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Fake bursary and scholarship offers

Scammers create convincing websites and emails offering “guaranteed” bursaries or scholarships that require upfront fees or personal information. Legitimate UK scholarships and bursaries never require payment to apply or receive funds.

Work-from-home schemes

These scams promise easy money for simple tasks like data entry or product assembly. They often require upfront payments for “training materials” or “starter kits.” If you’re an international student, be especially wary of opportunities that may compromise visa restrictions.

Fake placement and graduate job postings

Scammers post fake graduate schemes or placement opportunities to collect personal information or require “training fees.” Always verify opportunities through official company channels or the University’s careers service.

Money mules

A money mule is someone who transfers illegally acquired money on behalf of others, often unknowingly taking part in money laundering schemes. They act as a middle person, moving funds between accounts to hide the money's origin and make it harder for authorities to trace. 

Student Finance England fraud

Scammers pose as Student Finance England requesting verification of personal information via email or phone. Student Finance England will never ask for your full bank details, passwords, or PINs via email or unsolicited calls.

Fake maintenance loan “top-ups”

Students receive messages claiming they’re eligible for additional maintenance loan funding in exchange for processing fees or personal information. Only Student Finance England can provide official loan information.

Bank account scams

Fraudsters target student bank accounts, particularly around maintenance loan payment dates. They may pose as your bank requesting account verification or claim suspicious activity requiring immediate action.

Cryptocurrency and investment scams

These often target students through social media with promises of easy money. Remember: legitimate investments carry risk and should be researched thoroughly through official financial advisers.

Fake student accommodation

Scammers post attractive properties near universities at below-market rates, requesting deposits before viewings. They often use photos stolen from legitimate listings. Always view properties in person and verify the landlord through official channels.

Advanced fee rental fraud

Landlords request large deposits, admin fees, or rent in advance for properties that don’t exist or aren’t available. In England, since June 2019, most letting fees are banned under the Tenant Fees Act.

Student accommodation impersonation

Fraudsters create fake university accommodation websites or emails, requesting payments for room bookings. Always book through our University’s accommodation office.

Flatmate scams

Fake flatmates request money for deposits, bills, or advance rent. They may use stolen photos and create elaborate backstories. Always meet potential flatmates in person and verify their identity.

University email phishing

These emails appear to come from our University IT services, requesting login credentials or claiming your account will be suspended. We will never ask for passwords via email.

HMRC and tax scams

Students may receive fake messages from 鈥淗MRC鈥� about tax refunds or claiming they owe money. HMRC typically contacts people by post, not email or text.

NHS scams

Fraudsters have used health scares to trick students into paying for fake tests, treatments, or NHS services. The NHS will never ask for payment or bank details for COVID testing or treatment.

Social media romance and friendship scams

Fake profiles target students looking for relationships or friendships, eventually requesting money for emergencies or travel. Be particularly cautious of profiles that quickly move conversations off the platform.

Protect your personal data

• Never give out your National Insurance Number, bank account details, student credentials or passwords unless you initiated the contact.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication where available.
• Regularly check your credit report through official sources like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.

Email and communication safety

• Be sceptical of unsolicited emails, especially those requesting information or money.
• Verify the sender鈥檚 identity through official channels before responding (don't click links).
• Don鈥檛 click links or download attachments from unknown sources.
• Report suspicious emails to the Student Service Hub.

Banking and payments best practices

• Use your bank鈥檚 official website or app, never links from emails.
• When paying tuition fees, you can ensure your payment is safe by paying directly through our trusted partner Flywire .
• Set up account alerts for transactions.
• Use the University's cash machine on campus when possible.
• Never give your PIN or online banking details to anyone.
• Be aware of your maintenance loan payment schedule.

Student Finance England safety

• Only communicate with Student Finance England through official channels.
• Remember that all legitimate student finance is managed through government bodies.
• Be wary of companies promising to reduce your student debt for a fee.
• Check any student finance communications through your official online account.

• Be particularly vigilant around maintenance loan payment dates when scammers are most active.

• Student Finance England will never ask you to pay fees to receive your loan.

Budget carefully to avoid desperation that makes you vulnerable to get-rich-quick schemes.

Verify opportunities

• Be doubtful of uninvited job offers, especially those involving money transfers.
• Research companies thoroughly before applying, checking for registration.
• If an offer seems to good to be true, it probably is.
• Use our University's careers service to verify job postings.
• Never pay for job applications, interviews, or starter kits.
• Be cautious of opportunities that seem to specifically target your visa status or financial situation.

University resources and support

If you suspect a scam or become a victim of one, you should contact the Student Services Hub. The team there will talk you through the next steps such as contacting the police, Action Fraud, and how to get wellbeing support.

You can also seek advice via the .

Read the University's guidance around money mules.

UK Government and official resources

•  (to verify business registrations)

Financial and consumer protection

• Your bank’s fraud team: contact immediately if accounts are compromised

Credit and identity protection

• Credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion (for free credit reports)

Develop healthy scepticism

Learn to question offers and opportunities, especially unsolicited ones. Take time to research before making decisions, and trust your instincts when something feels wrong. Remember that legitimate UK businesses and organisations follow specific regulations and procedures.

Understand UK Consumer Rights

Familiarise yourself with your rights under . The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides important protections, and knowing these can help you spot illegitimate offers.

Build financial literacy

Take advantage of financial education resources offered by the University or organisations like the . Understanding how UK financial systems work makes it easier to spot fraud.

Stay informed

Scam techniques constantly evolve. Follow , subscribe to , and stay aware of new trends targeting students. We may also send security updates about current threats.

Know the UK regulatory landscape

Understand that legitimate financial services must be authorised by the , and legitimate businesses should be registered with . When in doubt, check these official registers.