1. Common Student Scams and How to Avoid them
What can you do? Scammers will look to use a variety of methods to try and get your personal information. Here are the key questions to ask yourself:
- Has someone contacted you out of the blue?
- Does the information provided sound too good to be true?
- Have you been asked to provide your personal information?
- Are you being pressured into making an immediate decision?
- Does the text or message you received contain spelling or grammatical mistakes?
- Have you been asked to keep quiet about something?
- Have you received a one-time code for one of the accounts which they have asked you for?
- Have any contact details been provided? If so, is it a mobile number or PO Box?
- Do you think you have been scammed?
2. UCL Accommodation Scams
Spot the signs of a scam: Are you being asked to send tuition fees using a platform you have not heard of?
- Have you been contacted unexpectedly?
- Have you been asked to send money or to move money to keep it safe?
- Have you been asked for your personal information?
- Does what you‘re told sound too good to be true?
- Are you being pressured into making a decision?
- Have they given you a deadline to send your money that you were not previously aware of?
- Have you been asked to hold money in your bank account on behalf of an organisation?
Quick tips: You should never give your financial details to someone you don’t know and trust.
- If you are not 100% sure that something is legitimate, contact UCL immediately - we will be happy to support you.
- Do not give out any personal information or make any financial transactions if you are unsure.
- Be cautious of being contacted by individuals pretending to be UCL staff.
- Check sender's email address closely. We will never contact you using a non-UCL email address.
If you think you have been scammed, or you have any doubts and would like to check before you transfer money, email the Crime Prevention and Personal Safety team who will support you: crimeprevention-personalsafety@ucl.ac.uk
Additional Tips on how to stay safe online and avoid scams from UCL
Students' Union information about scams
External Supports and Information
Report Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime where you can report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.
Chinese International Students Wellbeing Centre is a not-for-profit community interest company who are committed to supporting Chinse international students fully.
UK Council for International Student Affairs is dedicated to supporting international students and the professionals at the institutions, students' unions, and organisations that work closely with them.
The Little Guide to... preventing fraud and cyber crime | Metropolitan Police
Take Five To Stop Fraud | To Stop Fraud
The Cyber Helpline supports individuals impacted by a variety of cyber crimes, including digital fraud, scams, hacks, and phishing.