Student loan scams: how to spot and avoid them
Last updated:
28 October 2026
Waiting for your student loan or maintenance payment? Scammers often target students with fake emails, texts or calls. Here’s how to spot a student loan scam, check if a message is genuine, protect your details and what to do if you’ve been targeted.
Why student loan scams increase when payments begin
Student finance payments often arrive around the start of term. That makes September, January and April attractive times for scammers to contact students about made up problems with their money.
You might get a message saying your payment has been stopped, your bank details need checking or you’re due a refund. And these messages can be tempting to act on, you don’t want to miss out on your loan payment.
Scammers use this pressure to get you to click a link or share information before you’ve had time to check.
The most common student loan scams
Student finance scam texts and WhatsApp messages
You might receive a text asking you to “verify” your account or update your bank details to avoid missing a payment.
Some scammers also use WhatsApp or social media. The Student Loans Company (SLC) and Student Finance England do not provide services through WhatsApp. They also won’t contact you first through social media to discuss your student finance application or entitlement.
Student loan phishing emails
A student loan phishing email might say that there’s been a security check, a missed payment or a problem with your account. It might ask you to reconfirm bank details or sign in using a link. The link could lead to a fake website designed to steal your login information.
Student loan refund scams
A student loan refund scam or student finance refund scam might say you have money waiting and need to claim it immediately. Be suspicious of unexpected refund messages, especially if they ask you to pay a fee or enter your card details.
Student Loans Company impersonation calls
Someone might call pretending to work for the Student Loans Company or your university and ask you to confirm personal details. A caller sounding professional or knowing something about your course does not prove they are genuine.
Red flags to look for before you click or reply
- Urgent deadlines: messages saying your account will close or your payment will be cancelled unless you act straight away.
- Requests for sensitive details: full passwords, one-time passcodes, bank login information or card details.
- Suspicious links: shortened web addresses, unusual domains or addresses with small spelling changes.
- Upfront fees: requests to pay to release a student loan payment or refund.
- Unexpected contact: messages about changes you have not requested, even if they appear to come from a familiar sender.
- Scam messages can look convincing and may contain correct spelling and official-looking logos. Don’t rely on appearance alone.
How to check if a student finance message is genuine
Avoid links in unexpected messages. Sign in to your student finance account directlyOpens in a new window through GOV.UK.
Look carefully at the sender’s email address or phone number, but remember these can be faked.
If you’re unsure, contact the Student Loans Company using the official detailsOpens in a new window on GOV.UK rather than a number provided in the message.
The Student Loans Company will never ask you to provide personal or financial information by email or text. However, it may send you a text confirming changes to your bank details. If you haven’t requested any changes, sign in to your student finance account directly to check your information.
Stop replying and do not send any more information or money.
If you entered your password, change it using the genuine website. Secure your email account first, then change any other accounts using the same password.
If you shared card or bank details, contact your bank immediately using a trusted number and check your transactions.
If you think someone has accessed your student finance account, contact the Student Loans Company using its official contact details.
Keep a record of suspicious messages and report them using the routes below.
If you’ve transferred money to a scammer, read our guide How to get a refund for bank transfer scams.
How to protect yourself going forward
Use a different strong password for each important account. A password manager can help you keep track.
Turn on an extra security check, such as two-factor authentication, where it’s available.
Never share a one-time security code with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Keep your phone, computer and apps up to date.
Avoid signing in to your bank or student finance accounts over unsecured public Wi-Fi. Use a trusted connection instead.
Frequently asked questions
It’s a fake email designed to look like a message from an official student finance account. It may ask you to click a link, sign in or share information so a scammer can access your details.
Look for unexpected links, pressure to act quickly and requests to verify personal or bank details. Even if the message looks official, check your account directlyOpens in a new window through GOV.UK.
Don’t share information during an unexpected call or message. End the conversation and contact the Student Loans CompanyOpens in a new window using its official GOV.UK contact details to check whether the request is genuine.
Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and scam texts to 7726 (free of charge). If someone may have accessed your student finance account, contact the Student Loans Company directly.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report fraud to Report Fraud. In Scotland, report the scam to Police Scotland on 101 or Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 800 9060. If you’re in immediate danger, call 999.
You can also read our guide How to report a scam or fraud for further information.
If a student finance message seems suspicious, check it using an official contact route before you respond
Find out more
For more help staying safe from scams, find out how to spot and report fake emails and phishing scams, what to do if you need to get a refund for a bank transfer scam, and how to report a scam or fraud. You can also explore our scams guidance or read the student finance scam warningOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.
