Leuven University is warning students and parents about fraud relating to tuition fee payments. A number of parents received an invoice that looked genuine, but the account number had been altered to that of fraudsters. The university is now urging everyone always to check payment details before transferring any money.
At present, only a few cases are known. Nevertheless, KU Leuven is warning all students and parents, as many students have yet to pay their tuition fees.
In cases of invoice fraud, fraudsters intercept a genuine invoice or bank statement and alter the account number. The document itself therefore appears legitimate, but anyone making the payment transfers the money to the fraudsters’ account.
It is possible that fraudsters have gained access to the recipient’s email inbox. KU Leuven’s own systems have not been tampered with by the fraudsters.
Check the account number
KU Leuven is asking students and parents to check the details on the bank transfer before making any payment. You can do this using the personal verification code shown on the document. On the university’s verification page, students can compare the amount, the account number and the reference number.
The official account number is also listed on KU Leuven’s website. Anyone paying via a banking app should enter ‘KU Leuven’ or ‘Katholieke Universiteit Leuven’ as the beneficiary’s name.
If the banking app displays a warning alerting you to the fact that the name does not match the account number, the university advises you to stop the payment immediately.
Paid already? No need to panic
Anyone who has already paid their tuition fees and has not received a warning email from KU Leuven may, according to the university, assume that the payment has gone through correctly.
KU Leuven is currently investigating whether it can take further legal action. The university also says it will remain vigilant against other forms of online fraud and abuse.
The UCLL University of Applied Sciences is also warning about emails containing fake invoices. So far, one person has fallen victim to that scam.