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;
- 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.
- 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.
- Check the quality of the communication. Misspelling, poor punctuation and bad grammar are often tell-tale signs of Phising.
- '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.
- 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.
- Check out SLC's latest guidance on how to identify a Phishing scam and their video for more information
