Students are being reminded to be cautious after reports of a serious fraud scam targeting international students.
The scam, which has targeted mainly Chinese students studying at universities and colleges across the UK, offers money exchange at a preferential rate as well as offering vehicles for sale.
The criminals have been advertising services on the WeChat social media app. Victims are asked to attend meetings and encouraged to bring large sums of money (Sterling cash) to be exchanged at a preferential rate into Chinese Yuan. They are then being ambushed at the pre-determined meeting site and the cash stolen.
Students are being advised to avoid adverts on social media networking sites offering money exchange services outside of normal banking procedures or allowing third parties access to their bank accounts.
If you think you may have been targeted or are a victim of fraud, please contact the International Advice and Guidance Team who will support you to contact the British Police through ACTION FRAUD. You can also contact ACTION FRAUD directly on 0300 123 2040.
If you have been told not to contact anyone, please be assured that our International Advice and Guidance team operate confidentially.
For further information about security and safe computing, please visit our Computing Services information page.