Stop and think before you click

Stay alert to scams as student finance payments begin

Around £2.6 billion in maintenance support is due to be paid to approximately 1.1 million students this September, making it a particularly busy time for Student Finance.

Unfortunately, it also gives scammers an opportunity to send convincing emails, texts and make phone calls claiming there is a problem with your payment.

Scammers may tell you that your payment is at risk or that you need to act urgently. If you receive a message like this, take a moment before clicking any links or sharing any information.

Know what to look out for

The Student Loans Company will never ask you to provide personal or financial information by email or text. They also won’t send messages threatening to close your account if you don’t respond within a short deadline.

Be careful about sharing personal details online too. Information such as your name, date of birth, customer reference number, course details and address could potentially be used by someone trying to impersonate you.

Received a suspicious message?

If you receive a call, email or text claiming to be from Student Finance or the Student Loans Company, don’t use any links in the message. Instead, log in to your Student Finance account directly to check if there are any genuine updates.

If you receive a text confirming a change to your bank details that you didn’t request, log in to your account straight away and check your information.

Remember, the Student Loans Company doesn’t provide services through WhatsApp and won’t contact you through social media to discuss your student finance application or entitlement.

Look out for your friends too

Being a good friend can also mean noticing when someone’s behaviour changes. A friend might become more withdrawn, anxious or secretive, stop attending lectures or seem to be controlled by other people. Unexplained money or debt, or avoiding going back to their accommodation, could also be signs that something isn’t right.

You don’t need to know exactly what is happening before checking in. Ask how they’re doing, listen without judgement and encourage them to speak to someone they trust or contact the University’s support services if they need help. The guidance also stresses that someone whose accommodation is being used by others may be a victim of exploitation rather than a willing participant.

How to report a scam

Suspicious emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk, while scam text messages can be forwarded free of charge to 7726.

If you think someone may have gained access to your student finance account, use the official contact details on GOV.UK to get in touch with Student Finance as soon as possible.

Taking a few seconds to stop and check a message could help protect both your personal information and your money.