Scams Targeting International Students in Australia: How to Spot Them and Stay Safe
Moving to Australia to study is exciting. Unfortunately, scammers know that too. International students are targeted because you're new to the country, you may not know how government agencies work here, and you're often dealing with visas, rent and money all at once.
The good news is that most scams follow the same few patterns. Once you know them, they're much easier to spot. Here's what to watch for, and what to do if something doesn't feel right.
Why are international students targeted by scammers?
Scammers look for people who are under pressure and unfamiliar with local systems. In your first months in Australia you might be:
- waiting on visa or immigration paperwork
- looking for a room to rent, often before you've arrived
- looking for part-time work
- sending and receiving money from overseas
- unsure what a real government call or letter looks like
Scammers use fear ("your visa will be cancelled") or urgency ("pay today or lose the room") to make you act before you think. Slowing down is your best protection.
1. Fake immigration or visa calls
How it works: Someone calls claiming to be from the Department of Home Affairs, the police or your embassy. They say there's a problem with your visa, that you've broken the law, or that you'll be deported unless you pay a "fine" immediately. Some use spoofed numbers so the call looks official.
Warning signs:
- threats of arrest or deportation
- demands for payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or bank transfer
- telling you to keep the call secret from family or your institute
The truth: Australian government agencies will never threaten you over the phone or ask you to pay with gift cards or crypto. Hang up and contact the agency directly using the details on its official website.
2. "Virtual kidnapping" and fake police from home
How it works: Scammers pretend to be police or officials from your home country. They claim you're linked to a crime and must cooperate in secret. Some victims are pressured into hiding, cutting contact with family and filming fake "kidnapping" videos, which the scammers then send to parents to demand a ransom.
The truth: Real police will never ask you to hide, isolate yourself or pay money to clear your name. If this happens, contact NSW Police on 131 444 (or 000 in an emergency) and tell someone you trust.
3. Rental and accommodation scams
How it works: A room or apartment is advertised at a great price, often in Parramatta or close to the city. The "landlord" is overseas or too busy to show you the property, but asks for a deposit or bond to hold it. Once you pay, they disappear.
Warning signs:
- the rent is well below similar places nearby
- you can't inspect the property, in person or by live video
- you're asked to pay before signing a lease
- payment is requested by cash, crypto or to a personal overseas account
The truth: In NSW, a rental bond must be lodged with NSW Fair Trading, and you should get a receipt. Never pay for a property you haven't seen, and never pay before you have a written agreement.
4. Fake jobs and "easy money" offers
How it works: You're offered a job with great pay for very little work. Sometimes you must pay for "training", a uniform or a visa check first. Other times the job is to receive money into your bank account and transfer it on. That makes you a money mule, which is a crime even if you didn't know.
Warning signs:
- paying money to get a job
- being asked to use your bank account to move money for someone else
- "reshipping" parcels from home
- job offers that arrive out of nowhere on WhatsApp, Telegram or social media
The truth: A real employer will never ask you to pay to work for them. Never let anyone use your bank account, and never sell or "rent" your account details. Remember that student visa work limits apply (generally 48 hours per fortnight during study periods), and a job offering cash-in-hand work outside the rules puts your visa at risk too.
5. Tuition fee and payment scams
How it works: Someone offers a "discount" on your tuition fees if you pay through them, or sends a fake invoice with different bank details. The money never reaches your institute.
The truth: Only pay your LIHE fees using the payment details on your official LIHE invoice or in your student portal. LIHE will never ask you to pay fees into a personal bank account. If you receive a message about fees that looks unusual, contact us directly before you pay.
6. Tax, bank and delivery text scams
How it works: A text or email says you owe tax, your bank account is locked or a parcel is waiting, with a link to "fix it". The link leads to a fake website that steals your login or card details.
The truth: Don't click links in unexpected messages. Open your bank, myGov or delivery app directly instead. The ATO and banks won't ask you to confirm your password or card details via a link.
7. Assignment help that turns into blackmail
How it works: Websites and social media accounts offer to write your assignments. Once you've paid, some threaten to report you to your institute unless you pay more.
The truth: Using these services is a breach of academic integrity, and the people behind them know it, which is why they use blackmail. If you're struggling with your studies, talk to LIHE Learning Support instead. And if you're already being threatened, tell Student Support. We'd much rather help than see you pay a blackmailer.
How can I tell if a message is a scam?
Ask yourself:
- Is it urgent or threatening? Real organisations give you time.
- Are they asking for money or personal details? Especially passwords, passport numbers or bank details.
- Is the payment method unusual? Gift cards, crypto and personal accounts are big red flags.
- Are they asking you to keep it secret? Scammers isolate their victims.
- Did you contact them, or did they contact you? Unexpected contact deserves extra caution.
If the answer to any of these is yes, stop, don't pay, and check using official contact details you find yourself.
What should I do if I've been scammed?
Act quickly. The sooner you report it, the better the chance of limiting the damage.
- Contact your bank immediately if you've sent money or shared card details.
- Report it to Scamwatch (scamwatch.gov.au) and, for cybercrime, ReportCyber (cyber.gov.au).
- Contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 if your identity documents or personal details were stolen. It's free.
- Call the police on 131 444, or 000 if you're in danger.
- Tell LIHE Student Support. We can help you work out the next steps, and you're not in trouble for being targeted.
Being scammed is not your fault. Scammers are professionals, and they fool people of every age and background. Talking about it helps protect other students too.
Where can LIHE students get help?
If something doesn't feel right, whether it's a call, a message, a job offer or a rental, talk to us before you act. Contact Student Support, email info@lihe.edu.au or call +61 2 7232 1822.
