Scams targeting students – what they are and signs to look out for

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Scams targeting students – what they are and signs to look out for

Modern scams – particularly those targeting university students – are sophisticated and sometimes hard to spot.

This page was last updated 25 May 2026.

Learn about scams currently targeting students, how to identify and avoid them, and where to get help if you think you've been targeted.

Key points

Scammers often try to create urgency or fear to push you into acting quickly. Legitimate organisations won’t pressure you to act immediately or pay in unusual ways
Anyone can be targeted, no matter how capable or experienced you are
If something feels urgent or makes you scared or uncomfortable, be sure to pause, check and ask for help – you won’t get in trouble for asking questions
If you think you're being scammed, there are resources available to help .

Signs you're being scammed

Scams are not usually obvious at first. They rely on drawing you in with behaviours designed to override logic and push you to act quickly.

Find out more about some common signs of a scam below.

If you have received a call, text, or email from RMIT and would like to verify that it's legitimate, contact Student Connect.

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You are told to act immediately, with tight deadlines and serious consequences if you don’t. You may receive repeated calls or messages to rush you.

The person claims to be from police, immigration, a bank, the tax office, in a position of power in your home country or even your university. They often use official-sounding language, job titles, or fake ID numbers to seem real.

They may say your visa will be cancelled, you could be arrested, fined or deported, investigated or your account will be frozen. Sometimes they threaten your enrolment or say you’re somehow linked to a crime.

You’re told not to tell anyone, including friends, family or the university. Scammers will often say that talking to someone will make things worse.

They ask for payment methods that are hard to trace or recover, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or immediate bank transfers. They might also ask you to buy electronic items such as laptops or mobile phones.

They already know details about you, like your name, course, university, or visa status. They may use information from social media or public sources to sound convincing.

They try to keep you on the phone or video call for a long time (sometimes hours or days) telling you not to hang up. They may ask you where you are, who you’re with, or claim they can track your movements.

Common scams currently targeting students

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How the scam works

Students are introduced to a part-time job opportunity at a telecommunications company (e.g. Vodafone, Optus) by a fellow student, or person pretending to be a student. As part of the job opportunity they're convinced to buy a new phone however, the phone is then taken from them and students are left to pay the contracts.

Instances exist where the scammers have transferred money from students' accounts while pretending to help set-up the new phone.

Telecommunications companies are aware of the scam but some state they are not able to cancel the contracts.

How to avoid the scam

Don't let strangers escort you to mobile phone retailers or 'help' you to purchase new phones.

Never hand over your account details or ID documents to anyone, especially strangers who contact you via social media, other messaging platforms, or in-person.

You can report the scam to Safer Community, and receive support from Student Welfare, Counselling or Student Legal Services if needed.

How the scam works

Criminal groups are targeting international students with offers of 'quick cash' and commissions for access to their Australian bank accounts and identity documents.

Graduating international students in particular are being offered between $200-$500 for the use of their Australian bank accounts, with potential for a commission – typically about 10 per cent – on funds received in them.

Identity documents are also in high demand like passports, driver’s licences or government-issued identification that criminals will buy to open bank accounts in the victims’ names.

How to avoid the scam

Never hand over your account details or ID documents to anyone, especially strangers who contact you via social media, other messaging platforms, or in-person.

Before you leave Aistrlia, close your local bank account and don't sell or share your personal details or identity documents with anyone.

Anyone offered money for their accounts or personal information should report it immediately to ReportCyber.

Read more information about the scam on the Australian Federal Police website.

A Korean religious leader has founded the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and followers await a Judgement Day with a selection of followers receiving eternal life.

How the scam works

You could be approached face-to-face or online to answer a survey at uni, at a train station or shopping centre. Alternatively, they might start a conversation suitable to meeting someone new like asking for a local restaurant recommendation. The conversation or survey questions will include questions about faith-based beliefs and knowledge. You may be invited to socialise with these people, or at least asked for your phone number to set up a time and place to meet socially. You will be asked to attend a bible study class or invited to a faith based gathering.

Over time there will be an increased amount of time expected for Church activities including recruiting more people to the Church. There will be pressure to not maintain contact with family and friends outside of the Church and keep Church membership a secret. There will be less and less time not scheduled with the Church to fit in study and see family and friends. At first you will be asked to give a small amount of money to assist with costs relating to Church activities such as contributing to leasing costs for the bible study space.

How to avoid the scam

Be wary of anyone who pressures you to provide your contact details or attend an event. Be cautious of any person or group that encourages you to prioritise them above all other commitments including study, employment, and time with family and friends. Be cautious about providing any group requested money or personal possessions.

Take your time to think and research any group that you are thinking about joining and talk it through with a trusted source. You can talk about it with a Welfare Advisor or you may wish to meet with a RMIT Counsellor.

How the scam works

Scammers claiming to be ‘agents’ from the student’s university contact a student and say they can get a discount on their university tuition fees if they pay the ‘agent’ directly. Sometimes no discount is offered, the student is simply told they need to pay their fees or pay a fine otherwise they’ll lose their place at uni.

Instances have occurred where scammers have even recruited other students to approach potential victims on their behalf, adding credibility to the interaction.

Though this scam tends to target international students, domestic students are also at risk and have reported cases of this scam.

How to avoid the scam

You should only ever make payments to RMIT via the payment methods listed on the How you pay your fees page or Accept your offer page.

If you’re a current student, fee notices will be sent to your RMIT student email account. You can check the validity of any fee notice or payment request you receive by viewing your up-to-date fees and due dates via Enrolment Online.

