FRAUDSTERS are tricking overseas students and visitors to the UK out of money by purporting to be from a foreign embassy or government.

Action Fraud says the scammers are contacting the victims on their mobile phone or by social media before telling them there is evidence in the form of forged documentation or parcels implicating them to a crime such as money laundering, fraud or immigration offences.

After demanding further personal details from the victim such as their name, current address and copies of personal documentation, they threaten the victim by suggesting a warrant exists for their arrest which will result in their deportation and imprisonment unless they transfer a payment in order to cancel the arrest or pay a fine.

Once the money is transferred, all contact between the victim and the fraudster comes to an end.

For advice about fraud or cybercrime, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.