Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has launched a student safety campaign to reveal the top scams students and young people (aged 11 - 29) need to be aware of.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 5 scams you should have on your radar, along with some simple tips to keep yourself safe.
The Top 5 Fraud Types Targeting Students:
1. Investment Fraud
Total Loss: £29,509,631
Fraudsters know students are always looking for ways to make some extra cash.
That’s why they target young people with “too good to be true” investment schemes, especially around cryptocurrency.
You’ll often see these offers on social media, with promises of high returns.
Spoiler alert: there’s no return, just a scam.
Tip:
If an investment seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Stick to well-known, legitimate platforms, and do your research before putting any money into anything.
2. Fake Job Fraud
Total Loss: £149,719
Looking for a part-time job to fund your nights out or help with rent?
Fraudsters know this and will post fake job ads to get your personal info or money.
They may ask for upfront fees for a fake consultation or “extra help” finding a job - none of which will materialise.
Tip:
Never pay for a job interview or recruitment service. Legitimate employers don’t ask for money upfront.
3. Rental Fraud
Total Loss: £4,270,255
Renting accommodation for uni?
Be careful - fraudsters often advertise fake properties, asking for deposits or rent payments before you’ve even seen the place.
Once you’ve paid, they disappear, leaving you without a place to stay or your cash.
Tip:
Always view a property in person before paying anything, and don’t send money via bank transfer.
Use secure payment methods whenever possible.
4. Online Shopping Fraud
Total Loss: £9,199,951
Online shopping is convenient, but some “too good to be true” deals are actually fake.
Fraudsters create bogus websites or impersonate legitimate retailers to steal your personal and financial details.
Tip:
Always check the URL starts with “https” and that the website is legitimate.
If a deal seems suspiciously cheap, think twice before clicking “buy.”
5. Ticket Fraud
Total Loss: £1,053,493
Students love attending gigs, festivals, and freshers’ events.
Unfortunately, so do scammers.
Fraudsters often sell fake tickets to in-demand events, leaving you without your money - or a ticket.
Tip:
Buy tickets only from official sellers or trusted platforms.
If a ticket price seems way lower than everyone else’s, it’s likely a scam.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from Fraud?
Starting uni or school is exciting, but don’t let fraudsters spoil your fun.
Here are some top tips to stay safe online:
1. Secure your online accounts:
• Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
• A great method is the “three random words” strategy, and don’t forget to enable two-step verification (2SV) for added security.
2. Be cautious when sending money:
• Avoid transferring money via bank transfer unless it’s to someone you trust.
• Scammers often pressure you to send money immediately - don’t fall for it.
• When shopping online, using a credit card offers extra protection.
3. Watch out for unsolicited messages:
• Whether it’s a random email, text, or DM on social media offering deals that seem too good to be true, take a step back.
• Always double-check if the offer is legit before making any payments.
4. Report suspicious emails:
• Forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and block scam texts or spam calls by texting 7726 (it’s free!).
For more student safety tips, visit: actionfraud.police.uk/studentsafety
What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed:
If you think you’ve lost money or shared your personal info with a scammer, act fast:
1. Contact your bank immediately.
2. Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
3. In Scotland, report fraud to Police Scotland at 101.
Fraudsters are always on the lookout for easy targets, but by staying vigilant and taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid their tricks and enjoy everything uni life has to offer.
Remember, protecting yourself online doesn’t have to be complicated - just a few smart habits can make a world of difference.
At Be Hard to Hack, we’re all about helping you stay secure in the digital world.
From password tips to avoiding scams, we provide easy-to-follow advice to keep your personal info safe.
Ready to level up your online security?
Head over to Be Hard to Hack and start making yourself harder to hack today.
Stay safe, stay smart, and don’t let scammers steal your fun!