Two University of Lancashire students recognised by Paypal for uncovering crypto fraud

Two University of Lancashire students have been recognised by PayPal after their cyber skills detected fraudulent financial activity.

School of Law and Policing students Jordan Haddock and Hannah Crosbie were taking part in an innovative new programme called ScamBusters: University Edition when they identified previously undetected cryptocurrency wallets linked to scam activity.

The duo, who were part of a team consisting of MSc Cybercrime Investigation and MSc Financial Investigation students, submitted their intelligence and it directly contributed to PayPal’s wider fraud prevention efforts.

Jordan said: “I’ve gained valuable hands-on experience in identifying illicit cryptocurrency wallets, which has really enhanced my confidence and professional development.

“I’ve been able to identify fraudulent wallets linked to high-risk websites, and it’s rewarding to know this work contributes to disrupting scams and protecting potential victims.

“It’s especially encouraging to see this work recognised by organisations like PayPal. The Scambusters initiative has given me practical, industry-relevant skills while making a real difference.”

Hannah, an MSc Financial Investigation student, commented: "Being part of the Scambusters group, in partnership with Intelligence for Good, has provided far more than academic knowledge alongside my MSc in Financial Investigation, it has delivered valuable hands-on experience.

“The work has also gained me recognition from organisations such as PayPal, highlighting its real-world impact. Crucially, this experience has provided a distinct advantage when applying for roles, enabling confident discussion of practical financial crime investigation in a highly competitive field."

Delivered in collaboration with Intelligence for Good, ScamBusters: University Edition provides students with real-world investigative experience by analysing suspicious cryptocurrency activity and reporting findings to industry partners.

Through this hands-on work, students develop essential skills in blockchain analysis, digital fraud investigation, and open-source intelligence.

These real-world experiences provide a valuable bridge between academic learning and employment pathways across law enforcement, regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and cybersecurity teams.

As part of the initiative, students compete on a national leaderboard, earning points for the verified cryptocurrency scam wallets they submit. As of July 2026, the University of Lancashire is ranked third on the global leaderboard.

“Cryptocurrency scams cause enormous financial harm to victims,” said Amber Jacques, course leader for MSc Cybercrime Investigation at the University of Lancashire. “Our students are helping to identify fraudulent activity that might otherwise go unnoticed. Their contributions demonstrate the vital role universities can play in building safer digital environments.”

Dr John Dempsey, Director of Cyber Investigations for the School of Law and Policing, commented: “This initiative provides our students with a valuable opportunity to apply their cyber and digital policing knowledge in real-world environments, developing practical skills and professional competence that will significantly enhance their career readiness.”

Clive Tattum, Dean of the School of Law and Policing, added: “Through initiatives like ScamBusters, we are actively supporting the Lancashire Growth Plan, translating academic expertise into real-world impact. This work strengthens economic resilience across the North West while demonstrating how policing innovation can directly contribute to regional prosperity.”

ScamBusters: University Edition continues to demonstrate the value of student‑led intelligence in supporting national fraud prevention efforts, while simultaneously enabling learners to develop confidence, competence, and industry relevant expertise. Working collectively with other participating universities, students have successfully disrupted $234,495.77 worth of fraudulent scam activity.

As the programme expands, more students in the School of Law and Policing will gain the opportunity to contribute to meaningful investigative work that protects communities and strengthens the fight against digital financial crime.

If you are interested in studying for a degree like this, visit our Clearing website, which is now open, at www.lancashire.ac.uk/clearing