Online Safety and Avoiding Scams

It's important to consider your personal online safety, protect your personal details and avoid scams. Students can be the target of criminals looking to steal money or information. Be extra vigilant if you receive any contacts from someone you don’t know.

Here are a few tips on online safety:

Check your privacy settings on social media

Choose secure passwords and don't have the same one for all of your email or online accounts

Think about what personal information you have online and whether it is necessary for it to be there. Only post information that you would be happy to display on a poster in a public place

Be careful not to overshare information on your movements. Highlighting that you are going to be away from your accommodation could provide an opportunity for thieves

Never post comments that are abusive or may cause offence

Some basic information on IT security can be found on the Computing and Information Services web pages.

The National Cyber Security Centre website offers advice and guidance on a wide range of cyber-related topics, as well as the latest news on security threats and links to training resources.

Tips to avoid scams

Also look out for scams, such as requests to transfer money, confirm or supply bank account details or provide personal information. Scams can take many forms:

Telephone calls or emails from someone claiming to be from a trusted organisation (for example, the University, police or UK government department such as HMRC or UK Visas and Immigration) with a request/demand for payment

Fake texts about parcel deliveries

Employment scams, where you are asked to pay money up front before you can start earning

A phone call or email from someone claiming to be from the Student Loans Company asking for your log-in details – these are then used to log into your account and change bank details so that someone else receives your payment

A telephone call from your bank advising that your account/app has been hacked, and you must move your money into another account

These are just some examples, and scams can take place in other forms.

Please do not transfer any money or provide personal details unless you are certain the request is genuine.

You can usually find the official contact number for an organisation by checking their website, calling and asking if they have contacted you.

Durham University students can also contact the University’s dedicated fraud support inbox if you need advice: fraud.support@durham.ac.uk

You can report fraud or cyber crime at Action Fraud. Students can also inform the University at: fraud.support@durham.ac.uk

If you have lost money to a fraud, please also report it to your bank immediately. Banks have a responsibility to reimburse funds in some circumstances, seek assistance if you require this: fraud.support@durham.ac.uk