Scammers have targeted international students at Cambridge by offering a discount on next year’s tuition fees in exchange for an upfront payment.

The attackers, appearing to use Cambridge student email addresses, have approached overseas students promising an “early payment discount”. Varsity understands that the attackers' identities remain unknown.

In an initial email, students were asked to fill in a Google Form with various personal details, including their phone number, fee status and preferred methods of payment.

Once completed, a second email was sent, asking students to pay their tuition fees for 2024-25 into an unidentified bank account in exchange for a 15% discount. The scammers encouraged students to contact a fake Student Union representative in case of any queries.

The University Information Services (UIS) has confirmed that this is not a University account, cautioning students against sending money into it or completing the forms. The UIS has also reminded students to complete their cybersecurity training when notified to do so.

Some colleges and faculties have also alerted students to the financial scam, directing students not to respond to the attackers.

In January, Varsity reported that staff and PhD students were targeted by scammers, with some reimbursed by their faculties after falling for phishing emails with urgent requests to purchase vouchers worth up to £500.

Earlier this year, the University’s Acceptable Use Policy came into effect. The policy, intended to reduce cybersecurity risk, directs users to keep a secure login using multi-factor authentication, install antivirus software, look out for scams and report any security breaches.

Users are currently expected but not required to comply with the policy, but observance will be mandated from April next year.

Cambridge University has been contacted for comment.