- Stay safe from scams
- Important the university will never ...
- Report it immediately
- How to protect yourself
- Report a scam
Stay safe from scams
There has been a rise in scams targeting university students in the UK and internationally.
International students may be more at risk if they are unfamiliar with UK systems.
Protecting your money and personal information is essential.
👉 Always ask yourself: Could this be a scam?
Important: the university will never...
- Ask for your password.
- Ask for your bank details by email link.
- Ask you to click a link to “confirm” personal details.
If you need to check something:
- Go directly to the official University website.
- Log in through the main system (never through an email link).
ℹ️If something feels wrong, trust your instincts.
Report it immediately
If you suspect a security breach on:
- A University device
- Your University account
- A University system
⚠️If your university login details or accounts have been compromised, or you think they may have been, contact the Helpdesk immediately. Telephone +44 (0)1707 284678 (available 24/7) or email helpdesk@herts.ac.uk
✅ How to Protect Yourself
1️⃣ Check the Source
- Verify email addresses carefully.
- Only use official University websites.
- If you get a phone call asking for your personal or financial details, don’t feel you have to respond straight away. Ask who they are and where they are calling from, then end the call. Look up the organisation yourself and call them back using the official number on their website to check the call is genuine.
- Be aware that scammers can make calls look like they are coming from real organisations by copying (cloning) phone numbers. Even if the number looks familiar, it’s still important to double‑check before sharing any information.
- If someone pressures you to act quickly, or threatens things like your visa status or your finances, this is a warning sign.
- Other scam tactics include being asked to buy gift cards or share the codes – this is also a warning sign and something a legitimate organisation will never ask you to do.
- Take a step back, don’t respond immediately, and make sure the call or email is genuinely from a trusted source before taking any action.
2️⃣ Make safe payments
- Pay tuition and accommodation using official University payment methods.
- Never transfer money to individuals, agents, or third parties.
3️⃣ Protect your passwords
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication where possible.
4️⃣ Be careful with urgent requests
Scammers often:
- Create pressure
- Ask for quick decisions
- Threaten consequences
ℹ️Take your time. Check first.
5️⃣ Apply through official channels
- Apply directly through the University website.
- For undergraduate applications, use UCAS.
- If using an agent, make sure they are officially authorised by the University.
6️⃣ Check visa information carefully
- Only use official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI guidance.
- Be cautious of anyone offering to “fast-track” your visa for a fee.
📢 Report a Scam
If you think you’ve been targeted:
- Inform the University.
- Contact your bank immediately.
- Report to Action Fraud (UK’s national fraud reporting centre).
- University wellbeing support.