Scam city: Edinburgh students are the most likely to fall prey to fraudsters

Students in Edinburgh are some of the most likely to be targeted by scammers while Glasgow students are least likely to be, new statistics indicate.

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The worrying data was revealed in the 2021 Royal Bank of Scotland Student Living Index, with Exeter, Edinburgh, and York among the most hotspot areas for scammers with 75 per cent of students actively targeted by criminals.

Glasgow students are the least likely to be targeted, but the numbers are still high, with more than 60 per cent having been subjected to fraud.

New stats show the threat scammers pose to students in Edinburgh

The postal delivery text is the most popular scam aimed at students, in which a text message advising that an attempt was made to deliver a parcel and there would now be an additional charge. The text message links to a fake Royal Mail or DHL website and requests additional information which will then later be used to scam the student.

Other common methods are HMRC Tax rebate scams, with three in five students said they have been contacted with either fake emails, texts, and calls claiming entitlement to a tax rebate.

READ MORE: Five figure sums of money stolen from three different Edinburgh residents in telephone banking fraud

The scammer aims to gather personal details such as name, date of birth, address, and sometimes even payment card details, before impersonating the bank and using the details to build trust and confidence that it is the bank calling.

Police Scotland regularly join forces with banks and other organisations to highlight the dangers and how to spot scams – but hundreds still fall prey each year.

More than 2300 students across the country were asked questions for the Royal Bank Student Living Index, including how much they spend on essentials such as food, rent, and bills, and how much time they spend studying, working, and socialising.

READ MORE: ‘I was in a state of shock’ - Edinburgh man, 22, caught in $200 ‘sextortion’ scam after sharing nude photos on Instagram issues warning to others amid rise in cases during Covid pandemic

NatWest has revealed some tips for students on how to stay safe, including not giving away personal and bank details too easily, and watching out for social media investment scams.

Andy Nicholson, Head of Royal Bank Student Accounts said: "This year's Royal Bank Student Living Index reveals a large number of students are being targeted by criminals.

"In raising awareness of these types of scams we hope students can avoid becoming a victim."

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