Beware of communications and adverts that advise you to pay your tuition fees via third-party services, even if it appears to be an attractive saving.

Nottingham is generally a safe place to live and study, but you should always beware of fraudulent scams that impact students across the country. A number of recent scams have targeted international students in particular, but all students should exercise caution around suspicious emails, messages or online adverts.

Tuition fees for international students should always be paid directly to the University by the student or a family member – there is no scenario in which you should need to pay via a third party. Find out more about paying your fees.

Be particularly vigilant for adverts or messages on social platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram or WeChat, and never agree to meet anyone who is asking you to pay for a service in large sums of cash.

Likewise, you should never share your bank details with or transfer money to someone you do not know, even if they claim to be from a police force, or embassy. Neither organisations will ever ask you to transfer them money, and they would certainly not do so online or over the phone.

Remember the golden rule: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Here’s some more advice on avoiding scams:

• Don’t give your phone number out to people you don’t know and be careful when joining WhatsApp groups - this is an easy way for people to get your telephone number
• Beware of phone calls from numbers you don't recognise - even if they're from your home country
• Beware of unsolicited messages and adverts online, particularly on social media channels
• Never give any personal details out - including bank details - to someone you don't know, whether over the phone, via email or in person
• The account numbers on your bank card can be used to make purchases, even if your bank card isn’t present at the time of purchase – never share the numbers printed on your card
• Avoid anyone who asks you to pay for a service in cash – especially if it is a large sum – and certainly never meet anyone you don’t know to hand over cash
• If you receive any messages or phone calls that you suspect to be fraudulent, report them to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the Action Fraud website

More advice can be found in the following information slides from the City of London Police's Dedicated Card & Payment Crime Unit (English and Mandarin).

If you have been a victim of a scam, you can contact your Welfare Officer and/or the SU Advice Centre for guidance and support.