Protecting your personal information

Social media makes it easy for us to communicate with our friends and family, as well as share our experiences, opinions, and beliefs. Although there are lots of benefits to using social media, unfortunately it can also leave you vulnerable. You could find that your conversations and comments are closely targeted or widely broadcast. Remember that what you post publicly online can stay with you for a long time – and it can affect both your professional and personal life. If you find you have become a victim of online abuse, or would just like some further information, visit the Get Safe Online website.

• Customers with some of the UK’s major banks have been warned about text message scams. The texts typically pretend to be security messages from a bank requesting confirmation of a payment made from a device not used before. They ask the customer to tap a link to confirm payment to a named person.
• The links request your bank log-in details – by giving these away, you are at risk of serious fraud. If you receive a text like this and you’re unsure if it’s genuine, make sure you contact your bank. It’s also worth forwarding any scam texts to 7726 – a free reporting service run by UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom. You can also report scams to Action Fraud online

• Parcel delivery scams are becoming more frequent, so be vigilant. Fraudsters are sending texts and emails claiming to be from Royal Mail and asking the recipient to pay a shipping fee. The link goes to a fake Royal Mail website where you’re asked to divulge your bank or card details.
• Other fraudulent messages claim a parcel delivery has been attempted but no one was home. The messages state that the item will be returned to sender unless you visit a fake website and provide data to rearrange delivery. As with the bank scams, you can forward suspicious texts to 7726 or report scams to Action Fraud online

There has recently been a rise across the country in many types of scams, online and phone. International students can be specifically targeted as they are new to the country. Criminals will telephone students, claiming to be from a genuine organisation, like the UKVI (UK Home Office), or an education agent. They demand money from you for a fine or a non-existent immigration problem and claim that if you do not pay them quickly, there will be serious consequences, for example, they say you will be deported, or your Student Visa will be revoked.

How to respond

• Do not give the caller any personal information or confirm any information they have about you is correct.
• Do not hand over any of your money or give access to your financial details, like bank account or credit or cash card information.
• Hang up, end the call. The home office does not issue financial penalties.
• Report the incident to the University’s Safety & Security team as soon as possible. The Safety & Security team are based in the University Library and are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Or you can call T: +44 (0)1642 342086

Find out more about scams and how to protect yourself:

• UK Government website
• UK Council for International Student affairs