Seven scams that students should be aware of
Cyber criminals are using more complex tactics to try and steal personal information, money, and even identities. Knowing how to recognise and defend against these risks can help to protect you from becoming victims. In this blog, we’ll look at seven cyber crimes which target students and share some practical tips that will help you stay protected online.
1. Rental property fraud
When looking for rental properties online, be wary of scammers who ask for advance payments before you have seen the property in person. The listing could be fake, already rented, or rented to multiple people. To avoid falling victim, make sure to confirm the legitimacy of the advertiser. Don’t send money to the advertiser until you, or someone you trust, has seen the property in person. Avoid rushing into payments, especially via a money transfer service. If you require arranging housing from abroad, read the ‘Applying for accommodation’ web pages for guidance.
2. Fraudsters impersonating the police
Watch out for fraudsters who impersonate police, sending fake ID’s and telling you not to discuss an ‘investigation’ with others, by claiming you’re under investigation for parcel fraud. They may ask for you to transfer money to a bank account ‘for verification’, only to keep the money and demand more and more. Real police will never ask for personal details such as bank or passport information over the phone or attempt to monitor your movements. If you receive one of these phone calls, emails, or messages that seems suspicious, talk to someone you trust or the police.
3. Targeted to be a money mule
Students are more commonly targeted as ‘money mules’ due to their clean bank account raising fewer suspicions. You may attempt to be recruited through unexpected emails, social media or fake job listings. Look for red flags such as offers to ‘work from home,’ ‘earn easy money,’ or request your bank details, these can signal a potential scam. Transferring illegal money is a crime, and it can lead to a criminal record, even if it seems like an easy way to make money. Always be cautious about what is being offered and avoid any suspicious requests.
4. Ticket fraud
Be wary of ticket scams where criminals set up fake websites or social media profiles to mimic legitimate sellers to offer non-existent tickets for events. Sites may seem real and legitimate, though may have slight changes in the URL. Fraudsters may attempt to contact you through email, text, or a direct message on social media, advertising tickets for sold out events at a ‘too good to be true’ price. To stay safe from such scams, only buy from official sellers that are part of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR). Red flags to look out for could be requesting to be paid by bank transfer, seeing subtle URL differences, or being told a ’representative’ will meet you at the venue.
5. Job vacancy scams
Fake job ads are becoming more sophisticated, being designed to steal personal information or money from job seekers. Ads can be tailored to a victim’s background, making it more difficult to tell if it is real or fake. Common scams include advance fee scams, where fraudsters ask for money for ‘cv writing’ or ‘background checks’, and phone interview scams, where job seekers unknowingly pay for high call charges. Identity theft is also a risk, where fake employers may request sensitive details such as bank or passport information.
6. Purchasing essays online
Using paper-writing services for assignments could be tempting, but it is not only unethical but opens students up to scams and extortion. Essay mills often exploit students by threatening to inform their university of the purchase unless they pay a fee. To avoid becoming a victim of such scams, stay clear of these services and focus on completing assignments yourself.
7. Sextortion
Social media catfishing involves scammers creating fake identities to trick others, usually to gain personal information or to blackmail victims. To keep yourself protected, keep profiles private, be cautious in online relationships, and consider using a webcam cover when not using your camera if your device has one. If you become threatened by sextortion, don’t engage or pay. Take screenshots, preserve evidence, and immediately contact the police. Avoid panicking, as there is help and support available, and remember that blocking the scammer and securing any accounts are essential. Mass phishing emails about sextortion are common and should be forwarded to the NCSC’s Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) at [email protected].
How you can keep yourself safe
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre offers simple advice to stay safe online. Use a strong, unique password—try combining three random words that are meaningful to you. This makes it harder for cybercriminals to correctly guess. Turn on 2-Step Verification or Multi-Factor Authentication for added protection, so even if someone gets your password, they can’t access your account. A password manager can help you store passwords securely and prevent forgetting them. Regularly back up your important data, either in the cloud or on a physical device like a USB or external hard drive. Finally, keep your devices updated, as updates often include security improvements.