Scam targeting international students

We are aware of a scam targeting mainly Chinese students in the UK. Students are contacted by criminals claiming to be investigating international crimes, requiring victims to transfer large sums of money.

What the scam involves

Students receive a call from criminals claiming to be from the Chinese Embassy in the UK and told to expect another phone call from the police. Victims then receive a call by what appeared to be Chinese police, saying that they are being investigated for international crimes.

The criminals are convincing and have access to personal information. The victim is then told that the police need to check their bank account and that they must transfer money to an account in China with the threat of imprisonment or visa cancelation if they tell anyone or refuse to co-operate.

What to do if you receive a suspicious call

If you receive a call, message or email like this, do not respond. Never make payments to someone you do not know. The police and other legitimate agencies will never ask you to transfer money to them, under any circumstances.

Visit our student security webpage and read our tips for avoiding student scams online.

If you think this has happened or is happening to you, please let us know immediately so we can help. Our Student Advice team is here for you throughout the year.

Phone: +44 (0)20 7514 6900

Email: student.services@arts.ac.uk

If you have been told not to contact anyone, please be assured that our team operate confidentially and will never share your details with anyone else without your permission.

If you’re staying in UAL halls of residence, please note:

• The Accommodation Finance team will only ever contact you between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
• Your Accommodation Finance Advisor will only arrange an appointment to meet you in person at our High Holborn site or in your hall of residence.
• The Accommodation Finance team will never ask for payment over the phone or ask you to send bank or card details via email. If you need to change or provide this information, please let the team know and they will send a link with further instructions on how to proceed.
• If you doubt the accuracy of information or the authenticity of a person, then contact your Finance Advisor to arrange an appointment.
• If you are unsure, you can always ask your Finance Advisor to present their ID card. All UAL staff have ID cards similar to student ones.