Common scams

Fake PhD applications

Scammers pretend to offer PhD placements or scholarships in exchange for an application fee.

These offers often come via unsolicited emails, social media posts, messaging apps, using fake academic titles or affiliations. They target students desperate to secure a competitive opportunity.

What to do:

• Always verify offers through Deakin's official research office.
• If unsure, contact your School or Faculty or the graduate research team.

Fee payments

Scammers offer discounted fee payment services, often targeting parents overseas. Students or their families are told they can pay reduced fees if they go through a third party. After payment, the money disappears—or a fake receipt is sent to the University.

What to do:

• Before making a payment, check Payment options for tuition fees to make sure that it’s one of Deakin’s approved methods. Don’t pay on an invoice that someone else has given you in case it's been tampered with, check it in StudentConnect.
• Make sure your family knows how to spot fee scams. Sometimes it’s family members who are contacted with offers of a discount.
• Report suspicious payment offers to Deakin immediately.

Contract cheating

You’re offered help with assignments—but it’s fraud.
Contract cheating services promise stress-free assignments but lead to academic misconduct charges. They may also harvest your data or blackmail you.

What to do:

• Don’t share your login or assignments with anyone.
• Use approved study support services.
• If you’re struggling, talk to your tutor or unit chair.

Fake social media groups

Not every “student group” is what it seems.
Scammers create fake Facebook or WhatsApp groups that look official. They can be used to promote fake visa offers, housing scams, or fake job ads.

What to do:

• Join official groups through your university website or student union.
• Be wary of groups asking for personal info or offering quick money.
• Report fake groups or suspicious posts on the platform where they are posted.

Money mule

You’re asked to receive or move money for someone else.
Scammers might pose as a friend, employer, or love interest. Transferring the money makes you a “money mule”—often part of a criminal operation.

What to do:

• Limit who you give out your bank details too.
• Never accept money on behalf of someone else.
• Report anything suspicious to your bank and university.

Rental scams

Scammers offer too-good-to-be-true rental deals, often requiring payment before viewing.
These often appear on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or even in student social media groups. Scammers use fake identities and photos, and once you pay, they vanish.

What to do:

• Never pay rent or a deposit before inspecting the property.
• Use trusted platforms or Deakin’s residential accommodation service.
• Ask to meet the landlord or agent in person.

PTV Myki’s not being registered

Scammers sell “cheap” Myki cards that are stolen, unregistered, or invalid.
Once used, these cards can get blocked—and you risk fines if caught.

What to do:

• Only buy your Myki from PTV-authorised retailers.
• Register your card to protect your balance.
• Don’t trust deals in group chats or marketplaces.

Job and employment scams

Fake job ads promise high pay but demand money or your personal information.
These scams often ask you to “register” or send your bank details. Some even involve sending you fake cheques or overpayments.

What to do:

• Only apply for jobs through legitimate platforms or your university careers service.
• Never pay to apply or start a job.
• If something feels off, trust your instincts and check with a trusted friend or family member.

Paying for an Australian Tax File Number

There are websites that offer to provide you with an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) for a charge. You do not need to pay for a Tax File Number in Australia so you should never give your details or pay money to an unofficial third party site.

What to do:

• Only use the official Australian Taxation Office website.
• Look out for signs the site you are using isn’t official, some will declare in the footer and the terms and conditions that they aren’t affiliated with the Australian government
• Report websites to Scamwatch and contact IDCare if you believe your personal information has been compromised.

Lost, Stolen or Unlocked Mobile Phones

A lost or unsecured phone is a goldmine for scammers.
With access to your apps, emails, or stored documents, they can commit fraud in your name.

What to do:

• Use a PIN, fingerprint, or face ID.
• Turn on “Find My Phone” features.
• If your phone is stolen, report it and wipe it remotely.

Microsoft Tech Support Scams

A pop-up or caller says your device is infected—they want remote access. These scammers may sound convincing and claim to be from Microsoft or “Windows Support.”

What to do:

• Microsoft will never contact you like this.
• Don’t allow remote access unless it’s a trusted IT technician.
• If in doubt, close the browser and contact IT Service Desk.

Microsoft Login Page Impersonation

You receive a login prompt that looks real—but it’s fake. Often tied to phishing emails, this scam steals your username and password.

What to do:

• Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all your personal accounts such as Gmail, LinkedIn, Instagram etc.
• Change your password immediately if you’re unsure.

Phishing and Vishing

Scammers try to trick you via email, text, or phone into sharing personal info. They often impersonate universities, banks, or service providers.

What to do:

• Don’t click links or download attachments from unknown senders.
• Hang up on callers who pressure you for information especially personal details or out of the blue payments.
• Report phishing emails in your Deakin Account by clicking on the Report Message button in Outlook or contacting IT Service Desk.

ATO impersonation

You’re told you owe tax and must pay now or face arrest. Scammers often spoof caller IDs to look like the Australian Tax Office, government organisations such as the police.

What to do:

• The ATO will never threaten arrest over the phone.
• Hang up and check your myGov account directly.
• Report scam calls to Scamwatch.

Virtual kidnapping and authority scams

Scammers pretend to be Chinese authorities, telling you you’re involved in a crime. They demand money or force you to stage a “kidnapping” to extort your family. This scam is emotionally manipulative and terrifying.

What to do:

• Contact student support services and the police immediately.
• Don’t isolate yourself—talk to someone.

Extortion Scams

You’re threatened with harm or exposure unless you pay. This could involve fake “debts,” threats to your family, or claims of stolen data.

What to do:

• Don’t respond or send money.
• Report it to the local police.
• Keep records of all messages or threats.

Sextortion

You’re tricked into sharing explicit images—and then blackmailed. Often starts as online flirting. Once images are shared, scammers threaten to release them unless paid.

What to do:

• Stop all contact.
• Report to eSafety and to the police.
• Don’t panic—support is available through the university.