International students are often targeted by scams. Knowing the common warning signs — and where to get help — can protect your money, personal information and wellbeing.
If someone contacts you and it feels suspicious, stop and do not engage.
Do not
- Continue the conversation
- Send money
- Share personal or financial information
Do
- Talk to friends or family
- Contact University support services
- Report the incident to police and Scamwatch
- Contact your Consulate for advice
How to report
- Emergency: call 000
- Non‑emergency police: 131 444 (Police Assistance Line)
- Report the scam to Scamwatch
Think you’ve been scammed? Seek support at La Trobe
Scams can happen to anyone. There’s no need to feel embarrassed — support is available and acting quickly can help prevent further harm.
Who to contact
Safer Community
Confidential, free advice for any safety or wellbeing concern.
Phone: 03 9479 8988
Email: safercommunity@latrobe.edu.au
Online reporting available, with an anonymous option. Visit the website for further information.
ASK La Trobe and International Student Support
Your first point of contact for academic, financial, social or personal support. If you’re unsure where to go, start with ASK La Trobe and the team will connect you to the right service. Visit the website to get in contact.
24‑hour international student support hotline
Call 1800 758 360 for after‑hours support, including nights, weekends and public holidays.
Common scams targeting international students
Threat scams targeting Chinese communities
Also known as Chinese authority or threat scams, this highly targeted scam disproportionately affects Mandarin‑speaking communities in Australia.
Scammers usually contact people by phone, pretending to be officials from Chinese authorities such as the embassy, police, or other government agencies. Sometimes they also pose as telecommunications providers to appear more credible.
Victims are falsely accused of serious crimes and pressured to make urgent payments to “prove” their innocence. Threats may include arrest, legal action, surveillance or deportation. Scammers often instruct victims not to speak to anyone else, increasing fear and isolation.
Latest Scamwatch data
- In 2025, Scamwatch received 1,294 reports, a 26% increase from 2024
- $12.9 million was lost to these scams, up more than 10% year on year
- People aged 18–24 reported the highest losses, close to $8 million
- Reports referencing “university” or “school” increased by 75% compared to 2024
Warning signs may include fear, secrecy, claims of being “under surveillance”, or being required to check in regularly with someone by phone.
If you notice these signs in yourself or others, seek help immediately:
- If you ever receive a call from someone making threats about arrest or deportation, it is a scam.
- Hang up the phone immediately and report it to your local police or to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
- If you think the scammer has your bank account details, contact your bank immediately.
- Warn your friends and family about this scam.
Members of the Chinese community in Australia can also report the scam to Scamwatch. More information can be found at the Scamwatch website.
Other common scams targetting students
Scammers pretend to be government or immigration officials and claim there is a problem with your visa. They often create fear by threatening deportation or legal action and demand urgent payment.
What to know:
- Government departments do not call students demanding money
- Visa issues are handled only by official government agencies
- Never pay or share details over the phone or by email
Some international students are impacted by rental scams, particularly through social media or informal sub‑letting arrangements.
Common warning signs:
- Being asked to pay rent or bond before inspecting a property
- Requests for payment via cash or money transfer
- Sub‑letters collecting rent but not paying the landlord
Always inspect properties, use secure payment methods, and be cautious of offers that seem urgent or unusually cheap.
Never pay tuition fees to a third party.
Scammers may claim they can arrange discounted fees. Payments are often made using stolen credit cards and later reversed, leaving the student with unpaid fees owed to the University.
Remember:
- La Trobe University does not offer fee discounts through third parties
- The University will never ask for your bank details by email
- Always pay fees directly through official University channels
Scammers use fake profiles, messages and links to target students.
Stay safe online:
- Do not accept friend requests from people you don’t know
- Limit how much personal information you share
- If something feels unusual, pause and ask for advice
No one should ask you to pay for a job, return part of your wages, or hold your passport.
Your rights:
- You must be paid at least the minimum wage
- You must receive a payslip
- Your employer cannot cancel your visa
It is a serious criminal offence to force anyone to work through threats, deception or debt. Report this behaviour to the Australian Federal Police on 131 237.
For workplace advice and support, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website. You can also read more about your workplace rights in Australia in this MyLaTrobe article.
Remember
Scammers rely on fear and urgency. Pause, check and talk to someone you trust. If something doesn’t feel right, seek advice before taking action. Visit the Scamwatch website for further information.