Fraud warning: emails about a grant or tax refund

If you get an email about a grant or tax refund, it’s probably fake. While we block many malicious fake emails, some will get through to you.

They often want you to:

  • click the link to a fake web page that will steal your password or bank details
  • open an attachment that will contain a virus.

The example below is a recent (and typical) malicious email some students have received.

Our best advice to protect yourself is:

  • don’t open unexpected attachments, even if the email looks like it could be real.
  • instead of clicking links in an email, go to the organisation’s website (your bank, the University, PayPal etc.) and find the information there.

If you think you’ve fallen victim to this type of scam, contact us on 01227 824999 or helpdesk@kent.ac.uk.

Recent fake email

Sender: appears to be from the University (it isn’t).

“Dear Student,

You have been awarded a University Grant by the Department for Education in the amount of GBP1829.00. The grant is a one-off grant awarded to students based on a number of criteria which include moral support.

You need to submit your information to collect your grant now. Please click the link below to receive your grant.

Grant Collection Page Link [link removed]

Finance Department
University of Kent”

Email safety tips