In UK law, fraud is generally defined under the Fraud Act 2006. It involves dishonestly making a false representation, failing to disclose information when legally obligated, or abusing a position of trust to gain or cause loss.
Essentially, it's a dishonest act intended to make a gain for oneself or another, or to cause loss or risk of loss to someone else.
Examples of fraud include:
- Buying something online and the seller deliberately sending you a different item or no item at all.
- Someone phoning you and saying that they are from your bank advising you that fraudulent activity has happened on your bank account and talking you through moving money to an account to keep it safe, when in fact they aren’t from the bank and you have transferred money into their account.
The University and Student's Union both have webpages with more information about the types of fraud and scams that students are often targeted with. The pages include specific advice for international students and examples of the types of fraud they may be targeted with, as well as tips for all students on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
Cantonese and Mandarin speaking students may also find these films from Nottinghamshire Police staff helpful. Both The UK Council for International Student Affairs and the Home Office have also produced guidance on potential fraud and scams where international students may be targeted.