Starting university or returning for a new academic year can be a busy and exciting time. As students receive maintenance loans and search for part-time work, scammers may see an opportunity to take advantage. From fake Student Loans Company messages to fraudulent job offers, read on to find out more about the red flags and how to protect yourself.
Be scam aware: Fake job offers are getting more sophisticated
Cyber criminals are using new tactics to make phishing emails look more convincing, including sending fake job opportunities through Google Calendar invites and Microsoft Teams meeting invitations. They can appear legitimate, but there are some key warning signs to look out for.
Spot the red flags
🚩 Vague greetings – Messages often start with “Hello Student”, “Dear Student” or similar generic introductions.
🚩 Requests to use a personal email address – Legitimate University communications should be sent and responded to using your University email account. If you’re asked to switch to a personal email address, be cautious.
🚩 Unexpected calendar or Teams invites – Scammers may use meeting invitations simply as a way to deliver the scam. Some messages even tell you to ignore the invite itself.
🚩 Pressure to act quickly – Look out for urgent language, excessive use of capital letters, or requests for an immediate response.
🚩 Unusual meeting details – Fake invites may be scheduled shortly after the email is sent or use non-UK time zones such as EDT.
🚩 External sender warnings – Most scam emails come from external accounts, often Gmail addresses. Remember that even genuine organisations can have their accounts compromised, so always check carefully.
How to protect yourself
✅ Check the sender’s email address carefully
✅ Never share personal information with unknown contacts
✅ Be wary of requests to move conversations to a personal email account
✅ Don’t click links or respond if something feels suspicious
✅ Report suspicious messages and delete them
Be scam aware: Scammers target students as loan payments arrive
In September, the Student Loans company is gearing up to pay £2.6 billion in maintenance support to 1.1m students.
As Student Loans Company (SLC) payments begin to arrive, scammers are increasing finding new ways to take advantage of students by sending convincing texts, emails and social media messages designed to steal personal information or money.
Spot the red flags
🚩 The SLC does not provide services through WhatsApp and will not initiate contact with you through social media.
🚩 They will not ask you to share passwords, security codes or banking information through messaging platforms.
Be cautious if:
🚩 Someone contacts you unexpectedly claiming to be from the Student Loans Company.
🚩 You’re asked to provide personal or financial information.
🚩 You’re told there’s an urgent problem with your account.
🚩 You’re asked to click a link and log in to verify your details.
How to protect yourself
✅ Log in to your student finance account directly through the official GOV.UK website to check whether there are any genuine actions you need to take.
✅ Do not publicise when you get your payment; this includes refraining from posting information about it on social media.
University Guidance:
At the University, one of our top priorities is helping you to stay safe. Find out more about our Pause. Check. Protect. campaign including financial scams that can be specifically targeted at students. Get to know the red flags and how to protect yourself and your money.