Student finance and HMRC scam messages

Scam messages spike around the start of term, when loan payments are due. They say your payment is on hold, your details need updating, or you're owed a tax refund.

The goal is your Student Finance login and your bank details, which can then be used to take your money or redirect your loan.

Signs it's fake

A link asking you to "confirm" or "update" your bank details
A deadline, such as "within 24 hours or your payment will be cancelled"
A tax refund offer — students rarely have one due, and HMRC doesn't text links for them
A sender address or link that isn't on gov.uk

How to check

Don't use the link. Open the Student Finance or HMRC website or app yourself, and log in there. If there's really a problem, it will show in your account.

If you entered your details

Change your Student Finance password straight away, and any account that used the same password
Call your bank on 159 if you gave card or bank details
Contact Student Finance using the number on their website
Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk