Keep safe - tips for avoiding student scams

Fraudsters often target students in a bid to steal your money and personal details. Stay aware and learn how to avoid being conned.

Top tips

• Police will never demand money in order to cancel an arrest or ask you to withdraw or transfer money so “it can be checked”.
• Don't reply or give your personal information, financial details, passwords or PINs to unexpected callers, texts or emails.
• What's their email provider? Genuine businesses rarely use free email providers like Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail.
• Check their email domain. Fraudsters may mimic an address such as by using '@arts-ac.uk' or '@arts_ac.uk' rather than '@arts.ac.uk'.
• If asked to pay for something in advance – especially by bank transfer, think twice.
• Criminals may try to rush or panic you. It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests.
• Note any poor spelling or grammar. Genuine organisations are less likely to have them.
• Don’t download attachments or click on links in texts or emails you weren’t expecting.
• Never allow anyone else to use your bank account to move money.
• Banks will never ask for your PIN, password or full security details. If in doubt, end the call and contact your bank directly.
• Verify messages claiming to be from your bank using its official website, app or the telephone number on the back of your bank card.
• Contact your bank immediately if you believe money has been stolen from your account.

Common student scams

Protect yourself online

• Sharing on socials? Make sure you don't accidentally show sensitive information.
• Online shopping? Check their reputation and avoid storing card numbers on websites.
• Using someone's computer? Check their anti-virus is updated and back up your work.

Check your UAL email account

Your UAL account can still be targeted by fraudulent emails.

• Check the email domain. Suspicious emails may come from a non-UAL email domain such as 'hotmail.com'.
• Does the subject begin with "Re:"? It may try to appear as a reply to an email you sent.
• Asked to click a button, link or image? Do not click - it could release a virus.  Asked to click a button, link or image in a suspicious email? Don’t click it, as it could expose your device to malware
• Contact the IT Service Desk if you've received or acted on a suspicious email to your UAL account: +44 (0)20 7514 9898. Lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year.
  You should also reset your password immediately on Password Self Service (PSS).
• For personal devices, you should run anti-virus software to avoid any harmful software spreading. Always check you have the latest updates installed.

HMRC scams

Scammers take advantage of new students, especially when moving to a new area.

Be cautious of calls, texts or emails claiming to be from HMRC. Stop and check whether the communication is genuine before sharing personal information or making a payment.

Learn how to recognise genuine HMRC contact and check the latest scams on GOV.UK.

Think you've been a victim?

1. Contact your bank immediately if you believe money has been stolen from your account.

2. If you're unsure whether something is legitimate or think you may have been affected by a scam, contact UAL's Student Advice Service for guidance and support.

3. Visit the Government's Stop! Think Fraud website for advice on reporting fraud.

International student scam

International students are often targeted by fraudsters posing as Home Office officials or as the police and threatening to deport them unless they pay money upfront.

Reporting

• Ask your students’ union Arts SU or contact Student Services for advice.
• If you’re worried your personal email accounts may have been targeted, check Have I been pwned? for any data breaches.

For further advice on protecting your money, personal information and creative work, visit UAL's Cyber Safety guide.

You can also find advice on recognising, preventing and reporting fraud on the Government's Stop! Think Fraud website.