We’ve been made aware of a number of scams targeting international students at Higher Education Institutions.
Details of the current scam:
The scammer(s) may inform the student that he/she is being charged money for not attending Police Registration. 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 receive a call or email
If you receive an unexpected call or email from someone who says they are a police officer or a government official:
- Hang up immediately if you are not expecting a call.
- Do not respond to any emails requesting bank details.
- Never give any personal or bank details out over the phone to someone you do not know.
- Remember that official organisations will never ask you to pay fees or fines using iTunes vouchers or gift cards.
- 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, Highfield Campus, to speak to a member of the team.
Students who are targeted should contact Action Fraud by calling Tel: +44 (0) 30 0123 2040
