Students heading off to university are full of excitement, but they also face financial risks. In his role as Money Mentor on BBC Radio Kent, David Braithwaite recently addressed the various scams targeting students today.
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A major concern is job scams. If you’re a student looking to make extra cash, be wary of fake job adverts asking for money upfront to apply. As David says, “Don’t pay to apply for a job when you want to earn some money.”
Another scam to watch out for is rental fraud. This happens when students pay a deposit for accommodation they’ve never seen, only to find out later that it doesn’t exist. Always view a property before committing any money.
Additionally, David warns about ticket fraud, especially during events like Freshers’ Week. Scammers often sell fake tickets to concerts and parties. To avoid falling victim, only buy from trusted sources.
One of the biggest threats to young people, however, is investment fraud. Between 18 and 29-year-olds alone, over £29 million has been lost to investment scams. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you’re immune. If you’re unsure, consult with your parents or guardians for guidance.
For more information, students should visit Action Fraud’s Student Safety page.
You can here more from BBC Radio Kent on the BBC Sounds
