Fake exam scams are becoming more frequent and more convincing. This guidance sets out what students need to know to recognise them, avoid them, and report them.
Increasing reports of exam-related scams
There has been a recent increase in false claims involving fake or 'leaked' exam papers, particularly on social media platforms, WhatsApp groups, and online pages. These claims often appear during exam season, when students may be feeling pressure or anxiety. Digital misinformation is real, and it spreads quickly. Scammers deliberately exploit exam stress to mislead students and families. The harm is not limited to the few who commit malpractice: the spread of misinformation may cause distress for students across the board.
Serious consequences of cheating or malpractice
Those who cheat or engage with fake paper sellers face serious consequences, including the withholding of results, disqualification from exams or being banned from taking exams for up to five years. Cambridge pursues those who create, sell, or share confidential materials and penalties include permanent disqualification and referral to law enforcement. Spreading false information online may be a criminal offence in many countries, carrying penalties including imprisonment. It is not worth risking your future for a rumour.
The reality behind 'leaked' exam papers
Accounts claiming to sell or guarantee access to exam papers are almost always scams and are always illegal. These materials are often completely fake, recycled from old exams with changed dates and text, nothing more.
Be cautious of content that is sensational or urgent, promises guaranteed questions or answers, or pressures you to act quickly or pay secretly. These are strong warning signs of fraud or disinformation.
Why you should not engage or share
Looking for, sharing, selling, or engaging with confidential exam content is not allowed, even accidentally — it’s malpractice. If a classmate shows you a 'leaked' paper, do not share it, as this can also lead to your disqualification as well as other more serious legal consequences. Exam fairness protects the value of every student’s hard work.
Your best advantage is genuine preparation. Focus on understanding concepts, practising with trusted resources, and using past papers from official channels.
Integrity protects your results and your future.
What to do if you see something suspicious
If you encounter posts or accounts claiming to sell or share exam papers:
- do not engage or share the content
- report the account or post to the platform immediately using their reporting function*
- inform your teacher or Head of Centre so your school can guide you.
You are not 'snitching' — you are preventing scammers from making money, helping to protect your school community and keeping exams fair for everyone.
Guidance for parents and families
Parents and guardians play an important role in ensuring exam integrity. Talk to your child about fair exams. Encourage them not to look for, share, sell, or view exam paper content and to stay alert to fraudulent sellers targeting families with false promises. Parents should also avoid engaging with any fraudulent content themselves.
We recognise that the exam season is already a stressful and emotionally demanding time for students. Rumours and misinformation add to that pressure and can impact student wellbeing, increase anxiety, and distract learners from maintaining focus on their preparation and examinations. Your support in keeping the disruption out is important.
You can also support your children with calm, structured revision routines and encourage rest, balance, and the use of trusted learning resources. Don't forget to revise their wellbeing during exams, too.
We wish all our students every success in their studies.
Working together to protect students
We work with social media platforms, websites and relevant law enforcement authorities to remove content and clamp down on individuals and groups who commit theft of papers, malpractice and attempt to defraud students.
Together, communities — students, schools and parents — can keep exams safe and fair.
*If you encounter posts or accounts claiming to sell or share exam papers, contact us at info@cambridgeinternational.org.