I think I've been a victim of fraud

Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage, which is often financial, over another person. Cyber crime is any criminal act dealing with computers and networks. 

There are many words used to describe fraud: Scam, con, swindle, extortion, sham, double-cross, hoax, cheat, ploy, ruse, hoodwink, confidence trick.

Action Fraud have an A-Z of frauds.

You should also protect your personal data, which fraudsters may try to access via 'Phishing' emails.  Find out what to do if you receive a phishing email to your LSE email address:

Think before you click

His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have noticed that Organised Crime Groups are co-opting thousands of young people into their money-laundering networks each month as they seek to hide behind layers of legitimate bank accounts through which to ‘clean’ their illegal funds. These are known as ‘money mules’.

Students are particularly at risk as they are young, often away from home for the first time or in a new country with social, economic and peer pressures that can affect their judgement. They may also have financial worries which makes them vulnerable, as criminals usually recruit money mules by offering a cut of the illicit funds. As a result, students unwittingly become involved in money laundering which is a serious criminal offence with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

Recent surveys have shown that over half of students don’t know what a money mule was and over 40% think it is OK to let someone else use their bank account. 

You can find out more about how to protect yourself from becoming a Money Mule and what to do if you think you have been a victim can be found in this HMRC flyer.

There are a number of fraudulent schemes in circulation targetting international students.  Most claim to be the Home Office and claim there is an issue with your visa.  If you are ever unsure, please contact the Student Advice and Engagement Team first before paying any money or sending through personal document.

Fraud One:

We are aware that a number of Chinese students across London universities have been a victim of fraud where either:

• They are informed by the fraudsters that their family is under surveillance and that they must pay money for further information and that they are at risk of being kidnapped
• The student is informed that they are under surveillance and they are told to isolate themselves and that they must pay money for futher information

In both instances, we have been told this is linked to organised crime and the amount of money requested is often in excess of £100,000.  If you have any concerns about friends who may be affected please contact the Student Advice and Engagement Team urgently.

Fraud Two:

This is aimed at Chinese students. You may get a phone call from a UK mobile number claiming that you have a case against you for money laundering at home in China. 

You will then be provided with a Chinese phone number to contact.  When you speak to the person they will give you a case ID number and details of  website to log into.  The website shows a fake copy of a legal charge against you and a photograph of you.  In the case we were aware, this was the person's photograph from their National ID card.

You will be asked to provide the details of your bank account and any credit card details to pay a fine.  Do not provide any of these details as the aim is to take money from your account.  We are aware that one student has had £7,000 taken by the fraudsters but others have had more taken.

Fraud Three:

A fraud against students has appeared but we are unsure if this is targeting international students only.  You may be contacted by someone claiming to be from LSE saying that you have cheated on your degree and that your degree will be withdrawn if you do not take action within five days. The number is a phone number starting 01923, although this may be re-directed from a personal phone number as part of the scam. 

LSE would not contact you in this way with regards to an allegation of cheating. You will be contacted in writing prior to the award of your degree and we would not ask for any money.

Fraud Four:

This is an attempt to get international students to pay the fraudsters. If you ever receive any calls you are unsure of regarding paying money or your immigration status, let us know. This fraud usually targets Chinese nationals.

• A student is contacted by someone claiming to represent the police or another official body from the student's home country - they have personal details and are very convincing.
• They tell the student that they are suspected of a significant money laundering crime and their family are at risk - if they cannot afford the amount they are encouraged to borrow money or ask their family to send them more money.
• They are told not to alert the British Police.
• They are asked for money to make sure that they and their family are safe and not dishonoured.
• They are told not to speak to friends and receive constant phone calls.
• If you receive a phone call, do not pay any money. Speak to the Student Advice and Engagement Management Team and alert the UK police by completing an Action Fraud form. LSE will support you if you are contacted.

Fraud Five:

This scan usually targets Indian nationals and takes place across the world.  It is not limited to Student visa holders.  A person phones claiming to be from the Home Office and asking for money.  Unfortunately, the majority of the cases are with Indian students and it is not solely a UK issue.

• The caller may appear convincing because they may have some limited information about you;
• They may give you their name and telephone number to convince you they are genuine - the number they provide appears to be an official Home Office number, but this is part of the fraud;
• They will advise you to turn of your wifi and any access to the internet on your phone - this is so you are not able to do any research whilst on the call;
• They usually say there is a serious problem with your immigration status and that you need to pay a fine because you have not completed a form correctly;
• They will usually ask you to pay the fine in cash using Western Union - the amount varies but some students have been asked to pay up to £3000;
• If you pay the money, they are likely to find additional reasons for you to pay extra - for example they may say that your issue with the UKVI is resolved but their checks mean that you now need to pay the embassy of your home country. They will be very persistent and sometimes threatening if they believe that they will be able to obtain more money from you.

• The Student Advice and Engagement Team in the Student Services Centre can help if you have any questions about fraud realting to your visa.
  
  They can also advise you on your options, if you have already paid any money to fraudsters.
• If you have been a victim of fraud, you may wish to discuss your wellbeing with our Student Wellbeing Service.
• The following organisations also have advice on frauds and scams:
  
  UKCISA
  Metropolitan Police