If you have questions about your fees, contact Student Connect for advice and support.

Most students know that paying a service to complete an assignment is a breach of academic integrity and can attract serious consequences including expulsion. But students who use contract cheating services also leave themselves vulnerable to ‘study blackmail.’

How the scam works

A student contacts and pays a contract cheating service to produce an assignment. Once the student has submitted the assignment, the cheating service blackmails the student, demanding money or else they will tell the student’s university that their assignment is fraudulent.

How to avoid the scam

This one is easy – never engage with any individuals or services offering to do your assignments for you. If you’re struggling with your studies or assessments, Peer Mentor Adarsh Ramesh says you should use of one of the legitimate study support services that RMIT offers instead.

“I strongly encourage all students to use the available support services like Academic Skills Advisors, Peer Mentors, Studiosity or Ask the Library,: says Adarsh. "These resources are here to assist you, so don't hesitate to reach out whenever you need help.”

How the scam works

A rental property or room is listed online, usually on social media. When someone enquires, the ‘rental provider’ might make an excuse about why the property can't be inspected right now, but will tell the person that they can secure the place by paying a bond or rent.

In some instances of this scam, the property is actually an Airbnb that the scammer hires so they can show people through in what appears to be a legitimate property inspection. In reality, the property isn’t available for rent.

How to avoid the scam

RMIT Student Welfare Advisor Alison says, “Never pay money for a rental property you are not able to inspect. Make sure you are dealing with an estate agent licensed to operate in your state. And do an online search to make sure the property exists and is a legitimate rental property.”

Alison says students should contact RMIT’s Student Welfare Service on our Accommodation page if they’re unsure of a listing.

“Our team can look at the advertisement and advise on potential red flags.”

If you’re moving to Melbourne and not sure how to find somewhere to live, the Student Welfare Service can guide you through the whole process.

“All students, including commencing students, can book an appointment to discuss accommodation options in Melbourne in line with their budget, campus and preferences,” says Alison.

How the scams work

Task-based: Victims are “employed” to complete simple tasks such as reviewing products or services. As they progress, they are required to transfer their own money (usually in cryptocurrency) to access further tasks or unlock commissions.
Up-front fee: Scammers ask for fees for application processing, visas, or training. The job offer disappears once money or personal information is sent.
Money mule: Victims are recruited to receive money in their personal bank account and transfer it out under the guise of processing payments for an employer. They are actually laundering money for criminals.
Tax file number scam: Scammers may contact you on LinkedIn or other platforms offering to get you a tax file number (TFN) for payment. But a TFN is always free — you can apply for it yourself through the Australian Taxation Office.

How to avoid the scams

Remember the three words: Stop. Check. Protect, and look out for the following red flags:

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Jobs that offer high pay for little effort are likely scams.
Be wary of any job that requires up-front payment.
A job that asks you to pay money or cryptocurrency to unlock tasks or commissions is a scam.
Legitimate recruiters will not send unsolicited messages on encrypted messaging platforms. If you get contacted by a “recruiter” on a WhatsApp, Telegram or iMessage, it’s a scam.
If you haven’t applied for that job, it’s likely a scam. If someone says they have a copy of your CV or resume, ask them where they got it and verify with that business.
Always verify the business by contacting them via their official channels before sending any personal information.
Consider the process. If you receive a job offer without an interview or reference checks, and without submitting your resume, it’s likely a scam.

If you need help finding part-time or casual work, contact RMIT Career Connect for guidance on everything from reputable job listings to resume support and interview preparation.

How the scams work

This threatening scams targets Chinese nationals and involves scammers posing as authority figures. The scammers usually communicate in Mandarin.

A student is contacted – usually by phone, text or social media message – by someone claiming to be a police officer, government official, customs officer, parcel service (DHL, etc), visa agent or similar who says the student has done something wrong (eg. breached visa compliance requirements) or been implicated in a crime (eg. drug distribution, sending/receiving illegal goods, money laundering, working illegally). The student is told they need to pay significant funds to avoid deportation, cancellation of their student visa or arrest. Sometimes they are told their family will be arrested if they don’t pay.

Technology is often used to make the scammer’s phone number look official. The scammer may provide letters and documents (police IDs, arrest warrents, government letters, university letters, etc) that look official but are actually fake.

Sometimes, the scammer will encourage the student to delete their social media or apps, stating they are 'not safe'.

Scammers often contact the student multiple times a day, pressuring them to pay the money.

Sometimes, if the student doesn’t have enough money, the scammer encourages them to ask their parents for money. In some instances, scammers have told students to fake their own kidnapping and send ransom demands to their parents to secure the funds.

How to avoid the scam

Any phone calls, texts or other communications threatening deportation or arrests are scams. If you receive such calls, hang up and do not pay any money. You can also report a scam to the Australian Government National Anti-Scam Centre ScamWatch.

You can watch a YouTube video from the Victorian Police about how to avoid this scam:

Students who think they have been scammed should contact RMIT’s Safer Community service for advice and support.

If you think you're being scammed

If you are an RMIT student and suspect you have been or are being scammed, you are strongly encouraged to contact the RMIT Safer Community service for advice and support.

If you've been the victim of a cybercrime (for example someone has stolen your personal information or money, or tried to extort you) you can report an incident or crime to Victoria Police.

See ScamWatch – What to do if you've been scammed for steps you can take straight away to limit the damage and protect yourself from further loss. You can also report a scam via ScamWatch.

More information

For more information on scams, see the following sites and resources:

25 May 2026

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