What to look out for in scams targeting Tier 4 students

Published Friday, 7^th December, 2018 in University news

Each year, scammers have been known to target Tier 4 students after they arrive in the UK. They demand money for visa fees and fines that don’t exist, sometimes in the form of gift cards or iTunes vouchers, and can be extremely persistent to the point of harassment.

Please read the following information carefully so that you will be fully informed in case you or someone you know receives a call like this:

• Legitimate Home Office officials will never contact you asking you to pay visa fees or fines over the phone. If the Home Office needs to contact you about something, this will usually be by hard copy letter or email.
• Home Office or UKVI officials will never ask you to pay visa fees or fines using gift cards, iTunes vouchers, cryptocurrency or money transfer services.
• Trusted organisations will not pressure you to make a financial transaction on the spot.
• A scammer may try to tell you that you cannot speak to anyone about what they’re asking – this is not true. You are allowed to check with the University if you’re unsure about a call, email or letter you’ve received from what appears to be the Home Office or UKVI.

If you are unsure about any calls you have received, contact the International Student Advice Team (visaadvice@city.ac.uk) and Visa Compliance Team (visacompliance@city.ac.uk). They will be able to assist you with any enquiries you have.

If you have been a victim of fraud please contact the International Student Advice Team and Visa Compliance Team as well as Action Fraud. Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime, taking reports on behalf of the police. You can call them on 0300 123 2040.