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Don't Get Caught Out: A Student's Guide to Scams and Fraud

Starting university is exciting. New friends, new experiences, and a lot more independence. Unfortunately, it's also a time when scammers see an opportunity.

The good news? Most scams follow familiar patterns, and once you know what to look for, they're much easier to spot.

This guide will help you recognise common scams, know what to do if something doesn't feel right, and find support if you've been targeted.

Click below to jump straight to a section

What is a scam? Common scams How to spot a scam If you think it's a scam If you've shared information How to report a scam Where can I get help?

First Things First: What Is a Scam?

A scam is when someone tries to trick you into giving away money, personal information, passwords, or access to your accounts.

Scammers can contact you through:

  • Text messages
  • Emails
  • Social media
  • Phone calls
  • WhatsApp and messaging apps
  • Fake websites
  • Online marketplaces

Remember: anyone can be targeted by a scam. Being caught out doesn't mean you've been careless or foolish.

Common Scams Students Should Know About

Scams can take many different forms. Here are some of the most common ones students may come across.

You receive a text saying a package cannot be delivered until you pay a small fee.

Red flags:

  • Unexpected message from a delivery company
  • Urgent language
  • Strange links
  • Requests for bank details

Top tip: Visit the courier's website directly instead of clicking links in messages.

A landlord advertises a fantastic room at a bargain price and asks for a deposit before you've viewed it.

Red flags:

  • Rent is much cheaper than similar properties
  • Pressure to pay quickly
  • Refusal to arrange a viewing
  • Requests for payment by bank transfer only

Top tip: Never pay a deposit until you've viewed the property and confirmed the landlord or letting agent is genuine. There are strict rules around fees that can be charged. Speak to SU Advice if you are unsure.

You've been offered an easy, well-paid job with little effort required.

Red flags:

  • Very high pay for minimal work
  • Requests for upfront fees
  • Being asked to use your bank account to move money
  • Poorly written emails or messages

Top tip: If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Check details of the employer online via HMRC and GOV.UK.

Fraudsters may pretend to be Student Finance, HMRC, your university, or another official organisation.

Red flags:

  • Requests for passwords or security details
  • Threats about your funding being stopped
  • Unexpected contact about payments

Top tip: Genuine organisations will never ask for your password by email, text, or phone.

These emails are designed to steal your login details.

Red flags:

  • "Urgent action required"
  • Unexpected account warnings
  • Poor spelling and grammar
  • Suspicious sender addresses

Top tip: Check the sender's email carefully before clicking anything. Look for spelling errors or slight differences in the address.

Someone you meet online quickly develops a close relationship and then asks for money.

Red flags:

  • They've never met you in person
  • They have a reason they can't video call
  • Requests for financial help
  • Emotional pressure

Top tip: Never send money to someone you've only met online.

You receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from the Home Office and stating you will be deported or your visa will be cancelled.

Red flags:

  • "Urgent action" is required
  • You need to pay a fine quickly to avoid deportation
  • Unusual payment methods, such as Amazon vouchers or prepaid gift cards
  • They may have information about you that sounds convincing, such as which university you attend

Top tip: The Home Office will never ask for additional fees or fines to be paid with gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. They will also never threaten immediate deportation.

How to Spot a Scam

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Was I expecting this message?
  • Is someone creating a sense of urgency?
  • Are they asking for money, passwords, bank details, or verification codes?
  • Does the offer seem unusually generous?
  • Am I being pressured to act immediately?

If any answer is "yes" to any of these, pause and double-check before doing anything.

A genuine organisation won't mind if you take time to verify their identity.

What to Do if You Think It's a Scam

If You Haven't Responded Yet

  • Don't click any links.
  • Don't reply.
  • Take screenshots if appropriate.
  • Block the sender.
  • Report the scam.

If You Have Shared Information

Act quickly:

  • Change your passwords immediately.
  • Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
  • Contact your bank if you've shared financial details.
  • Check your online accounts for unusual activity.
  • Report the incident.

The faster you act, the greater the chance of preventing further harm.

How to Report a Scam

Forward scam texts to:

7726 (SPAM)

Most UK mobile providers use this free reporting service.

Contact Action Fraud.

Telephone: 0300 123 2040

Action Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime.

Contact your bank immediately using the number on your bank card or official banking app.

Banks can often take action quickly if they are informed promptly.

If a suspicious message appears to come from the University:

Where Can I Get Help?

Being targeted by a scam can feel upsetting, embarrassing, or overwhelming. That's completely normal.

If you've received a suspicious message or think you've been targeted by a scam, contact SU Advice. We'd much rather help you check whether something is genuine than have you worry about it alone.

You can contact the following services for further support – remember, you are not alone.

SU Advice can help you:

  • Understand your options
  • Access support services
  • Find practical next steps
  • Speak with University departments if needed

The Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Service (SWIS) can provide:

  • Wellbeing support
  • Practical advice
  • Financial guidance

Citizens Advice offers free, confidential advice on consumer issues and scams.

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