Scams

There are some scams that intentionally target international students.  Scammers may think you are an easy target as you are a long way from family and friends and are unfamiliar with local laws and where to get help.  The articles below give some examples:

Scammers - they’re after your money - Student home, University of York 

https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Studying--living-in-the-UK/Frauds-and-scams 

If you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact international.campuslife@swansea.ac.uk for advice and guidance and report it to Action Fraud. 

The latest scams and what to look out for from Which?.co.uk

This webpage is updated by Which?.co.uk

Beware of latest scams news | Scams & Fraud Warnings - Consumer Rights - Which? - Which? 

In the UK you will never have to pay for a Covid-19 vaccination.  Any calls, emails or texts requesting payment for a vaccination are a scam.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge on the NHS.

The NHS will never ask for:

• your bank account or card details
• your pin or banking password
• copies of personal documents to prove your identity such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips

If you think you have been a victim of fraud or identify theft, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Scammers are taking full advantage of the global pandemic and our increased use of online shopping by targeting Amazon Prime customers. Fraudsters claiming to be Amazon Prime security instruct victims to download software called TeamViewer, which grants the scammers access to online bank accounts. For more information, please read the following article from The Guardian.

And as always, remain vigilant. Do not give out bank details, passwords or PIN codes.  If you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank or building society immediately.  

As Student Loans Company pay out maintenance loans to 1.1 million students in September - Students need to be on guard for phishing scams (please see Phishing below). Fraudsters can target students with false emails and text messages around the dates they're due to receive their next loan instalment. We have already been made aware of the following scam text for this year:

Student Finance England: It is important that you please confirm and verify your most up to date account details, so that there is no mistake when we send you the first SFE payout, via our secure link: https://log-on-slc.co.uk (DO NOT CLICK ON THIS LINK OR GO TO THIS SITE!)

Spotting a Phising email or text isn't always easy, but here are some tips to help;

1. Be suspicious of any requests for personal or financial information. SLC or Student Finance will never ask you to confirm your bank details, login information or personal financial information by email or text message.
2. Phishing emails are often sent in bulk and are unlikely to contain both your first and last name. they commonly start, 'Dear Student' so be on guard if you see one like this.
3. Check the quality of the communication. Misspelling, poor punctuation and bad grammar are often tell-tale signs of Phising.
4. 'Failure to respond in 24 hours will result in your account being closed' - These types of messages are designed to convey a sense of urgency to prompt a quick repsonse under pressure.
5. Think before you click. If you receive an email or text message that contains a link that you're not sure of then try hovering over it to check that it goes where it's suppose to. If you're still in any doubt don't risk it, always go direct to the source rather than clicking on a potentially dangerous link.
6. Check out SLC's latest guidance on how to identify a Phishing scam and their video for more information

Swansea University has been contacted by South Wales Police to make us aware of a potential rise in a new scam targeting International students in an attempt to extort money. Please remember, there is no need to be alarmed - we are sharing this information to help you to remain vigilante and alert to the types of empty threats criminals employ to extort money from potential victims.

Here is a summary of the information that has been forwarded onto us by our local police force;

• Students studying abroad are contacted by someone pretending to be from the Chinese embassy or consulate with a phone number to match (and speaking in their native language) saying that they were/are involved in a serious crime in China and telling them they must cooperate to make sure of their safety. Some have been asked to make a video which is then used to exhort money from their families back at home.
• This scam works because it creates a sense of panic and fear which makes people do things they would not normally consider and forget to ask vital questions or take the time to contact trusted people to report what’s happened. 
• So much information (social media in particular) is readily available online, that scammers can easily find a lot of information about the targeted victims, which makes it so much easier for them to carry out the scam.
• Always be vigilante about what information you share, including on your social media accounts. If you are at all concerned about contact you have received it’s really important to let someone you trust know.

If you feel as though you may have been targeted of this scam you need to contact the police to give as much details as possible, however you're more than welcome to contact the International@CampusLife team in the first instance as they can help you work out what you need to do.