Staying safe from Scams and Fraud
Students can be targeted by scammers (criminals looking to steal your money and personal information), so it's important to know how to recognise potential scams, to protect yourself, and how to report them. This page outlines some of the most common scams affecting students and provides guidance on how to stay safe.
Common Scams affecting students
Scammers often pretend to be trusted organisations or individuals in order to gain your trust and access your money or personal information. If you are an international student, you may be particularly targeted by scams involving visa issues, immigration status, accommodation, or tuition fees.
Be especially cautious if you receive unexpected phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media messages from people claiming to represent:
Banks
Scammers may claim there is a problem with your account and ask for your PIN, password, security codes, or personal information. They may also tell you to transfer your money to a “safe account”.
Remember: Your bank will never ask you to share your PIN, password, or security information, and they will never ask you to move your money to another account for security reasons.
Government Departments
Scammers may pretend to be from immigration services, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Home Office, or even the police. They may threaten arrest, deportation, fines, or legal action unless you make an immediate payment or provide personal details.
Remember: Legitimate organisations will not pressure you into making immediate payments over the phone and will usually contact you by post.
The University or Accommodation Providers
Be wary of messages requesting urgent tuition payments, bank details, passwords, or personal information. Scammers may also advertise fake accommodation or ask for deposits before you’ve viewed the property.
Remember: If something does not seem right, contact Aberystwyth University or the accommodation provider directly using official contact details to verify the request.
Job Offers
Be cautious of job opportunities that promise high earnings for little work, especially if they ask you to pay upfront fees for training, equipment, or background checks.
Remember: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Money Mule Recruitment
One of the most serious scams affecting students involves being recruited as a money mule. A money mule is someone who allows money from unknown or suspicious sources to be paid into their bank account and then transferred elsewhere, often in exchange for a payment or commission.
While this may seem like an easy way to make money, it is a form of money laundering, which is a criminal offence. Becoming involved could result in your bank account being closed, damage to your credit history, difficulty obtaining financial services in the future, and potentially serious legal consequences.
Never allow anyone else to use your bank account or transfer money on their behalf unless you know exactly where the money has come from and why it is being moved.
- Be sceptical - If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Scammers often rely on creating a sense of urgency or offering opportunities that seem too good to be true. If you’re unsure, take a step back and ask a friend, family member, or trusted member of university staff for advice.
- Protect your personal information - Never share your bank details, PINs, passwords, security codes, or personal documents (including your passport, visa, or other identification documents) with anyone you do not know or trust.
- Verify who you’re speaking to - If you receive a suspicious phone call, email, text message, or social media message from someone claiming to represent an official organisation, do not feel pressured to respond immediately. Instead, find the organisation’s official contact details and contact them directly to verify the request. Remember that it is okay to ignore or end a phone call if you’re unsure who you’re speaking to.
- Think before you click - Be cautious when opening links or attachments in emails, messages, or social media posts. Scammers often use fake websites and emails to steal personal information, passwords, and banking details. This type of fraud is known as phishing.
- Never transfer money for someone else - Do not allow anyone else to use your bank account to receive or transfer money, regardless of the reason the give or any financial reward they offer. This is a common warning sign of a money mule scam and could have serious legal consequences.
- Keep your devices secure - Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Keeping your devices and software up to date can also help to protect you from cyber threats.
- Take your time - Scammers often pressure people into making quick decisions. Before making a payment, sharing personal information, or responding to an unexpected request, take a moment to stop, think, and verify that the request is genuine.
- Don’t feel embarrassed - If you’ve been targeted by a scam, remember that it can happen to anyone. Scammers are highly skilled at manipulating people and often use convincing tactics to gain trust. Seeking help as soon as possible is the most important thing you can do.
- Stop all contact - If you suspect that someone is trying to scam you, stop communicating with them immediately. Hang up the phone, do not reply to emails, text messages, social media messages, or other forms of contact, and block them where possible. Even if the scammer becomes threatening or continues to contact you, do not respond.
- Contact your bank - If you have shared bank details, transferred money, or believe your financial information may have been compromised, contact your bank straight away. They can help you secure your account, monitor suspicious activity, and advice you on the next steps.
- Secure your accounts - If you have shared any personal information, change your passwords, PINs, and security questions as soon as possible. Make sure you use strong and unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where available. It is also a good idea to review your accounts for suspicious activity and continue to monitor them over the following weeks.
- Report the scam - You should report scams and fraud to Report Fraud, the UK’s national reporting service for fraud and cybercrime. You can call them on 0300 123 2040, or report it online. While a report does not automatically result in a police investigation, it may be passed on to them as it plays an important role in helping authorities identify trends, prevent further crimes, and target criminal activity.
- Contact the Police if necessary - In some circumstances, it may be appropriate to contact the police, particularly if you feel threatened, are being harassed, or believe you are in immediate danger. Further guidance is available from Dyfed-Powys Police: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/fo/v2/report-fraud-bribery-corruption/
- Seek Support - If a scam has affected your wellbeing, finances, or studies, remember that support is available from your friends, family, or University staff.
Being targeted b scams can have a significant impact on your finances, wellbeing, and studies. If you have been affected, support is available across the University.
- Financial Support - If you have lost money through a scam or are struggling to cover your living costs as a result, please contact the Advice and Money Team. They can provide guidance on managing your finances ad help you explore the support that may be available to you.
- Wellbeing Support - Experiences involving scams and fraud can be stressful, upsetting, and leave you feeling vulnerable. If you would like emotional support and advice on coping with the impact of a scam, you can contact the Wellbeing Team.
- Academic Support - If the experience has affected your ability to study, attend classes, complete assessments, or engage with your course, speak to your Personal Tutor or another trusted member of staff within your department. They can discuss the support options available and help you access appropriate academic guidance.
- IT Support - If you believe that your university email account has been compromised, contact Information Technology Services immediately. Acting quickly can help secure your account and prevent further unauthorised access.
- Victim Support is an independent charity supporting people affected by crime. They provide a free 24 hour, 7 days a week, support line that you can access by calling 0808 168 9111, or using their online chat.
- Citizen’s Advice is an online free advice service that are here to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem. You can call them on 0808 223 1133 Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm, or by using their online chat.
