This week is Scam Awareness Week (25 – 29 August). To help keep you protected, we’re here to share some common red flags to watch out for and easy steps to protect yourself.
Think scams won’t happen to you? With AI making and digital tools making scams more convincing than ever, students are being targeted in increasingly sophisticated ways.
Common scams targeting students
Job scams: You might receive a message via text, WhatsApp or social media offering easy money or commissions for work, reviews and more. These scammers often use stolen branding to look legit. Some ask you to invest money to earn more — usually via crypto, making it hard to recover.
Student fee scams: Offers to pay your fees at a discounted rate are fake and the money won’t be lodged. Always pay your fees directly to La Trobe.
Phishing scams: Some scammers send emails or texts claiming you have a tax refund or Centrelink payment waiting for you. Don’t click these — check your MyGov account directly instead.
Bank impersonation: You could receive a call that looks like it comes from your bank’s legitimate phone number or a text that appears in the same thread as a genuine bank message, but it’s actually a scammer. Always verify contact from your bank via official channels.
Accommodation scams: Rent that seems too good to be true? It might be, especially if they ask for upfront payments.
Threat and extortion scams: Some scams might involve threats to you or your family. It’s never worth engaging in blackmail, as they could keep asking you to hand over large amounts of money.
Money laundering scams: Being paid to move money is illegal. Don’t engage with anyone asking you to do this.
Ads on social media: Scammers might post items like laptops or instruments on Facebook Marketplace, eBay or Gumtree and ask for payments in advance. Always meet in person and verify sellers – check out these tips on how to stay safe using Facebook Marketplace.
How to avoid scams
Stop
- Take your time before sharing personal info or sending money
- Trust your gut — if it feels off, it probably is
- Scammers may pretend to help you verify your identity
Think
- Could this message or call be fake?
- Ask a friend or family member for advice
- Don’t click links or reply without checking authenticity
- Use official websites to verify contact numbers and don’t just call back
- If unsure: say no, hang up or delete
Protect
- Use two-factor authentication and update passwords regularly
- Act fast if something feels wrong
- Contact your bank immediately if you’ve lost money or shared account info
- Reach out to IDCARE for advice and support on how to respond to data breaches, scams, identity theft and cyber security concerns
- Report scams to Australian Cyber Security Centre or the police if you need immediate support
- Check for the latest scams or warn others via Scamwatch
Need support?
If you’ve been impacted by a scam and have already reached out to the authorities, you might want to access further support through La Trobe. Make an appointment for free, confidential Financial Counselling or get in touch with our Student Wellbeing Connect team.