A large number of scams that affect students are in relation to accommodation , just scroll down to the ‘scams’ subheading to find out more.
We have listed a number of scams below, however First Direct has a more extensive list of 'Latest Scams'. You can find out more on the First Direct website .
Report suspicious activity If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to your bank and/or the police. Look out for warning signs like urgent requests, threats, and unsolicited offers.
Other common scams targeting students
Tuition fee fraud
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How it works Scammers offer to pay your tuition fees in exchange for an upfront payment. They use stolen credit card details to make a small payment and provide a fake invoice.
Warning signs Requests for upfront payments, offers that seem too good to be true, and requests for your login details.
Phishing scams
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How it works Fraudsters send emails or messages with links to fake websites to steal your personal information.
Warning signs Generic greetings like "Dear customer," strange-looking email addresses, and urgent language.
Card payment scams
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How it works Unauthorised use of your credit or debit card details to make purchases.
Warning signs Unexpected charges on your account, requests for your card details over the phone or email.
Impersonation scams
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How it works Scammers trick you into making bank transfers by posing as legitimate organisations or individuals.
Warning signs Unsolicited requests for money, threats of retaliation, and urgent deadlines.
Ramp-and-dump scams
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How it works Scammers pose as trusted contacts, advisors, or love interests and lure you into private chats with 'hot stock tips'. They hype up low-volume stocks (like penny stocks) to drive up the price, then sell their own shares at a profit – leaving you with the losses when the price crashes.
Warning signs Unsolicited tips or messages about “can’t-miss” investments, claims of secret/insider info, pressure to act fast, private chat groups full of hype and little real info.
Fraud while abroad
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Fake travel agent Scammers will message you pretending to be a travel agent and try to sell you a deal over text or social media.
Booking verification scam Criminals pretend to be hotels and ask customers to provide payment information to verify bookings.
Cancellation refund scam Fraudsters impersonate travel companies or your bank, claiming your flight or holiday has been cancelled and saying they can help you get a refund.
Number spoofing
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How it works Making calls or texts look like they’re from trusted sources such as your bank or even your own number. Scammers use software to fake caller IDs, exploiting systems meant for businesses and freephone numbers. While measures like “do not originate” lists and verified sender registries help, they’re not foolproof, and criminals keep adapting.
Warning signs Be cautious if a call or text appears genuine but asks for personal or financial details – legitimate organisations won’t pressure you this way. Red flags include calls from strangers claiming you contacted them or odd messages from “your” number. Always hang up and call back using a known number, and use spam-blocking or screening tools for extra protection.
Advance fee scams
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How it works Advance fee scams trick you into paying upfront for loans, jobs, rentals or refunds that never appear. Scammers pose as real companies, often contacting you unexpectedly and asking you to transfer money to personal accounts. Once paid, they vanish or keep demanding more fees.
Warning signs Be cautious if a call or text appears genuine but asks for personal or financial details – legitimate organisations won’t pressure you this way. Red flags include calls from strangers claiming you contacted them, or odd messages from your number. Always hang up and call back using a known number.
Dos and don'ts to protect yourself
Do
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Use two-factor authentication Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
Save proof of every interaction Keep records of all communications and transactions.
Make unique passwords For all apps/websites that contain private info, such as banking and social media.
Turn off 'Preview Notification' on your mobile So no one can see any of your incoming messages/emails.
Use a remote tracking app 'Find My (Apple), SmartThings Find (Samsung), Find My Device (Google)' to track your phone if it has been stolen.
Don't
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Never share bank details Don't give out your bank card details or PIN.
Avoid too-good-to-be-true deals Be cautious of offers that promise easy money or large discounts.
Don't share personal info Avoid giving out your name, address, phone number, or date of birth over the phone or online.
Resist the urge to act immediately Fraudsters often use urgent language to pressure you into making quick decisions.
How to spot scams and red flags!
Have a look at our video which may help you spot any scams or red flags.
