Anybody is at risk of being targeted for fraud, but students can be particularly vulnerable. 

Scams can be very sophisticated and take many forms. What they have in common is that they are all trying to get hold of your money, usually by attempting to obtain your personal information or persuading you to hand over your cash.

Common Scams

Below are some common scams aimed at all students. This is not an exhaustive list, and they may vary in detail as fraudsters invent new ways to target students:

Here’s some more advice on avoiding scams and fraud: 

• Beware of phone calls from numbers you don't recognise - even if they're from your home country – caller ID information can be faked 

• Beware of police officers communicating by video chat 

• Beware of unsolicited messages and adverts online, particularly on social media channels 

• Never give any personal details out - including bank details - to someone you don't know, whether over the phone, via email or in person 

• The account numbers on your bank card can be used to make purchases, even if your bank card isn’t present at the time of purchase – never share the numbers printed on your card 

• Avoid anyone who asks you to pay for a service in cash – especially if it is a considerable sum – and certainly never meet anyone you don’t know to hand over cash 

• Don’t download apps sent to you on a link 

If you receive any messages or phone calls that you suspect to be fraudulent, report them to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the action fraud website. 

If you have been a victim of a scam, you can contact a support and wellbeing officer, a Student Immigration Advisor or the students’ union Advice Team for guidance and support.