The UK Home Office is warning students with a Tier 4 visa to beware of a ‘phone scam that has been reported in other parts of the country.  Students receive a ‘phone call from somebody who claims to be from the Home Office.  The caller asks the student to verify the number the fraudster is calling from – 020 7035 4848 – by checking on the Home Office website.  This number WILL be showing on the student’s mobile ‘phone display. The fraud caller will be in possession of the student’s full name, post-code in the UK and their passport number; they will ask the student to confirm these details.

They then tell the student he/she has not paid an immigration service fee and will have to pay a fine.  This is usually between £1,200 and £1,520.  If they fail to pay they will be reported to the Police or Home Office and will be deported. This, of course, is a scam.

Students who have been targeted in this way say the fraudsters become increasingly insistent and threatening. The Home Office say their Visa staff will NEVER contact students in this way and UofG students are advised to be very wary of any ‘phone call of this nature. If you receive such a call, seek help and advice from the University.


First published: 23 May 2016

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