Telephone criminals targeting students

Have you been called by someone claiming to be from Queen Mary about your bank account? Put the phone down and call your bank to confirm no strange activity on your account.

It’s the time of year when tuition fees are due and a number of loans are paid into students' bank accounts. We are getting increasing reports of criminals calling students impersonating Queen Mary staff often stating that they are with the police and instructing students to transfer funds from their bank accounts to keep their bank account “safe”. Queen Mary will never call you directly about your bank account or ask you to make payments to others.

These criminals are masters of social engineering, and may seem to know your personal details or information about you. They will be genuine and convincing and explain that your bank account is at risk and encourage you to transfer funds to someone you know and trust or they suggest to a third-party person.

If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be from Queen Mary about an issue with your bank account, please end the call immediately, do not click any links or download software (ie screen sharing apps). You should contact your bank immediately, from the number you already have for your bank, and report any attacks to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or via their website Action Fraud.

Please also report any calls or suspicious activity to us at finance@qmul.ac.uk and please read our guidance for protecting your money from scams and fraud. 

If you have been affected, practical and emotional support is available from our Advice and Counselling Service.

Trust your instincts and don’t be intimated:

• Do be aware of the risks or sharing personal information publicly (ie CVs on LinkedIn)
• Do not give out any personal information, or confirm that any personal information they have is correct
• Do not enter your banking PIN or use your Biometric device for any reason
• Do not make any payments or transfers the criminals are suggesting
• Do not act under pressure of time - take a moment to stop and think before sending any money to someone you do not know
• Do report your suspicions or incidents to Action Fraud, either on the Action Fraud website or (only if you are in the UK) by phoning 0300 123 2040.