Heads Up, KCL Students! Phone Payment Scam Targeting You!

On May 9th, King’s College London (KCL) issued a warning about a phone scam targeting students. These fraudsters pretend to be high-ranking members of the Finance department and claim your bank account is compromised. Their ultimate goal? To trick you into transferring money to a different account.

Here’s the crucial info- KCL will never request phone payments without sending you an email notification beforehand. Do not get fooled by convincing calls!

Protect Yourself From Scams Targeting KCL Students

Students, especially those new to living independently, are prime targets for financial scams. A recent survey revealed that a whopping third of UK students have encountered scams!

Here are some of the most common student scams you need to be aware of:

• Fake Delivery Scam- Watch out for messages about missed deliveries with links to reschedule. Clicking the link can steal your personal and banking information.
• Tuition Fee Fraud- Scammers might offer fake discounts on student fees. Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
• Accommodation Scams- Be wary of suspicious rental listings or requests for upfront payments before viewing the property.

Red Flags to Spot a Scammer

Scammers often try to build trust before stealing your money. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

• They claim to be university or bank staff.
• They know some of your personal details (bank name, services you use).
• They pressure you to verify their identity online (a tactic to appear legitimate).
• They request additional personal information.

What to Do If You are Targeted by a Scammer

If you suspect a scam:

1. End the call immediately. Do not engage with them.
2. Contact your bank and inform them.
3. Report the scam to KCL by phone or email. Let them know about your experience.
4. Report the incident to Action Fraud (UK police reporting agency). Help them track down these scammers.

Stay vigilant and informed, KCL students! By being aware of these scams, you can protect yourself from falling victim. Remember, KCL will always communicate through official channels and never request urgent phone payments.