We’ve been made aware of a number of scams targeting international students.
Details of the current scams:
These scams involve students being contacted either by phone or email by someone claiming to be a police officer or government office from their home country or the UK.
The scammer(s) may inform the student that he/she is being investigated in relation to credit card fraud and that their details have been used, or that there is a serious issue with their visa. Please be aware, these are NOT genuine emails or calls.
The number that the scammer calls from will appear to be a genuine number, and they may direct you to the government or relevant embassy website to verify that the number is genuine. On the call, they may make themselves seem genuine and use language that sounds official. They may already seem to know your personal details such as your name or address, or that you have applied for a visa. Some students may be asked to create a WhatsApp account and pass on personal details, as well as demonstrating they are not in debt by transferring large amounts of money to a specific account as evidence of innocence.
Students who have been targeted by these scams have reported that the scammers became increasingly insistent and verbally aggressive, resulting in them feeling as though they were forced into making a payment. If you receive an unexpected call or are asked to do this from someone who claims to be an official it may be a scam.
What to do if you do receive a call or email:
- You should hang up immediately if you are not expecting a call, and not respond to any emails which are of the nature described above
- Never give any personal details out over the phone to someone you do not know
- Do not feel pressured to make a financial transaction
- Remember that official organisations will never ask you to pay fees or fines using iTunes vouchers, gift cards or money transfer
- If you have concerns about your visa, please come and see the VISAS team at one of their drop-in sessions
If you have any concerns or have been targeted, please visit the Student Services Centre, based in Building 37 on Highfield Campus to speak to a member of the team who can offer you advice. If you’re unsure, further information is available here.
Students who are targeted should contact Action Fraud by telephone on Tel: +44 (0) 30 0123 2040
