RCVS warns against Internship scam

The RCVS is warning veterinary surgeons to be on their guard after it came to light that a fraudster is charging a £150 ‘non-refundable application fee’ for an RCVS ‘internship’ which does not exist.

In fact, as the regulatory body for the veterinary profession in the UK, we do not offer internships. The information about the fake internship has been sent to individuals registered with German website http://www.vetcontact.com/ and includes details about the Royal Veterinary College (the University of London’s veterinary school) and the RCVS but is basically fiction. It refers to a made up ‘RCVS Hospital’ in the ‘Flint Hills of London’.

“So far, only a handful of veterinary surgeons – all based overseas – have contacted us regarding the internship and queried the request for a non-refundable ‘application’ fee, although we are concerned that others may have been caught out,” comments Gordon Hockey, RCVS Head of Professional Conduct.

“We would advise any veterinary surgeon to think twice before paying for a third party to facilitate an application for any placement or internship, and reiterate that the RCVS does not offer any such programmes.”

We are following up the situation with http://www.vetcontact.com/ and, if appropriate, we will notify the police. In the meantime, anyone who is concerned that they may have fallen victim to the hoax should contact the RCVS Professional Conduct department on 020 7202 0728.