Stay vigilant as the new academic year begins.
As the new academic year kicks off, it’s an exciting time but unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers may try to take advantage of students. One of the most common scams right now is SMS fraud, so it’s important to know what to look out for and how to protect yourself.
Our top tips to stay safe
- Check the quality of the message - Poor spelling, grammar, or punctuation are often signs of a scam (known as "phishing").
- Be extra cautious around payment dates - Scammers often target students when they’re expecting money.
- Watch out for generic greetings - Messages that start with “Dear Student” and don’t include your full name could be suspicious.
- Urgency is a red flag - If a message says something like “respond within 24 hours or your account will be closed,” it’s likely a scam.
- Think before you click - Hover over links to check where they lead. If you're unsure, go directly to the official website instead.
- Scammers use many methods - This includes fake phone calls, social media posts, and direct messages. Always verify using official contact details or your online account.
- Protect your personal info - Be mindful of what you share online, fraudsters can use details like your name, date of birth, course info, or address to impersonate you.
You can find more guidance on identifying scams at: GOV.UK – Scams: how you can avoid them.
Recognising and reporting scams
Changes to bank details
If your bank details change, Student Finance England (SFE) will send you an SMS asking you to confirm the update. If you receive a message but haven’t made any changes, log into your online account to check your details.
Social media & WhatsApp
SFE will never contact you via WhatsApp or initiate conversations about your student finance through social media. If you’re unsure about a message, always verify it through your online account.
Suspicious messages
If you receive a message that seems suspicious, report it immediately to the SLC Economic Crime Unit.
Email: report@phishing.gov.uk
Hotline: 0300 100 0059
Additional resources
Here are some helpful links to keep you informed and protected:
- Action Fraud – The UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime
- Stop! Think Fraud – A Home Office campaign to help you spot and avoid scams
