Student scams

Authority scam

International students tend to be the target of this scam. You are contacted by someone either online or in person, pretending to be an authority figure, such as a police officer, university, government or immigration official. To make it seem authentic, the person will often speak in a language familiar to you and tell you that you are in trouble. They may threaten you with criminal prosecution overseas or in Australia, unless you pay a sum of money. The person claims the payment is to prove your innocence while they investigate the crime. 

Variations of this scam may include the following threats if the payment is not made:
•    your visa will be cancelled
•    your university enrolment will be cancelled
•    you will be deported
•    you will be arrested
•    you will be evicted
•    your family will be in danger if you try to contact them.

It is important to understand that government agencies, banks and other large organisations will not threaten you or ask you to pay a fine over the phone or a video call. If you receive a demand of this nature, immediately stop the conversation and reach out to someone you trust for assistance such as a UQ’s Student Support and Wellbeing Services team who can provide you with the support and advice you need, or your family and friends.

University fee scam

You receive a phone call or message advising that you can receive a discount on your course fees if you pay via a third party, instead of paying your fees directly to UQ.

The requested payment method may be:

• gift cards
• cryptocurrency
• direct payment to a third party

Only pay your fees via the methods outlined in your my.SI-net account under the Financials tab. The University will never ask you to make payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency.

If you have questions about fee payment contact Student Central.

Rental property scam

Properties may be advertised in an online classified ad or a social media post by a person posing as a property manager or owner. They will then ask you to pay money or provide personal information to secure the property when the property isn't available to rent or doesn’t exist.

Always check the credentials of private advertisers promoting rental properties. Never transfer money, including the bond until you have inspected the property and signed an RTA lease agreement.

For more information on rental scams visit Residential Tenancies Authority. 

Employment scam

You are offered a job and asked to pay money upfront to cover work expenses you will be reimbursed for. The business itself or the actual job doesn’t exist. The scammer takes the money and you are left out of pocket. Scammers also try to recruit people to launder money and to acquire personal documents or information such as passports and bank account details. IDCARE provides more information about employment scams in this fact sheet.

Always verify the existence of the business and person offering the job. If you are offered a job and are not required to do an interview, this may be a sign it is an employment scam. 

The following scenarios are common signs of a scam:

• An unexpected phone call or message asking you to click on a link, open an attachment or act upon an urgent instruction with negative consequences if you don’t.
• Some scams may take place in person. Scammers may approach you in public and ask you to do something, ask for money or pressure you into taking immediate action.
• Someone requests asking you to verify your personal details or update your password.
• Someone asks you to send money to a third party.
• Correspondence that doesn't address you by name and may contain spelling or grammatical errors.
• The contact or URL isn't legitimate.

Stop

When online, never click on a link, download an attachment, or share personal information (such as account details) without pausing first to consider whether the message or call could be fake. Be aware of someone you don't know approaching you in-person. Speak to someone you trust like a friend or family member before acting. Always be cautious of any contact making urgent demands. Do not give strangers your personal details or payments. Do not transfer money, share personal information, download applications or leave your camera on. 

Check

When online, check whether the call or message is fake before responding. You can do this by contacting the organisation, using details available on their legitimate website, and confirming if they have requested information. 

If someone you don't know approaches you in person and pressures you to take immediate action, ask for identification or call the organisation on a number you have found yourself to check their identity.

Report

If you encounter a potential scam or phishing attempt, via email or phone, report the incident to Reportcyber. If it involves a UQ account, advise the UQ Cyber Security team. You can also report the matter to Australia’s ScamWatch and contact IDCARE for assistance. Your vigilance in reporting a scam can help protect yourself, your friends and peers.

Refer to Recover from hacks, scams and data breaches for information on what to do if you've been scammed.

Learn about the latest scams and fraud tactics from the following Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) resources:

• Little Black Book of Scams
• Guide to Scams (Easy to Read Version) (PDF, 4.5MB)
• Types of Scams
• Subscribe to scam alert emails
• Scamwatch: Scam information in your language
• Scamwatch: Chinese authority scams. This content is also available in simplified Chinese (简体中文) and traditional Chinese (繁體中文)
• Scamwatch: In-person scams