57% of undergraduates ‘encountered criminals or had money stolen in past year’

Kirsty Adams, a fraud and scams expert at Barclays, said: “Students are facing real financial pressure, and criminals exploit that anxiety with offers that look professional and promise quick cash. If you’re asked to pay upfront, share personal details, or the job sounds too good to be true, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. Always take time to check before you respond.”