Protect yourself against scams
If you have been scammed or suspect a scam, visit the University's Scams advice and help page, or contact the Safer Community Program.
Getting support
Being the victim of a scam can leave you feeling scared, isolated and vulnerable. If you have experienced a scam, the University has a range of support services that may be able to assist.
The Safer Community Program is the University's central point of inquiry and reporting of inappropriate, concerning and threatening behaviour, and can provide you with advice and support if you fall victim to a scam.
There are several actions you can take to prevent falling victim to scams:
1. Be cautious - verify the source
Validate the identity of the person communicating with you before engaging in any financial transactions or sharing personal information. Transactions (including financial transactions) with the University of Melbourne should only be made via your secure student or applicant portal, or via Stop 1.
Always confirm the identity of the sender before responding to a message on social media. Be cautious of urgent requests, especially if they ask for personal or financial details. Scammers often impersonate trusted people to trick you into sharing personal information (e.g. by threatening with arrest or deportation) and pressuring you to respond quickly.
2. Don't share personal information
Never share sensitive personal information or documents such as passports, bank details, or contact details (like addresses or phone numbers) on social media or with anyone who contacts you through text, phone calls or emails unless you're sure it's safe and legitimate. Verify requests by carefully checking information through secure websites or legitimate apps.
It’s important to protect your privacy information. At the University, your Student ID is a unique identifier. Do no share it with anybody except through official University channels, such as your secure student or applicant portal, Stop 1, or your authorised education agent.
The University, Australian government officials, banks and immigration agents will never directly request private information (including money transfer or provision of bank statements) on social media or via text messages, phone calls or emails. If they cannot be verified, you may wish to contact the police or the University for help. If you have received documents or notifications from the University but are unsure if they are genuine, contact Stop 1 immediately.
If you believe your private information has been stolen, contact the sourcing organisation (e.g. the University or your bank) to prevent further harm. You can also contact IDCARE, the national identity and cyber security support service, for expert and specialised support. Please note that foreign police agencies do not have jurisdiction in Australia.
3. Beware of offers
Be cautious of offers promising scholarships, part-time jobs, or discounted currency exchange. Always research these offers thoroughly before committing.
The University will never contact you on social media regarding your fees or tuition. Never transfer funds to anyone who is offering currency exchange discounts or University fee discounts.
If you receive an email, text, or message claiming to be from the University, you can contact Stop 1 to confirm that the message is authentic.
Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Prioritise your safety by verifying information and only using trusted sources.
It’s important to avoid urgency. Scammers often create a sense of urgency so that you respond to the scam. Take time to assess the situation and seek help or advice.
4. Educate yourself
Awareness is a powerful tool to avoid being scammed. A list of agencies focusing on scams is listed below.
Stay updated about the latest security alerts and scams. Many organisations, including Australian government agencies and financial institutions, provide information about ongoing threats. Regularly check their official websites for alerts and tips on staying safe online.
Stay informed about common scams targeting current and prospective University students.
See the University Cybersecurity scam advice page for lots of useful information on protecting yourself from online scams.
Visit the Study Melbourne website for common types of scams that target international students, and information on what to do if you fall victim to a scam.