Firstly, what is a scam?

A scam is a fraudulent scheme designed to steal money or personal information, often by deceiving the victim into thinking the request is legitimate. Being aware of the types of scams that specifically target students is crucial to staying safe. 

Money muling 

• A ‘money mule’ is someone who transfers stolen money, often unknowingly, on behalf of criminals. 
• Students are approached and asked to move money through their bank accounts in exchange for a commission.
• Red flags to look out for: job ads that offer high pay for little effort, scammers may post these job ads on social media, classifieds websites or even approach students directly through messaging apps or in person.

Financial scams

• There has been a notable increase in financial scams targeting Chinese students studying abroad.
• Scammers often pose as officials from the Chinese government, local police or embassies.
• They claim the student is involved in a criminal activity and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or deportation. 
• Scammers use caller ID spoofing technology, make multiple calls from people pretending to be law enforcement and present fake documents to make their threats appear more credible.
• These tactics prey on the fear of losing one’s visa or reputation back home. 

Scams involving threats of arrest, deportation, or visa issues

• Scammers target international students by posing as immigration or government officials, claiming there is a problem with their visa or immigration status. 
• They use threats of arrest or deportation to create urgency and fear, pushing students to pay large sums of money. 
• They may also ask for personal information, such as passport or banking details. 

Top 5 tips for avoiding scams 

1. Do not share personal or financial information over the phone or online
   Legitimate organisations will never ask for sensitive information over the phone or email. If you receive an unsolicited request for personal details, do not provide them and hang up immediately. You can contact the organisation through an official phone number or email to verify the request. 
2. Be wary of job offers that sound too good to be true
   If a job offers high pay for little work, it is likely a scam. Always research job offers by checking the company’s website and contact information. Avoid jobs where the main task is moving money or receiving payments, as these are common tactics used in money muling. 
3. Verify any demands for payment from "officials"
   If someone contacts you claiming to be from a government agency or law enforcement, never make immediate payments or share personal information. Hang up and contact the agency directly through a verified phone number or email.
   Remember, legitimate government agencies will never ask for money over the phone, nor will they threaten you with immediate arrest or deportation without proper legal proceedings. 
4. Consult UC support services
   UC has resources to help international students navigate potential scams and legal issues. Reach out to your international student office or student wellbeing centre if you are unsure about any phone call, email or request for personal information. 
   UC Student Wellbeing and Support
   Student Centre – Building 1, Level B
   Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
   wellbeing@canberra.edu.au
5. Report suspicious activity
   If you believe you have been targeted by a scammer, report the incident. Always act quickly if you suspect your bank details or identity have been compromised - get in contact with your bank immediately. 

Resources

The following resources can be helpful if you believe you have become a scam target: 

• If you are the victim of a cybercrime, report it here with the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
• Report any suspicious activity with the Australian Government’s ScamWatch website. 
• If you are concerned that your identity has been compromised, contact the national identity and cyber support service IDCARE.
• If you receive a call from someone making threats about arrest or deportation, hang up the phone immediately and report it to your local police (131 444) or to Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000). 

If you need mental health support, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 224 636).