Keeping your Money Safe

You might find yourself targeted through job advertisements or direct messages on social media, enticing you with what seems like a legal and easy way to earn money. Typically, individuals online may approach you, claiming difficulty accessing their own funds and offering you a share, usually a percentage, to transfer money through your account. However, agreeing to such arrangements could result in you unwittingly committing a serious crime.

Participating in money transfer schemes could implicate you in money laundering, which is a criminal offense. Moreover, the funds being transferred often stem from illegal activities, meaning that handling them could also be deemed illegal. Convictions for these offenses could have severe consequences, potentially affecting your ability to secure financing in the future, including student loans. Additionally, it could result in acquiring a criminal record or even facing imprisonment.

• Exercise caution: If an opportunity seems too good to be true, it likely is. Be wary of job advertisements promising large sums of money for minimal effort.
• Be cautious with overseas contacts: If someone from abroad approaches you to accept a payment into your account, exercise caution and question the legitimacy of the request.
• Avoid accepting money from unfamiliar or untrustworthy sources: Refrain from accepting funds from individuals you don't know or trust, especially if you're uncertain of the source of the money.
• Steer clear of social media offers: Ignore and report social media posts promising money, as they may be attempts to lure you into illegal activities.

Perpetrators of these scams are often skilled at manipulation and deception. They meticulously craft fake online identities to appear genuine and caring, exploiting the trust and affection of their victims. By masquerading as potential romantic partners, they create a false sense of intimacy to trap and manipulate individuals into parting with their money.

Dating apps and social media platforms are often used by scammers, allowing them to cast a wide net and identify potential targets based on their online profiles and interactions. Furthermore, many scammers operate from locations outside the UK, making it difficult to track and prosecute them.

Once they've gained the victim's trust, scammers may fabricate various scenarios, such as travel expenses, family emergencies, medical crises, or legal fees, to extort money from their victims. These tactics exploit the victim's emotions and vulnerabilities, coercing them into providing financial assistance under false pretences.

As such, it's crucial for individuals to exercise caution and scepticism when engaging with strangers online, particularly on dating platforms.

• Never send money: Refrain from sending money to individuals you've only met online, regardless of the reasons they provide.
• Be mindful of your online presence: Be cautious about what you share online and ensure your privacy settings are secure. Avoid sharing personal information publicly that could be used against you by scammers.
• Do your research: Before committing to a relationship with someone you met online, conduct research. Utilise image searches, search their name, and check if their details have been associated with scams in the past.
• Take your time: Take things slow and don't feel pressured to rush into a relationship. Genuine connections develop over time, so be wary of anyone trying to accelerate the process.
• Trust your instincts: If something seems too good to be true or if you feel uneasy about a situation, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.
• Watch for isolation tactics: Be cautious if someone you've befriended online attempts to isolate you from your friends or family. Additionally, be wary of any requests for money or attempts to manipulate you emotionally.
• Avoid sharing compromising pictures: Refrain from posting or sharing pictures online that could be used to extort or blackmail you in the future.
• Beware of excuses: If someone continually makes excuses for why they can't meet in person, be suspicious. Genuine individuals will make efforts to meet face-to-face if they are genuinely interested in a relationship.
• By staying cautious, guarding personal information, and being sceptical of requests for money, you can help protect yourself from falling victim to romance scams.

If you're concerned about gambling and seeking help, here are some steps you can take:

• Block online gambling access: Utilize services like GAMSTOP.co.uk, a free service in the UK that allows individuals to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling websites. There are also other free services that offer similar features to help you block access to online gambling platforms.
• Seek professional help: Reach out to organizations like GamCare, which provides information, advice, and support for individuals affected by gambling. They offer confidential support services and can assist you in developing strategies to overcome gambling addiction.
• Focus on self-care: Look for healthy distractions and activities to redirect your focus away from gambling. Consider speaking with staff in the Life Lounge or the Students’ Union for additional support and resources.

Taking these steps can empower you to address your gambling concerns and take proactive measures to seek help and support. Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources available to assist you in overcoming gambling addiction and reclaiming your wellbeing.

• Verify the caller's identity: Always verify the identity of the caller by asking for their name, department, and contact information. Be wary of anyone who refuses to provide this information or pressures you to act quickly.
• Do not share personal information: Avoid sharing personal information such as bank account details, passwords, or PINs over the phone, especially if you did not initiate the call.
• Be cautious of urgent requests: Be sceptical of urgent requests for payment or requests to share personal information. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to prompt immediate action.
• Double-check with official sources: If you receive a suspicious call or message, independently verify the legitimacy of the request by contacting the university, Student Finance England, or your bank using the official contact information available on their website or documents.
• Report suspicious activity: Report any suspicious phone calls or text messages to the appropriate authorities, such as Student Finance England, or your bank. This can help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.

By staying vigilant and following these precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to phone scams.

• Guard personal information: Refrain from sharing sensitive personal details online, such as your address or contact information. Limiting the information available about yourself makes it harder for blackmailers to exploit you.
• Use privacy settings: Take control of your privacy settings on social media platforms and other online accounts. Limit the visibility of your personal information and posts to trusted individuals only.
• Be cautious with photos and videos: Avoid sharing any photos or videos that could potentially be used against you for blackmail. If you do share such content and later feel uncomfortable, ask for them to be deleted immediately.
• Stay calm and don't engage: If threatened or blackmailed, remain calm and do not engage with the perpetrator. Responding may escalate the situation or provide the blackmailer with more ammunition.
• Do not pay: Refuse to give in to the demands for money. Paying the blackmailer only encourages further extortion and may not resolve the situation.
• Seek support: Confide in a trusted family member or friend about the situation. You don't have to face it alone.
• Block and document: Block the blackmailer on social media and take screenshots of any communications as evidence. Blackmailers may delete their accounts, so it's essential to preserve any evidence.
• Report: Immediately report any instances of sextortion or blackmail to the police. It's crucial to treat these offenses seriously as they are crimes.
• Get professional help: Seek support from resources such as the Life Lounge or other counselling services. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people who can help you navigate through this challenging situation.