Warning: Scam targeting international students in the UK

The University of Leicester has recently been made aware of a telephone fraud targeting international students studying at Universities in the UK. Some students have reported they have received calls from someone stating they work for the UK Border Agency, the caller has been using the names ‘Eric Wilson and Mike Watson, amongst others. The caller may appear genuine and have limited information about the student such as a passport number. The caller may explain to students there is a problem with a pending student visa application or a current visa and the caller may ask for debit or credit card details to pay a fine immediately to avoid further investigation by the UK Border Agency. It has been confirmed that the UK Border Agency would not contact an applicant or migrant in this way and they do not have a system for fines or penalties.

Further information about the scam can be found via the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

Students affected by this scam should contact the Student Welfare Service by emailing welfare@le.ac.uk