Fake Student Finance texts and emails claim September maintenance loan payment is blocked to steal bank details

What is this scam?

The Student Loans Company (SLC) has warned students of a phishing campaign timed to coincide with the September 2026 maintenance loan payment window, when £2.6 billion is being distributed to 1.1 million students. Fraudulent emails and texts impersonating Student Finance England claim the recipient's payment has been blocked or that their account will be closed unless bank details are updated urgently via a provided link. Entering details on the linked site hands over banking credentials and personal information to fraudsters — the SLC never asks students to update bank details by email, text, or phone link.

Example scam message

Red flags to look out for

• The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
• Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
• You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
• It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
• The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.

What to do if you receive this

1. Do not click links or call numbers provided in the message.
2. Contact the organisation directly using details from their official GOV.UK page.
3. Forward the message to 7726 or email report@phishing.gov.uk.
4. Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.