Over the coming weeks, we’ll be paying more than £2 billion into students’ bank accounts. Fraudsters target students with bogus emails and text messages around loan payment dates each year. We’ve already been made aware of some students receiving scam messages this autumn.

Our expert Customer Compliance teams have a range of methods and fraud analytics to stop scammers in their tracks, but students need to know that they are the best and first line of defence.

Please warn your students not to be tricked into disclosing personal details or following links in emails or text messages, as these could be installing malware.

Spotting a phishing email or text is not always easy, but we have some fraud facts to help your students. Please share these with them if you can.

1. Check the quality of the communication. Misspelling, poor punctuation and bad grammar are often tell-tale signs of phishing.
2. Keep an eye out for any emails, phone calls or text messages you think are suspicious, especially around the time you’re expecting a payment.
3. Scam emails and text messages are often sent in bulk to many people at the same time. They’re unlikely to contain both your first and last name. These commonly start ‘Dear Student’ so be on guard if you see one like this.
4. ‘Failure to respond in 24 hours will result in your account being closed’ – these types of messages are designed to create a sense of urgency to prompt a quick response.
5. Think before you click. If you receive an email or text that contains a link you’re not sure of, hover over it to check it goes where it’s supposed to. If you’re still in any doubt, do not risk it. Always go direct to the source rather than following a potentially dangerous link.
6. Scammers can use a variety of methods to try get students to pay money or share their personal details. These include fraudulent phone calls, social posts and direct messaging on digital platforms. If you’re suspicious, always use official phone numbers, your online account and other official communication channels to verify the contact you received is genuine.
7. Be mindful of the information you share about yourself on social media and elsewhere online. This will help to guard against identity theft. Identity theft happens when fraudsters get enough information about a person to impersonate them online and over the phone. This can include their name, date of birth, customer reference number, course information and current or previous addresses.
8. Check out our guide to identifying a phishing scam for more information.

Students in England and Wales should be aware that whenever their bank details are changed, they’ll receive a text message from Student Finance England or Student Finance Wales to confirm the change.

If they have not changed their details but receive a message, they should sign into their online account to review their information. They should also get in contact using an official telephone number as they could be the victim of identity theft. Future payments may be blocked if they do not contact us.

• You will gain nationally recognised qualifications alongside the right skills, attitudes and professional standards. We have been praised by the OfS for the way we help students progress to highly skilled employment or further study.
• Employers have significant input into our programmes. You will keep in touch with all the latest developments in your sector and build an invaluable network of contacts.
• Our partnerships with universities allow you to progress to other higher-level courses with ease.
• Our experienced teaching teams are dedicated to your success. Their enthusiasm for their subjects will be your inspiration. You will also benefit from working with Higher Education Academic Coaches to develop your academic skills.
• We provide the right level of support to boost your confidence and motivation – including programmes tailormade for students who have been out of education for a while.
• You will discover all the help you need to chart your future after you have completed your studies. We provide a wide range of specialist advice to help you decide what your next step should be.
• Our state-of-the-art facilities will bring your learning to life, thanks to our award-winning campus regeneration programme. We continue to invest in first-rate equipment, resources and learning environments, including a dedicated Higher Education Centre.
• We enrich your studies with exciting new opportunities. These could include hands-on projects, work placements, community initiatives and talks by inspirational guest speakers.
• Welcoming and friendly, we have a diverse but close-knit student community. Your social circles will expand as you meet like-minded students.
• All these opportunities are available on your doorstep. We are easy to reach, with colleges in Derby and Derbyshire served by good public transport links.