Scottish students being targeted by scammers
New research reveals students in Edinburgh are most likely to be targeted.
Last updated 2nd Aug 2021
More than three quarters of students have been targeted by scams according to new research.
Nat Wes says students in Edinburgh, York and Exeter are more likely to be targeted, while those in Glasgow are least likely.
Delivery scams via text message are the most common. Fraudsters will claim an attempt was made to deliver a parcel and there would now be an additional charge.
NatWest said tax rebate scams are also targeting students.
Andy Nicholson, head of NatWest student accounts, said: “This year's NatWest student living index reveals a large number of students are being targeted by criminals.
“In raising awareness of these types of scams we hope students can avoid becoming a victim.''
Here are NatWest's tips for students:
- Try to shop online with websites that you know and trust using your debit or credit card. If you see a deal online that looks too good to be true from a website you have never heard of, it may be a scam. If you have doubts, do not make the purchase.
- If an online seller asks you to send money direct from your bank account to theirs, this could also be a scam.
- Do not give away your personal and bank details easily. Criminals use online competitions or offers of free shopping vouchers as a way of harvesting information from their next victims.
- Social media investment scams will often use fake celebrity endorsements and the promise of
getting rich quick''.
- Be sceptical of unsolicited phone calls, texts or emails asking for personal or bank details. The bank and police will never ask for a full pin or password, card reader codes, or ask you to move money from your account.
- Do not recycle passwords and use a unique password for your bank accounts and your email account.
- Pass scam awareness information onto your family and friends, particularly anyone you think might be vulnerable.