Scams Continuing to Target International Students

Common Scams Targeting Chinese and Other International Students

International students around the world are often targeted by scams, and this is true in the UK. Many students are living in the UK for the first time and may have large amounts of money in their bank accounts for tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs. This makes them a prime target for criminals looking to trick them into transferring large sums of money. Read on to find out more about some of the common scams that target international students and how to stay safe. 

If you think you have been scammed, or you have any doubts that a request is legitimate and you would like to check before you transfer, contact UCL's friendly Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team who will support you. The best way to contact the team is via email, but they are also contactable via Teams: crimeprevention-personalsafety@ucl.ac.uk.

Typical Scam Examples:

Fake Police Calls

Scammers impersonate Chinese authorities, such as the Shanghai or Beijing Police, falsely accusing students of crimes like money laundering and demanding payment to avoid arrest or deportation. Some students report scammers instructing them to do a fake video call investigation, even wearing police uniforms and showing fake documents to appear credible. Bear in mind that no legitimate authorities will demand immediate payments or use video calls in such circumstances. 

Tuition Fee Scams

Scammers offer students or their families discounts or "help" with tuition fees. For example, sometimes they say they can get a better exchange rate if paid in another currency and offer ‘reduced fees’. They pay the university using stolen cards, making it appear as paid, and the student then reimburses them. When the bank reverses the payment, the student loses money and still owes their fees. Some students have also received scam calls where the caller knows personal details and urges them to pay fees via bank transfer instead of Flywire. UCL only accepts tuition payments via Flywire—never transfer money via bank transfer and report any such calls to the university.  

Fake Embassy Letters or Emails

Scammers send fake official-looking documents claiming that the student is facing issues with their immigration status or documents, threatening to deport the student unless immediate payment is made. 

AI Voice Cloning Scam

Scammers collect voice samples from students and use AI to create realistic deep fake calls to their loved ones, such as family members, pretending they are in distress and need urgent money transfers. 

Virtual Kidnapping Scam

Scammers tell a student that they are being watched and must isolate themselves. They then contact the student’s family, claiming the student has been kidnapped, and demand a ransom payment.

WeChat or Social Media Scams

Fraudsters pose as fellow students or officials on WeChat or other platforms, befriending students and convincing them to transfer money for fraudulent reasons. They may also create fake accounts to impersonate the student, claiming to be in urgent need of money and contacting the student’s friends or family. 

Parcel Scams (DHL/Royal Mail Impersonation)

Scammers pretending to be from delivery services like DHL or Royal Mail claim there is an issue with a student's parcel that requires urgent investigation. They may demand payment to resolve the issue, tricking students into transferring money for non-existent problems. 

Hard Luck Scams

Scammers approach students claiming they have been a victim of theft or are in urgent need of money. They may ask students to transfer money with the promise of paying them back later or even walk them to cashpoints to withdraw money. They may even seem to ‘transfer’ money, but afterwards cancel the payment.  

Intimate Image Abuse (Sextortion)

Scammers manipulate victims into sharing explicit images or videos, then threaten to release them unless they receive money. They may pose as a potential romantic partner or someone offering financial incentives in exchange for private images.  

Note: These examples are not exhaustive. Scammers may use a variety of tactics, and new scams may emerge over time. Always stay alert and be cautious of any communication that feels suspicious. 

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family 

1. Report suspicious activity. If you get a suspicious call, message, or email, please contact the UCL Crime Prevention and Personal Safety team. This team has extensive experience identifying scams targeting international students and can advise you on what to do next.  
2. Stay Safe: Ignore and Verify Suspicious Contacts. If you receive a suspicious call, message, or email, do not respond—hang up immediately! If the caller claims to be from an official authority, always verify their identity by calling the organization directly using trusted contact details. 
3. Be wary of pressure tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to manipulate you. No legitimate organization will demand immediate payment in such a way. 
4. Look out for red flags: Suspicious links, unfamiliar numbers, or strange language in messages or emails could indicate a scam. Always double-check before clicking or responding. 
5. Involve trusted contacts: If you receive a message or call that feels off, reach out to someone you trust, whether that's a family member, friend, or university support. 
6. Warn your family and close friends in your home country about these scams. Remind them that international students are often targeted and to stay calm and verify any situation before acting. It is worth noting that scammers may exploit time zone differences by contacting families at night when students are unavailable.  

Scam Tactics Are Expanding

We have been made aware that similar scams have targeted both Chinese and other international students at many universities across the UK.  

It only takes a few minutes of your time to email the UCL Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Team, but it can save you and your family thousands of pounds.  

More information

Visit our fraud and scams page for more tips on how to stay safe online and avoid scams online or over the phone. 

Understand common student scams and how to avoid them including Student Loans Company phishing scams and tuition fee scams. 

Learn how to avoid housing scams in your search for student accommodation. 

Find out where to report fraud and scams.