As the number of frauds in the UK rises, the number of students falling victim, specifically international students is also rising. A scam is an illegal plan for making money by tricking people and students must stay vigilant on spotting scams and be infomed on how to report it.
Martin Richardson, senior partner of the National Fraud Helpline solicitors, has said, “The students we speak to seem to be particularly ashamed that they have fallen victim to a scam.”
Students need to be aware that they are entitled to recover their money. It is important to report an issue of fraud to your bank.
There is a variety of different scams that students should look out for:
Student accommodation scams are a detrimental issue for students, given the growing housing demand in the UK. Students are often targeted by people posing as fake landlords who will usually offer good value accommodation.
Often, they will incentivise students with a discount for the entirety of the annual rent being paid upfront. Therefore, potentially taking thousands of pounds away from students.
Students should ignore social media adverts offering accommodation. Even if you use a trusted website, such as Rightmove, you need to ensure that you have carried out extra checks and fully inspected the property.
For many students to cover the cost of their tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses are dependent on bodies like Student Finance England (SFE). However, when it comes to applying for loans, the process can be confusing and difficult to students. Which subsequently can lead them to be unaware of impersonation scams.
Scams can include emails claiming students should expect a call from a withheld number to clarify their payment details.
Scammers can pretend to be from a university offering discounts if students pay their tuition fees in advance, leaving students unable to afford their course.
It is vital that students ignore these calls and independently log on and check their account to review the status of their loans.
Many students often look for a part-time job or internship to help them earn money while they are at university to help with the increasing cost-of-living.
Never respond to random job offers that are not advertised by the established business’s own social media accounts. Even be aware of using job platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn- always double check the company page.
Scammers will often offer fake jobs that involve students advertising a product or content creation in return for a wage. Yet, once a student is owed the money, the scammer can withhold the wages and then demand more for the wages to be released.
Students, if they are looking for a part-time job, should ensure that the business that they are applying to is reputable.
International students are specifically targeted by these scams. Scammers can pretend to be from the UK Home Office, contacting students by email or phone, claiming that a student has been involved in illegal activity and could even face deportation.
Further stating that a “bail fee” needs to be paid to keep the visa. The Home Office would rarely contact students directly regarding these situations.
If a scammer claims to be from the Home Office, tell them that they need to provide proof of their identity. If you have followed the regulations of your visa.
It is very important to be aware that, if any scam-related issue are causing you problems, NUSU will be there to support you. They have a variety of online resources on how to spot scams.
You can always go directly to the Student Advice Centre to book a free appointment to receive advice on scams. Alternatively, if you are a victim of fraud, you can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Your bank could potentially reimburse you if “you sent the money by a UK bank transfer and are a victim of APP (Authorised Push Payment) Fraud”, according to Money Helper.
Please don’t be afraid to seek help if you have been scammed.