Students urged to 'Stop! Think Fraud'

The government is urging students to follow the Stop! Think Fraud campaign advice to ensure they are protected from scams.

Nobody is immune from fraud. The criminals behind it target people online and in their homes. Students are being reminded to spot scams, with fraudsters targeting those fresh to university life and financial independence.

The top scam hitting students is bank impersonation, with one in four targeted. In bank impersonation scams, criminals pose as genuine bank staff and contact victims via text messages, phone calls, or emails. Other common scams encountered include fake tax rebates, with fraudsters sending fake messages claiming an HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) tax refund is just a click away.

You can Check a request from HMRC is genuine by visiting GOV.UK. Students unsure about a text claiming to be from HMRC should forward it to 60599, or by email to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Report a tax scam phone call at GOV.UK.

Over half of students (57%) have encountered or had money stolen by criminals, according to new data from NatWest’s Student Living Index. Young adults aged 18 to 24 are now having an average of £300 stolen by scammers in the past year, showing the crucial need for action.

For more information, visit: Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams