Accessibility statement

New scam targeting students

Posted on 30 September 2020

Unfortunately, students are often targeted by criminals and tricked out of thousands of pounds. Learn to recognise scams and protect yourself against them.

The most recent scam we're aware of involves a scammer convincing a student they were official law enforcement officers, advising them that a criminal had used their bank card to defraud victims and there was now a warrant out for their arrest. They were told to input their bank details for "asset inventory" and warned not to tell anyone or they would be sentenced and fined.

Other scams can involve students getting an email from what appears to be the Student Loans Company asking for their bank details

Be vigilant

Be wary of any email or unsolicited phone call that:

  • threatens you with a fine, prosecution or jail;
  • asks you not to tell anyone else;
  • asks for personal information or immediate payments;
  • directs you to websites that request personal information or require you to log in.

Read scammers - they’re after your money to find out about other scams targeting students.

What to do if you think you’ve been targeted

If you think you or one of your friends have been targeted by scammers, contact the Student Hub as soon as possible by telephoning +44 (0)1904 324140 or emailing: student-hub@york.ac.uk.