Some common scams aimed at students include:
- Phishing scams: Phishing emails, phone calls and text messages supposedly from Student Finance, HMRC, UKVI, Home Office, etc. There are many variations of this scam, but they all involve being tricked into giving over your personal details. Visit the IT Services website for more information on phishing emails and how to report any emails you are concerned about.
- Tuition fee scams: Students are contacted and offered discounts or ‘help’ to pay your tuition fees. You may be told you can have a bursary if you supply your bank details. Contact may be made by scammers pretending to be the University or a third party.
- Rental scams: Properties advertised to rent through social media that are either unavailable or do not exist at all. It is always best to find a property through the University or official partners. If you find a property via other unofficial channels, then it is best to view it in person before renting to ensure it exists and meets your expectations. Visit the Student Services website for more guidance on house hunting.
- Scams targeting international students: Unfortunately, international students may be targeted because criminals assume they may be unfamiliar with UK systems or are far from home. Visit the Student Services website for more information on scams targeting international students.
How to spot a scam
It can be difficult to spot a scam, but generally you should look out for these signs:
- Someone contacts you unexpectedly
- Something sounds too good to be true
- You're asked for personal details
- You're pressured to make an immediate decision
- A text or email has spelling or grammatical mistakes
- You're asked to keep quiet about something
- No contact details are given, or if they are, it's a mobile phone number or a PO Box address
- You’re asked for an immediate payment or gift card
If in doubt, always double-check the details of any possible scam. It is better to contact the company through alternative means, such as calling an official number or logging into the website directly.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, take these steps immediately:
- Change your password on any accounts that may have been compromised
- Report the scam to IT Services, your bank, credit or debit card company, and the Police via Action Fraud
- Monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity
- Access further advice and support from: Student Services, the Student Advice and Support Service (advice@lboro.ac.uk), Victim First, and Wellbeing teams
University life is exciting, and you shouldn’t have to worry about being scammed. By taking some simple precautions, you can keep your accounts secure and focus on enjoying your studies.
Remember, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Always be cautious with your information and trust your instincts!