We’ve been made aware of a telephone scam targeting international students.
The scam involves students being contacted by someone claiming to represent the police or other official body from their home country. The scammer(s) will have information about the student being targeted, so the call will seem very convincing. Please be aware, this is NOT a genuine call.
Students who are targeted should contact Action Fraud by telephone on Tel: +44 (0) 30 0123 2040.
The scam usually operates as follows, but the details may vary:
- They tell the student that they are suspected of a money laundering crime and that they and their family are at risk.
- They tell the student not to alert the British police.
- They request money (sometimes many thousands of pounds) to make sure that they and their family are safe and are not dishonoured.
- They are encouraged to borrow money to pay the supposed debt.
- They will manipulate the student and make them feel isolated and vulnerable.
- They will tell the student to fake scenarios to encourage their family to give them money to pay the supposed debt.
Students who are targeted should contact Action Fraud by telephone on Tel: +44 (0) 30 0123 2040.
Visa & Immigration Student Advice Service
Details on our Visa & Immigration Student Advice Service can be found here. The team holds drop-in sessions in the Student Services main atrium (Building 37, Highfield Campus) on Tuesdays and Thursdays in term time from 09:00 – 10:30, and on Wednesdays from 13:00 – 14:30.
