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Keeping your money safe

Managing money and finances are vital tools whilst at University but it’s also important to know how to protect yourself (and your money) from online scams.

At the start of a new academic year, especially around payment dates, students can be the target of phishing and vishing scams. We want students to be aware of the tactics fraudsters use and how to stop them from getting their personal details. 

We’ll never ask students to provide their personal or financial information via email, text message or WhatsApp. If a student receives a suspicious message, they should report it to SLC’s Financial Crime Prevention Unit immediately by emailing [email protected] or by calling 0300 100 0059.

Student Finances full guidance appears on GOV.UK with updated advice for 2024/25.

Money mules
Money mules help criminals to move money through bank accounts in exchange for a fee. It is a type of money laundering and is becoming an increasingly common form of criminal activity targeted towards students.
Romance scams
Romance scams can happen to anyone with students being particularly vulnerable due to the large sums of money paid to them throughout the year. Students are typically targeted to align with when student loans are distributed.
We are here for you

The Money Advice team offer virtual and telephone appointments, which can be booked 72 hours in advance. Appointments are for 30 minutes. If needed, a follow-up appointment will be arranged.

The team can offer guidance on all money-related matters including student funding, they can help with personal finances and provide advice on the Student Support Fund.

Book an appointment
Online gambling
Every year many students suffer from financial or social harm due to gambling. It is easy to accumulate debt and students with gambling addiction often miss out on lectures and participating in university life to fund their lifestyle.
Phone scams
Phone scams targeting university students often happen to align with Student Finance payments or when assignments are due. They are designed to catch you at a vulnerable moment. Be wary of any phone calls or text messages where someone is purporting to be from your university, asking for immediate payments to be made.
Financial blackmail
Financial blackmail is the act of attempting to obtain money through intimidation. Financial blackmail can threaten to disclose personal or discreditable information. The pressure of the threat is then used as an attempt to influence the individual’s actions. One type of financial blackmail is sextortion.

How can you protect yourself from scams?

By taking steps to protect yourself, you can help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of a scam. To do this we recommend:

Stay cautious with message requests – Always make sure you know who you’re speaking to before replying. If the message includes a link, don’t click on it unless you know for sure what it is.

Be suspicious of ‘quick easy money’ – If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. This is especially important to remember if you are looking at job adverts or see an online social media post.

Research new opportunities – Just because a job advert is live, doesn’t mean it is legitimate. Look into the company before applying. Or stick to reputable companies.

Don’t share your bank details with people you don’t trust – Even if friends or family ask you to share details, you can still say no.

Remember you can always hang up a phone call – If you answer a call and something doesn’t feel right, just hang up. It’s safer to find a known contact number and call back.

More advice