Common scams targeting students

Common scams targeting students

How do you identify and avoid a scam? Some frauds targeting students are subtler and more complex than you might expect.

Unfortunately, numerous students fall victim each year, sometimes losing substantial amounts of money.

 

Updated as of April 2026

Common types of scams

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Scammers pretend that you are involved in a criminal case and ask you to disclose your personal information or transfer money.

How it works
  • You receive a phone call from individuals claiming to be police officers, accusing you of being involved in a criminal case. They may ask to meet with you online, and they may wear a fake police uniform.
  • They recite your accurate personal information (full name, date of birth, ID number) to gain trust.
  • To make the claim more convincing, they might add you on social media, send fake documents with official seals, criminal records, or even an arrest warrant.
  • They instruct you to "prove your innocence" by keeping a large sum of money in your bank account and then transferring it to a specified account for “verification.”
  • They threaten immediate arrest, reporting the case to the university, or expulsion if you do not comply.
  • They also warn you not to inform anyone, claiming it could “interfere with the investigation.”
How to avoid the scam
  • Government agencies and law enforcement will never demand money or personal information over the phone or online.
  • Do not share personal details with unknown callers or messages.
  • If you receive such a call, hang up and report the scam to the local authorities.

Scammers impersonate police or government officials, claiming you are involved in a criminal case and pressuring you to transfer money or isolate yourself.

How it works
  • You receive a call or message from individuals pretending to be police, immigration officers, or government investigators.
  • They may show fake documents (like arrest warrants or investigation notices) and recite accurate personal details (full name, date of birth, ID number) to build trust.
  • They accuse you of being involved in a criminal case and demand that you “cooperate” by transferring money or disclosing sensitive information.
  • Some scammers instruct students to isolate themselves, stay in a hotel, or cut contact with friends, family, or the university, claiming it is part of a confidential investigation. 
  • Threats may include arrest, deportation, or academic consequences if you do not comply.
How to avoid the scam
  • Government agencies and law enforcement will never instruct students to transfer money, isolate themselves, or keep communication secret.
  • If someone claims you are under investigation and pressures you to pay money or move to a different location, hang up immediately.
  • Do not provide your personal or financial information.
  • Contact local authorities, RMIT Safer Community, or Student Connect to verify any claims.
  • Do not isolate yourself. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member and report the incident to local authorities.

Scammers pretend to be courier or delivery staff and contact you shortly after your student ID card or official documents are mailed, demanding payment before releasing the package.

How it works
  • You receive a phone call or message from someone claiming to be a courier handling your student ID card, official documents, or a parcel you did not order.
  • They tell you there is a “delivery problem” and that you must pay a fee before the package can be released.
  • They may use accurate personal information (your full name, student ID, address) to appear legitimate.
  • Some callers create urgency by claiming the item will be returned or destroyed if you do not pay immediately.
How to avoid the scam
  • Do not pay delivery fees to unknown callers or links sent through SMS or messaging apps.
  • Check the status of your delivery only through the official courier website, app, or merchant, not via a phone number provided in an unsolicited call.
  • If unsure, hang up and contact Student Connect.
  • Report suspicious calls to local authorities.

Scammers claim to be a university staff member and request you transfer money to cover tuition fees.

How it works
  • You receive an email, call, or message from someone claiming to be a university staff member. 
  • They say your tuition fees are overdue or that you qualify for a discount if you pay immediately. 
  • They provide fake bank details and insist you transfer money to an unofficial account. 
How to avoid the scam

Scammers pretend to university staff members, inviting you to participate in a prestigious scholarship or exchange program. 

How it works
  • You receive an email, call, or message from someone claiming to be a university staff member, mentioning that you were selected to participate in a prestigious scholarship or exchange program.
  • To gain trust, they will add you on social media, show you fake documents with your accurate personal information (full name, date of birth, student ID) to gain trust. 
  • You will be asked to pay upfront fees for “registration,” “visa processing,” or “document verification” to secure your spot. Once you have transferred the amount that they asked for, they may request more money. 
How to avoid the scam

If you think you are being scammed

If you are an RMIT student and suspect you have been or are being scammed, support is available to help you stay safe and manage the situation.

You are encouraged to:

  • Stay alert and protect your personal information by avoiding further engagement with suspected scammers
  • If you have safety concerns or would like help developing a safety plan, contact Safer Community for advice and support
  • Seek support from RMIT Counselling and Psychological Services if the experience is causing distress
  • To request an investigation, contact local police

You can also learn more about staying safe online and how to remain vigilant.