Weekly Fraud update from West Mercia Police - Economic Crime Unit - 27/10/2026
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Weekly Fraud update from West Mercia Police - Economic Crime Unit - 27/10/2026 |
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STUDENT FRAUD Now the euphoria of Fresher’s Week has passed, and University and College students are immersed in the world of lectures and learning, they may fall prey to the criminals who concentrate on the unwary to defraud them.
The commonest methods used are via Social Media and WhatsApp, posing as Student Finance, Student Rental scams and fake Job Opportunities.
Always remember: The Student Loans Company and Student Finance England will never contact you by WhatsApp Always check your student finance account via GOV.UK Always check any offer of accommodation actually physically exists by initial viewings and never pay any money up front until you know it is genuine Fake job offers often ask for up front payments for equipment or “training” – no genuine employer will ever ask for that For fuller and more detailed advice, read the University Students Booklet from Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk/university-students-booklet/ - it is a 10 minute read but will be 10 minutes well spent. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRAUDULENT PHONE CALLS A quick reminder that residents are still continuing to receive phone calls from fraudsters posing as Police Officers or Bank Staff. Police officers and Bank Staff will never contact you unexpectedly and request personal or financial information. If an officer contacts you in person, then they will show you their Warrant Card first. Similarly, before contacting your bank to report the fraud, wait at least ten minutes to ensure the line is clear. You can also clear the line by calling a friend or family member or by using a different phone than the one on which you were contacted. However, if you accidentally shared your bank details or handed over your card to a courier, call your bank immediately. You can reach your bank’s fraud department directly by dialling 159.
Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours and pass it on to any family members who are students.
If you think you are a victim of fraud: Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via www.reportfraud.police.uk
Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudulent caller’s phone number.
Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk
If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.
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