Please read carefully and protect yourself against any scams.
Fraudsters are contacting overseas students (and visitors) who are in the UK via their mobile phone or social network account and claiming to represent UK or foreign government authorities. They tell the victim that there is evidence the immigration form(s) were filled incorrectly or that there is forged documentation or parcels which implicate them in a crime such as money laundering, fraud or immigration offences.
After demanding further personal details from the victim such as their name, current address and copies of personal documentation, they threaten the victim by suggesting a warrant exists for their arrest which will result in their deportation and imprisonment unless they transfer a payment to them in order to cancel the arrest or pay a fine.
This is a very advanced scam, and their details (including phone numbers and credentials) can often be verifiable online, to appear genuine. They are usually very forceful and overpowering, and will try every tactic to intimidate and scare you into giving them money.
UK government authorities will never ask you to transfer money in this way, neither would they demand money to in order to cancel deportation or arrest.
Do not be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details no matter who they say they are
- protect your information
- do not engage in conversation with them
- question them (if you feel confident to)
- always refuse their demand for information or money
If you have made a payment to someone claiming to be the police or government department, and you think you might be a victim of fraud, you can report it to Action Fraud any time of the day or night using our online fraud reporting tool. You can also get advice about fraud or cyber-crime by calling 0300 123 2040.
Speak to international experience advisers for help and support at University.
Kind regards,
International Experience Team
Sheffield Hallam University,
Howard Street
Sheffield, S1 1WB