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Fraudsters Target UK Students: £10,000 Lost in Scams

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Foreign students in the United Kingdom are increasingly targeted by fraudsters who intercept school fee payments, according to Iris Education.
Families have lost up to £10,000 after fake emails from scammers posing as school bursars.
All 100 surveyed independent schools reported attempted or successful cyber-attacks, averaging once a year.
Parents should verify payment requests through official school channels and report suspected fraud to banks and authorities.

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Story summary

Foreign students in the United Kingdom are increasingly targeted by fraudsters who intercept school fee payments, according to Iris Education.
Families have lost up to £10,000 after fake emails from scammers posing as school bursars.
All 100 surveyed independent schools reported attempted or successful cyber-attacks, averaging once a year.
Parents should verify payment requests through official school channels and report suspected fraud to banks and authorities.