Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so it is important to be aware of how they operate and what you can do to stay safe.?

Examples of student scams?

Scams are varied and can target individuals both online and in person. While some scammers pretend to offer tuition fee payment services, others claim to be from legitimate organisations such as embassies, HM Revenue and Customs, banks, or even the Police (UK or other countries), demanding money to close fake investigations looking into people’s ‘suspicious’ financial activity.?

What to do if you are targeted?

If you think you are being targeted, do not click any links that are being sent to you, and do not give any personal information or bank details.?A legitimate organisation would never get in touch with you to ask for personal or financial information in this way, so make sure you end contact as soon as possible.?

You can report any incidents to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040. If you receive an email which you think is suspicious, you can forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Any suspicious text messages should be forwarded to 7726.

Where to find support?

If you need support, please remember that The Student Hub is available for wellbeing support 24/7 via online chat, email, or by calling 023 8059 9599. ?

Visit the Student Safety Site?

For further, official information provided by Hampshire Police about the various types of scams, please visit the Student Safety Site. This includes useful links to advice for international students, other places offering support, as well as resources about cybersecurity and online safety.