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Scammer who targeted university applicants jailed

News imageNCA An identification card for an organisation called STUDENT DIGS MANAGEMENT LTD. In the top-left corner, there is a blue square logo containing the letters “sdm” in white text. Beneath the logo and printed to the left side of the card are the following details: Name: Sibtain Hussain ID: SDM001 Position: Operations Manager Below these lines, there are fields for a telephone number and email address, both of which are blurred. On the right side of the card, there is a small portrait area where a person is pictured.NCA
Sibtain Hussain tried to scam prospective students out of thousands of pounds

A scammer who defrauded foreign applicants to UK universities of almost £50,000 has been jailed.

Using data stolen from Lancaster University, Sibtain Hussain demanded payments for proof of "financial capability", "student services", and "accommodation deposits" from would-be students.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said the 32-year-old created phone numbers, email addresses, aliases and bank accounts to facilitate the scheme and avoid detection.

Hussain, from Crow Tree Lane in Bradford, initially denied the charges but was jailed for four-and-a-half years at Leeds Crown Court on Monday after admitting conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and transferring criminal property.

In 2018 unauthorised access was gained to Lancaster University's internal computer system and applicant data was stolen.

Hussain, who began studying at the university in 2017, gained access to the stolen data and used it to target more than 200 individuals by phone and email, demanding sums up to £3,200.

News imageNCA A debit card with a predominantly white background and colourful decorative elements. Near the top left, the brand “ANNA” appears in bright pink, handwritten-style text. To the right side of the card, there is a playful illustration of a small bear-like character blowing a trumpet, drawn in pink line art. The word “debit” is printed in lowercase black letters on the right side. Toward the bottom right corner, the Mastercard logo is displayed, featuring its two overlapping red and yellow circles. A chip is visible on the left side of the card. The lower portion contains embossed card details, including a card number and the cardholder’s name.NCA
A bank card seized by the NCA

Lancaster University said it immediately reported the data breach to the Information Commissioner's Office and launched an internal investigation.

Additional security measures were put in place and impacted individuals were contacted and provided with appropriate advice and support, a university spokesperson said.

Hussain was arrested in Bradford in July 2019 and two mobile phones and a wallet were seized, which contained evidence linking him to the crimes.

More than £48,000 was sent by 23 students as a result of Hussain's efforts, but a large majority of payments were blocked by banks.

The fraud had the potential to generate more than £493,000 in illegal profits, the NCA said.

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