Students often seem like easy targets for cyber criminals. They will attempt to exploit your vulnerability and lack of experience. But you can arm yourself with the right information and learn how to recognise common scams.

One of the most common threats to you is called 'social engineering'. This is when a cyber criminal will attempt to manipulate you in order to gain your personal information. You could be contacted by a cyber criminal via email (phishing), phone call (vishing) or even SMS (smishing). They might pretend to be someone you know and ask you for money or bank account/credit card details.

You may also be directed by a cyber criminal to a fraudulent website and asked to enter your personal information.

It’s important to remember that in the event you do fall for a scam, it’s not your fault. Modern cyber criminals are attempting increasingly sophisticated scams that are often elaborate and manipulative. Do not be embarrassed about falling for a scam.