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

Tuition fee scams

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.

Contract cheating scams

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.”

Rental scams

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 via Student Connect 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.

Employment scams

How the scam works

The scammer poses as a recruitment agent or someone hiring staff on behalf of a big company and either reaches out to individuals via social media or places legitimate looking ads on real job listing websites. When someone responds to the job message or ad, the 'agent' says that they can get the person a job quickly but they must make a payment first, usually the payment is to cover a mandatory 'training course' or 'recruitment fee'. However, in reality, there is no job.

How to avoid the scam

Be weary of any jobs opportunities that have a very quick hiring process, such as not asking you to provide a CV or attend an interview. Don't engage with any recruiters or employers that require you to pay them money before you secure a job.

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

Chinese authority and virtual kidnapping scams

How the scams work

This threatening scams targets Chinese nationals and involves scammers posing as authority figures in China.

A student is contacted – usually by phone – by someone claiming to be a police officer, government official, 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, money laundering). 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 with be arrested if they don’t pay.

Technology is often used to make the scammer’s phone number look official.

Sometimes, if the student doesn’t have enough money, the scammer encourages them 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.

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