We will never ask you to pay for services such as Academic Support, and our IT Service Desk team will never ask you to share your password. If you receive an email request for payment from our support services, do not respond to the message and contact the relevant team via our Portal for assistance.
Unfortunately, we continue to be targeted as individuals and a convincing WhatsApp scam where criminals pose as a friend or family member in need has cost victims over £1.5 million.
Please stay aware, stay vigilant and stay informed.
As well as the examples mentioned above, watch out for:
- Phishing emails, which often target students at the start of term
- Offers to help with writing your assignments, or with visa applications
- People appearing to have some of your personal information who ask for more
- Requests for money or risks of fines or being deported
- Messages from friends or family with an unknown mobile number
- Fraudsters targeting students around the three Student Loans Company instalment periods in September, January and April each year. You should report any suspicious activity to phishing@slc.co.uk
Think Security, Do Security and Stay Secure
Avoid fraud, tricks and scams by:
- Checking website and email addresses
- Assessing the quality of communication - is it misspelt, or have poor punctuation or grammar
- Using a secure website when submitting sensitive information online
- Avoiding logging in on public networks or computers
- Keeping your password secret
- Avoiding sharing personal data online or on social media
For more information see our Information Security webpage, and guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre.
Do not click on any links or respond to a malicious message
If the message is to your personal email or mobile number, contact Action Fraud online or by phoning 0300 123 2040. Your reports will be passed on to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.
If you receive a malicious message to your university email address, delete the email or forward it to the IT Service Desk for advice.
To report suspicious messages or for support if you suspect you have clicked on a malicious link, please contact the IT Service Desk.
