CALLOUS scam artists are exploiting the lockdown confusion to make cash off unsuspecting students.

Youngsters across Scotland are being warned of the latest scam to hit the country during the coronavirus lockdown.

The National Union of Students (NUS) says fraudsters are targeting young people with fake Freshers' Week deals - encouraging them to buy tickets for non-existent events.

University courses have gone online as a result of the coronavirus measures, with student events being cancelled as a result.

But a confusion over messaging has seen some people fall victim to the ticketing scam.

Peeblesshire News:

NUS Vice President Erica Ramos, said: “Most students’ unions are yet to plan their September events due to the uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, so students need to be wary and not get caught out by dodgy companies and scam artists trying to sell fake tickets to fake events.

“Every year around this time, students and young people are targeted with bogus Freshers' Week deals, so don’t be fooled.

"Contact your students’ union to verify any student events before you hand over your hard-earned cash.

"All of the profit that Students’ Unions raise from Freshers' and all events go straight back to the student experience, so it is very disappointing to see scam artists and companies exploiting charities such as SUs.”