Starting a new school or university year is exciting! But before you get swept up in the whirlwind of freshers' events and new friends, be aware: young people are prime targets for fraudsters.
Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, has some sobering statistics. In 2023, nearly 69,000 people aged 11-29 reported fraud, with a total loss of a whopping £143.7 million.
Here are the top five fraud types students need to be aware of:
Investment Fraud: Dreaming of quick cash? Scammers love targeting students with promises of high-return investments, especially in cryptocurrency. They often operate through social media, so be skeptical of any "get rich quick" schemes you see online.
Fake Job Fraud: Hunting for that perfect part-time job? Watch out for fraudulent job ads. These scams aim to steal your personal information or money by asking for upfront payments for consultations or "extra help" finding a job.
Rental Fraud: Finding student accommodation can be stressful. Unfortunately, fraudsters exploit this by advertising fake properties and pressuring you to pay fees upfront. Never send money without seeing the property in person and verifying its legitimacy.
Online Shopping Fraud: Everyone loves a good deal, but be cautious! Fraudulent websites often mimic legitimate retailers to trick you into providing your personal and financial information for purchases that never arrive.
Ticket Fraud: Excited about that upcoming concert or event? Beware of fake tickets! Students searching for cheap deals on events like freshers' week can easily fall prey to this scam.
Protecting Yourself from Fraud:
Don't become a statistic! Here's how to stay safe:
Secure Your Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Consider using three random words and enabling two-step verification (2SV) for added security.
Be Smart About Money Transfers: Avoid sending money through bank transfers, especially under pressure. Legitimate organisations won't rush you. For online purchases, consider using a credit card for better protection.
Beware of Unsolicited Contact: From unbelievable deals to suspicious rentals advertised online, double-check everything before committing.
Reporting Fraud:
If you suspect fraud, take action:
- Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
- Report suspicious texts or spam calls to 7726
Need More Help?
Visit Action Fraud's student safety campaign for more tips: actionfraud.police.uk/studentsafety
Remember, if you've been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud:
- Online: actionfraud.police.uk
- Phone: 0300 123 2040 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
- Phone: 101 (Scotland)
Stay safe and have a fantastic school year!
Source: Action Fraud (26-08-2024)
