A scam can con you out of money and can be via post, telephone, email, text message or website. It can be disguised as a lottery win, prize draw, job offer or “wonder” goods such as diet pills. Students are more likely to be taken in by money related scams such as money laundering (which is being asked to transfer money from one bank account to another for a fee) or job offers. How to protect yourself:
- If it sounds too good to be true it probably is
- Be suspicious of people who contact you out of the blue or from companies you haven’t heard of
- Be aware of pressuring messages “if you don’t act now you will miss this golden opportunity”
- Be suspicious of any banks or government agencies that contact you demanding your details
- Know who you’re dealing with. Research the company online, check with companies house
- When shopping online, always try to use a credit card as they are protected for purchases over £50
- Have a look at Citizens Advice's information on scams, including their tool to check whether something is a scam
The Student Advice Centre can help you with the financial issues concerning SCAMS and you can also find out more about scams
Newcastle University Wellbeing Team in King’s Gate, also have a finance team who deal with financial issues mainly concerning student funding and bursaries as well as the Hardship and FAF schemes.
Some Recent Scams:
Some criminals have been targeting international students specifically, pretending to be from a legitimate company (such as the UK Home Office, and education agent or UKISA). They demand money- calling it a "fine" and that it must be paid immediately or there will be damaging consequences, such as deportation. Please refer to this page on what to look out for and what to do if you have experienced such a call or email.
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