Leeds Students Warned About Job and Financial Scams

Increasing number of students targeted by scams and frauds

Recent reports indicate that over a third of students across the UK have been targeted by various forms of fraud, scams, and phishing attempts. These scams often promise job opportunities or financial benefits but are designed to extract money or personal information from victims.

Types of scams affecting students

Scammers use a variety of tactics to deceive students, including phishing emails and messages that appear to come from legitimate organisations such as banks, the police, or government departments. The scams can be difficult to detect due to their professional appearance.

Common scams targeting students

• Tuition Fee Fraud: Often aimed at international students, scammers pose as agents offering to pay tuition fees on behalf of students, only to cancel payments after receiving money from the student.
• Rent Payment Fraud: Fraudulent services claim to offer discounted rent payments but cancel transactions after receiving funds.
• Yearbook Scam: Scammers request personal details and small fees under the guise of a yearbook service, then misuse bank details for unauthorised transfers.
• Accommodation Fraud: Fake landlords offer attractive accommodation deals on social media, requesting deposits and rent in advance without legitimate contracts or viewings.
• Visa Fraud: Scammers impersonate official authorities to pressure students into providing personal information or money.
• Bank Fraud: Calls claiming to be from banks instruct victims to move money to new accounts, which is a common scam tactic.
• Money Mule Requests: Students may be asked to transfer or withdraw money on behalf of others, which constitutes money laundering.
• Parcel Delivery Scam: Fake messages claim parcels are delayed and request payment or personal details.
• Social Media Scams: Offers of free tickets or vouchers ask for personal information or direct users to suspicious links.
• Threats of Arrest: Scammers claim victims have committed crimes and demand fines, sometimes requesting staged videos for ransom.
• Fake Job Opportunities: Offers requiring upfront payment for products or training that do not lead to real employment.

Advice for students

• Do not click on links or share personal information in suspicious messages.
• Avoid responding to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts, even if they appear official.
• Use only approved payment methods for tuition fees and rent.
• Verify job offers by checking company details and official websites.
• Report suspicious activity to university support services or relevant authorities.
• Never act under pressure or urgency from unknown contacts.

Support available for students

Students who believe they have been targeted by scams or fraud can access support through various university services:

• Advice and Wellbeing Service: Offers free, confidential, and independent advice both in person and online.
• Harassment and Misconduct Team: Provides confidential support and allows anonymous reporting of incidents.
• Student Visa Advice Team: Assists international students with visa-related concerns via email.

Students are encouraged to seek help promptly if they suspect they are victims of scams or fraud.

Further information

Additional guidance on recognising and avoiding scams is available from official sources such as the UK Visas and Immigration and the UK Council for International Student Affairs. Students can also consult the Student Information Service or IT Service Desk for assistance with suspicious communications.

For more details on protecting against scams, students should refer to their university’s official support channels and approved payment procedures.