Scam warning

There has been an increase in reported scams which have been targeting students at universities throughout Australia, including scams specifically targeting international students.

Scammers are focusing their attention on social media websites and engaging potential victims on platforms including WeChat and WhatsApp. Safeguarding yourself from scams on social media platforms is essential.

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.

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.

2. 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 money exchange discounts or university fee discounts.

If you receive an email, text, or message claiming to be from the University, visit our official website or contact the sender directly through their verified contact information to confirm the message’s authenticity. You may also consider contacting 13MELB directly and seeking their assistance in connecting with the sender.

3. Don't share personal information

Never share sensitive details like bank account numbers, pin numbers or passport information through social media or to someone who contacts you via a message or email.

Never give someone a copy of your identity documents, including passport or driver license unless you have confirmed they are from Victoria Police or from an Australian government organisation. You may wish to contact the organising seeking to contact you by calling them directly via telephone and requesting confirmation that the request you have received is legitimate. If they cannot verify, you may wish to contact the authorities (see below.

Please note that foreign Police agencies do not have jurisdiction in Australia.

4. Educate yourself

Stay informed about common scams that target international students. Awareness is a powerful tool to avoid being scammed. A comprehensive 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.

Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Prioritise your safety by verifying information and using trusted sources.

5. Contact authorities

Avoid Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Take time to assess the situation and seek help. Contact Police immediately if you are being threatened.

If you encounter suspicious activity, have received a threat to you or your family, report it straight away to the police.

If you've been contacted by a scammer or have been scammed, report it straight away to the police.

Responding to a possible scam or if you are unsure, contact:

• Victoria Police 1800 333 000 or 000 for urgent assistance
• University Security on +61 3 8344 6666 (24 hours, 7 days a week).
• University’s Safer Community Program on +61 3 9035 8675 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).