Stay Safe from Scams

This page explains common scams affecting international students and how to recognise and avoid them, so you can make informed decisions and stay safe.

Starting life in a new country is exciting, but unfamiliar systems can make it easier for scams to happen. Here, you’ll find common examples and tips to help you spot scams and protect your money and personal information.

Sim Card Scams 

Criminals posing as police officers or customs officials may contact you. They may claim you are under criminal investigation after a parcel addressed to you was stopped in your home country. This scam has left students in severe financial difficulties. Don't assume people are who they say they are on a phone call or text, especially if they ask for personal or financial details. If you are unsure about any phone calls, emails or messages, do not comply with any requests. Talk it over with someone you trust or the police. 
 
Police will never demand your bank account details, passport information, or address or ask to monitor your movements over the phone.

Spot the signs…

  • You receive a cold call (an unexpected call from a stranger).
  • You’re pressured to make quick decisions, transfer money, or threatened with legal consequences or exposure of sensitive information.
  • You’re told to send money immediately or face arrest or jail.

Be especially cautious if the caller claims to be from authorities such as China’s public security bureau or agencies like the National Crime Agency (NCA). Scammers may accuse you of crimes or leaking sensitive information and threaten arrest unless you pay large sums of money.

How to protect yourself

  • Do Not Buy Pre-Arrival: Only purchase SIM cards upon arrival from official, reputable mobile network providers or at recognized retail outlets.
  • Do Not Transfer Money: Never transfer money or provide personal bank details to someone over the phone, no matter who they claim to be.

 

Type of ScamExplanation of scam
Student Loans Company phishing scamStudents get an email or a text from what appears to be the Student Loans Company asking for their bank details.
Rental fraudStudents looking for property are asked to pay a fee in advance for a property that doesn’t even exist. The Advice Place has put together guidance on recognising accommodation scams and getting support.
The ‘virtual kidnapping’ scamA student is contacted by someone pretending to be from the Embassy of their home country who tells them they are implicated in a serious crime. They are persuaded not to tell anyone and to cut off all contact with their family and ‘kidnap’ themselves. Money is then extorted from the family as well as from the student.
Fake Home Office scamThis scam targets international students. Fake officials claiming to be from the Police or Home Office contact the student and tell them they did not complete the correct paperwork on entry into the country and that they must pay a fine or be deported.
HMRC scamFraudsters ring and tell the victim that they will be arrested for tax fraud, unless they instantly hand over payment details and pay a fee. Alternatively, someone claiming to be from HMRC offers a 'tax refund' in exchange for personal or financial details.
Tuition payment help scamStudents are contacted and offered ‘help’ to pay their tuition fees or told they can have a bursary if they supply their bank details. 
Tuition fees emailWe are aware of fraudulent emails being sent out in the name of the University of Edinburgh, asking for students to pay a deposit for their tuition fees. The University will only send emails to you from addresses ending with ed.ac.uk, (including @uoe.ed.ac.uk and @exseed.ed.ac.uk). Any official email issued by the University will advise how to pay using an approved online payment system.

Police Scotland Chinese Students Cyber Safety Information Leaflet (Bilingual)

Video by Police Scotland and the Chinese Consulate about scam prevention. 

Contact us

EdHelp

You can contact EdHelp online or receive help in-person at libraries across campus.

EdHelp

University of Edinburgh Security

Call + 44 (0) 131 650 2257 or email

The Advice Place

Call +44 (0) 131 650 9225 or email advice@eusa.ed.ac.uk

Advice Place | Edinburgh University Students' Association

 

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