Beware of scams online!

Being scammed online only happens to other people doesn’t it?  They must be old, naïve and not very technically minded.  Scammers today though are smart and technically savvy with a lot of their efforts targeted towards younger people.  Beware of scams online and stay safe online!

Our smartphones are always to hand, with a raft of personal information available due to our online presence.  Unscrupulous criminals are constantly on the look out to exploit vulnerabilities.

Any scam is a criminal offence!

Any scam is a criminal offence and involves someone who is trying to steal from you or defraud you.  These can all be reported to Action Fraud.  There are no lengths scammers won’t go to in order to get their grubby hands on your money – post, email, social media or over the phone.

We probably all know by now that the Foreign Prince who offered you a multi-million pound share of his business for a measly £1,000 is not the kind of stranger you need to be sending money to.  However scammers are getting more creative and can appear extremely genuine in their efforts.

Some of the most common scams to be on the look-out for include:

Email or phishing scams

Where scammers create fake accounts and websites.  They then send out links in order to lure students into clicking and giving out personal information.  These scams are quick and easy to set up, and by sending out thousands and thousands of emails it only takes one or two to hit the mark.  These are often carried out at the beginning of the academic year.  Students often have thousands of pounds in their bank accounts from loans and grants in anticipation of the new year at university. They also look very convincing.  Always make your own checks with organisations to ensure any emails you receive are above board and legitimate.

Social media scams

A hacker gains access to your account and see everything about you, what you have posted, shared and all your personal information.  Anything online that asks you to reveal your stripper name by posting your grandmothers name and first pet or the street you grew up on is almost certain to be a scam!  These are common answers to passwords and security questions.  Always think twice and even three times before revealing any personal information online that could be used to identify you or leave yourself open to being taken advantage of.

Rental scams

Fake housing ads are posted online and once victims send over their deposit the landlord disappears never to be seen again, taking all your money with them.  Never transfer money before viewing a property and always use a trusted agency.  Gloucester Student Houses are fully approved and vetted by the University of Gloucester and Hartpury College.  Rest assured you are in safe hands with us.

Job scams

Taking a job at university can be a fun way to earn your beer money.  Be aware of companies that are not legitimate asking you to complete application and interview forms with personal and banking details as well as providing copies of identification documents.

Remember the most important tool at your disposal is to protect your privacy!  Keep accounts private, be aware of friend requests, be cautious with public Wi-Fi and choose strong, unique passwords.  Beware of scams online and help keep yourself safe from criminals.

Report any suspicious activity directly to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.  For more help or advise on staying safe online contact us here at enquiries@glsh.co.uk

As we as providing high quality student accommodation in Gloucester, we are here to support you with all aspects of student life.  Check out more helpful advice here and all our properties for student houses in Gloucester here.