Students are increasingly being targeted by scams and international students can be especially at risk.
A scam is when someone tries to trick you into giving them money or personal information. Scammers may target you if you are new to the area, living in the UK for the first time or unsure of local laws and support services.
If you think you may have been targeted, please contact student.support@abdn.ac.uk or reach out to Police Scotland.
Scams can look very convincing, using fake identities, stolen information or details from social media. They can happen online, by phone, email or social media and often appear to come from trusted sources such as:
- Home Office
- UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI)
- HMRC
- Police
- Student Loans Company
- PayPal
- University services like IT or the Library
If you fall victim of a scam, you could lose your money, be unable to pay your fees or living costs and may risk your ability to continue your studies. Sadly, some students have already lost large sums of money. For international students, this could also affect your visa.
Taking part in fraud knowingly is a criminal offence, and the University will report it to the authorities.
Types of scams
The University wants to help you to stay safe. There are a wide variety of types of scams to be aware of. Remember, if something doesn't feel right, don't respond.
- Impersonation Calls
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Scammers may pose as government officials or embassy staff, claiming you're in legal trouble and demanding money.
Hang up immediately. Always verify by calling the organisation directly using official contact details.
- Fake Tuition Fee Discounts
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Fraudsters may offer a “15% discount” if you pay your tuition fees early. These offers are fake. Only pay fees through the official University channels. You can contact the Infohub directly if you wish to check anything regarding the University processes including tuition fees.
- Accommodation Scams
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Scammers may advertise fake properties and ask for upfront payments. Avoid listings on social media and always verify properties through trusted letting agents.
Read the Guide to Private Accommodation for more information and tips.
- Job Scams
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If you’re offered a job unexpectedly, especially via WhatsApp or Instagram, it’s likely fake.
Scammers may ask you to pay fees to unlock your wages. Don’t engage.
Read the student guide to protecting yourself and your personal data when applying for vacancies
- Student Loans Company Scams
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You may receive emails saying a Student Loans Company will call you to verify payment details. This is not true. Always log in to your official Student Loans Company account for updates. If in doubt, contact them directly or contact the University for advice.
- Visa/Immigration Scam
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There are new tactics used by scammers to target international students.
Fraudsters impersonate officials from UK Visas and Immigration or Chinese law enforcement, claiming the student is involved in serious crimes like money laundering. They use fake phone numbers, official-looking documents, and video calls to appear legitimate.
Once trust is gained, students are coerced into transferring large sums as "security deposits" or "bail." In one case, a student was subjected to a "virtual kidnapping," monitored via constant video calls, and isolated from friends and family.
There are also instances of fake embassy letters or emails being sent. Scammers send official-looking documents claiming that the student is facing issues with their immigration status or documents, with threats to deport the student unless immediate payment is made.