Student Loans Company warns of scams targeting maintenance payments

Students in the United Kingdom are being targeted by sophisticated scams designed to steal maintenance loan payments. Fraudsters use fake text messages, emails, and phone calls to create panic, often claiming that a student’s bank details have been changed or that an upcoming payment is at risk.

These messages typically direct victims to fraudulent websites that closely mimic the official Student Loans Company (SLC) platform. Once students enter their login and banking information, criminals access the genuine accounts to redirect maintenance payments to accounts controlled by the scammers. The timing of these attacks often coincides with scheduled payment dates to exploit student anxiety.

In the last academic year, 168 students lost a total of £519,000 to these scams, according to the SLC. While over 1,100 attempts to change account details were recorded, most were intercepted before funds were stolen. This month, approximately £2.6 billion in maintenance support is due to be paid to 1.1 million students in England, presenting a significant target for criminal activity.