The purpose of a scam email is often to get you to click a link. This may take you to a fake website or might download malware to your device. This is known as 'phishing'.
Be cautious of scams like fake tax refunds from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and student loan phishing. Fraudsters create convincing emails tailored to you, knowing details like your home country. Emails may claim your studies or work eligibility are suspended, or you owe fines for incomplete paperwork, urging you to update details through a web link - a potential trap to steal your information.
Avoid clicking links in suspicious emails. Instead, independently search for official websites or customer support. Fraudulent emails may have poor spelling, grammar, or design. They might use off 'spe11ings' or 'cApiTals' to get past spam filters. You should report suspicious emails to the York St John University IT team by raising a case through the Student Hub online portal.
Watch out for vishing scams - these are phone calls or messages posing as police, HMRC, or courts, demanding fines to avoid prosecution. Some may impersonate law enforcement or direct you to fake websites with extradition threats. You can verify police identities by taking their details and calling the police on 101 to clarify.