: that is great; what needs to be done?

Dr. Alex Brown:

In order to complete this process currently University is paying 64% of the actual Fee payment because being a Mandatory requirement this process needs to be completed in earliest possible time frame. Standard Fee Payment for this process is $1250 out of which student is required to pay $499 for each degree; remaining amount gets paid by the University on students behalf for completing this process. Once this process gets completed, attested set of your credentials will be getting delivered to you within 30 days time frame through UPS at your shipping address.

Dr. Alex Brown:

After getting your Degree attested it will be verified as a Traditionally earned Online study based qualification, which means that if an employer or verification agency runs a background check on your credentials they will be able to verify that you went through the process of taking Online Courses with Almeda University for completing your Degree program. All the required paperwork such as course content, curriculum along with study material will be submitted in order to get your credentials Attested

Dr. Alex Brown:

And then you will be receiving a new degree along with official letters from the US Department Of State and US Secretary of state attached to your degree in 30-35 working days

Dr. Alex Brown:

?

Dr. Alex Brown:

Please Note: - Being a mandatory requirement this process needs to be completed in earliest possible time frame. Failures to comply will resulting cancellation of credentials by the Government Authorities without giving any prior notification.

J: I will do some research on this. To do this, is it simply logging in and filling out paper work to get started? I did not see it on the website.

Dr. Alex Brown:

November 30th is the deadline , After that your credentials will be suspended

J: of course

Dr. Alex Brown:

Good Luck for your research

Dr. Alex Brown:

Have a great day

Chat session has been terminated by the site operator.

  • Nov 13, 2014

Basically they are canceling your degree credentials unless you pay themt $750..0 to have the US Stae Department (not the US Department of Education) to "Attest" to the validity of your degree.

Dear Kenneth,

Please review the attached email as mentioned below which we have received from Mr. Jonathan Burke from Global Accreditation Board for Distance Education regarding your degree qualification.

Reply to this email with best number & time to contact you or call us at 1-866-877-5812 on urgent basis for quick resolution of the issue. Click Here to Chat with an available representative.

Your immediate reply will be highly appreciated!

Regards,

Harold Masson

Head Of Legalization Dept

[email protected]

Almeda University

----- Original Message -----

From: ‘Jonathan Burke ([email protected])’

To: ‘Harold Masson ([email protected])’

Sent: Wednesday, November 5, 2014 9:47 AM

Subject: Requirements for the Verification of Kenneth Rxxx!

Harold Masson,

Hope this email finds you well.

This is to inform you that we've received a request to investigate the profile for one of your student Kenneth Rion for his qualification.

Following are the requirements which we need in order to verify their credentials with the U.S. State. Verification includes

Online classroom score sheet confirming their attendance & course work

Course registration ID from the U.S. State

Verification letter from the university confirming the same course registration ID’s

You would need to forward me these requirements immediately. Failure to which, investigations will be taken a step further.

Regards,

Jonathan Burke

Head of Regulatory Affairs

Global Accreditation Board for Distance Education

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