HAMPSHIRE Police is warning students of a new scam called credit muling.

Students are being targeted on social media platforms such as Facebook and Snapchat by job adverts offering quick and easy money.

The victim responds to the advert online and is advised that they need to meet their would-be manager and undergo a credit check. A small deposit of money is placed in the victim’s account to confirm they have an active bank account.

They are then told they need to obtain a business mobile phone contract and to go to a mobile phone shop and take out a new phone contract in their name, using their personal details.

The suspects go with the victims to the shop and wait outside. Once the phone has been obtained, it is handed over to the scammer who then has a phone to use registered in their name together with the victim’s personal details - which can be used to commit identity fraud.

Police advise that people should only look for jobs at reputable employment agencies or direct job recruitment posts on official company websites, never assume any job advert on social media is genuine and verify any information they see - trust your instincts – if it sounds too good to be true, it often is.

Call police on 101. Those that may have been a victim of this scam can report it by calling 0300 123 2040.