What Is Contract Cheating?

Contract cheating is when others complete academic work for you, often for payment

This can include:

• WhatsApp messages or adverts offering help with essays
• unauthorised ghostwriters
• pretending to be you during an exam or taking an online test for you exams
• buying “sample” assessments

Contract cheating is strictly against university regulations, and it can mean severe penalties.

In the UK, it’s a criminal offence to provide or advertise contract cheating services.

Because of this contract cheats often justify why using their services is ok

Some things to watch out for;

• offering guaranteed grades in exchange for a fee
• repeated messages
• offering essays as “models” or “for inspiration”
• reassurance without specific details- for example that essays are written by “handpicked UK writers” “from a top University” (they’re probably not)
• assurance that the work produced is plagiarism-free or custom written (it probably isn’t)
• promising to keep services “confidential”
• pretending to support struggling students wityh writing help

The Blackmail Dilemma

Because contract cheating is illegal and against university regulations contract cheating services blackmail students by threatening to report them to the University if they don't pay more money or if they complain. Or threaten them with fakle legal letters

Contract cheats include “easter eggs” in work which allows them to prove that they have written it. These can be very difficult to find.

Threats can follow students if they change universities or even into professional careers, and put them in a very vulnerable position

If you escape blackmail there’s still risks, for example contract cheats may sell your personal information. Once you’ve accepted help for one assessment, you may feel that you need to use it again to stop being found out

Professional courses:

Cheating in assessments can cause you to be invited to a professional suitability panel as well as an ACO

How to protect yourself from Contract Cheats

Ignore Unsolicited Messages: If you receive unsolicited messages on platforms like WhatsApp from individuals or services offering to complete your assignments, Block and report them so you're not tempted to use them if you’re struggling

Report Suspected Contract Cheating: If you receive an advert from a contract cheat or you think someone is using contract cheating, report it to your university's academic integrity Universities take these reports seriously and can provide support and advice

The University’s dedicated email for reporting is integritythreats@coventry.ac.uk

Use University Help: If you're struggling, reach out for help to the support services below:

• Your Registry Team: Think about applying for an extension or a deferral if you are struggling because of illness, accidents or another serious personal problem.
• The Centre for Academic Writing.
• Academic Staff: Consult your tutor or module leader for advice on addressing the assignment brief.
• Your Student Union Advice Service: Free, confidential and impartial advice.