Fraud prevention for learners
How to protect yourself from online scams
As the new academic year approaches, we would like to remind you that the threat of fraud, particularly online scams, is increasing. Smishing, a blend of SMS and phishing, involves fraudulent text messages that aim to trick individuals into revealing personal or financial information. This type of fraud is particularly common among students, so it is important to be aware and cautious.
Understanding SMS scams
Phishing scams often disguise themselves as legitimate communications from trusted organizations, including educational institutions. These messages may claim that urgent action is required, such as verifying account details or confirming a payment. However, it is important to remember that legitimate organizations, including your school or Student Finance England (SFE), will never ask for personal information via text or email.
Key advice for learners
To help combat fraud, here are some critical tips for learners to stay vigilant against smishing and other types of scams:
- Think before you click: always pause before interacting with a message. Hover over links to preview the url and verify its legitimacy. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not click.
- Verify communication channels: be aware that legitimate organizations won’t contact you via social media platforms like WhatsApp or Instagram. Always use official communication channels for any inquiries.
- Check for red flags: look out for poor spelling and grammar in messages, as these are often indicators of scams. Authentic communications will typically be professionally written.
- Beware of urgency: scammers frequently create a sense of urgency, with messages stating something like, “failure to respond within 24 hours will result in your account being closed.” Such messages are rarely genuine.
- Be wary of generic greetings: scam emails often begin with generic terms like “dear student” rather than addressing you by name. This can be a telltale sign of a phishing attempt.
- Stay informed about official communications: if you expect a message regarding changes to your bank details or any other important updates, be vigilant. If you receive a message that seems out of place, contact your institution directly through official channels.
- Protect your personal information: be mindful of the information you share online. Scammers often use publicly available data for identity theft. Limit what you share on social media and other platforms.
- Know where to report: if you receive a suspicious message, report it immediately. You can email report@phishing.gov.uk or call the dedicated hotline at 0300 100 0059.
Additional resources
For more guidance on recognizing and avoiding scams, visit action fraud, the uk’s national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime, or check out resources on gov.uk.
Conclusion
As we begin a new school year, we should prioritize fraud detection. Educators play a critical role in disseminating this information to students, helping them recognize the signs of scams, and protecting their personal information. Remember: being vigilant today can help you secure your future.
By working together, we can create a safer environment for everyone. Stay vigilant, think critically, and always check before you trust!!
At LITC we are on a mission to transform lives and communities through the power of Sport, Education, Technology, and Art. Our journey began with a commitment to make a difference, and it has evolved into a thriving movement dedicated to empowering young people and inspiring positive change.
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