🚨⚠️ Scams in Australia: Real Stories, Red Flags, and How to Stay Safe

It often begins with a phone call from an unknown number. The person claims they are from the consulate, the Australian Border Force, or the police. They speak your native language fluently. They know your name and other personal details. They say there’s a problem with your visa, or your family back home is in trouble. They ask you to send money urgently, or you’ll face legal consequences. You might feel panicked and unsure, and in that moment, you might not think to question it.

Or you could be searching for a room online, on Facebook Marketplace, RedNote, or even in WeChat groups. You see a listing for a cheap apartment in the city, perfect for students. The landlord says they can hold the place for you if you send a deposit. You pay, but then the listing disappears, and you realise it was a scam.

These situations are common. Scammers know that international students may not be familiar with how things work in Australia. You might be new to the system, unsure who to trust, and feeling pressure to sort things out quickly.

This guide is here to help. We’ll explain why international students are often targeted, the common scams you need to watch out for, and simple steps you can take to protect yourself.

💸 The Cost of Scams

For international students, scams can cause both financial loss and emotional distress. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Australians reported over 494,732 scam cases in 2024, with total losses exceeding AUD $2.7 billion. While the number of reports decreased compared to the previous year, the financial impact remains significant.

International students are often targeted due to language barriers, cultural differences, and limited knowledge of Australian systems. The National Anti-Scam Centre reported that scams targeting Chinese students doubled in August 2023, with 1,244 cases and over AUD $8.7 million in losses by the end of that year.

These scams are not just about money. Victims often experience anxiety, fear, and shame, which can affect their studies, mental health, and relationships. Some students hesitate to seek help because they worry about being judged or getting into legal trouble.

📌 Typical Scams That Target International Students

🕵️‍♂️Impersonation Scams

Impersonation scams are one of the most common threats faced by international students in Australia. Scammers pretend to be officials from the embassy, Australian Border Force, or even the police. They often sound convincing, speaking Mandarin fluently and using personal details like your full name, date of birth, or passport number to make the story seem real. You might get a call telling you that your visa has problems, that you’re involved in a crime, or that your family in China is under investigation. The pressure builds as they demand you act quickly—usually by sending money or providing sensitive information. In a case reported by 9News, a 27-year-old student in Melbourne was convinced by someone claiming to be from the Australian Federal Police that she was under investigation for credit card fraud. She was told to meet in person and hand over AUD $38,000 in cash. Scared and unsure, she followed the instructions, only to realise later it was a scam. These scams work because they create panic, using fear and authority to manipulate students unfamiliar with how Australian law enforcement operates.

🎭Virtual Kidnapping Scams

Virtual kidnapping scams take impersonation to an even scarier level. Scammers pretend to be authorities and convince students they’re in serious legal trouble. They then instruct students to isolate themselves and send staged photos or videos of themselves looking distressed. These are then sent to the students’ families back in China, along with ransom demands. The families, believing their children have been kidnapped, pay thousands of dollars. In 2023, 9News reported a case where four international students in Western Australia were coerced into staging fake abductions, resulting in their families paying up to AUD $215,000 in ransoms. For students who are far from home, scared of authorities, and isolated in a new country, it’s easy to see how these tactics can work.

🏠Rental Scams

With Australia’s competitive housing market, rental scams are a serious risk for international students desperate to find affordable accommodation. Scammers post fake listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Rednote, or in WeChat groups, advertising attractive properties at low prices. They claim to be the landlord but are “overseas” and unable to provide inspection. They’ll ask for a deposit or bond to secure the property and then disappear once the money is transferred. In a case reported by SBS News, a Chinese student in Sydney lost AUD $7,200 after transferring money to a scammer posing as a rental agent. The scammer provided fake contact details for a landlord and vanished after receiving the funds. For international students who are unfamiliar with the rental process and feel pressure to secure housing quickly, these scams can be devastating.

💼Job Scams

Job scams are increasingly targeting international students seeking part-time work in Australia. Scammers often advertise high-paying, flexible jobs—such as data entry, online tutoring, or cleaning roles—on social media platforms. They may request upfront payments for training materials or equipment, or ask for personal information under the guise of background checks. According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), criminals are advertising 'side-hustle' jobs to deceive university students into participating in illegal activities like money laundering. These scams can lead to severe consequences, including visa cancellations and legal repercussions. The National Anti-Scam Centre reported that from September 2024 to March 2025, over 29,000 scam-related social media accounts and 1,850 fake job advertisements were removed in a crackdown on employment scams. These scams disproportionately affect international students unfamiliar with local employment practices.

🎓 Tuition Fee Scams

Tuition fee scams exploit international students by posing as university staff or authorized agents, offering discounted tuition fees. Scammers claim they can process payments on behalf of students at a reduced rate. They may make an initial payment to the university using stolen credit card information, which is later reversed, leaving the student liable for the full amount. The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has warned students about such scams, emphasizing that legitimate tuition payments should only be made through official university channels. Similarly, the University of Adelaide reported a case where a student lost AU$45,000 after transferring funds to a scammer who promised to pay the tuition fees on her behalf. These scams often target students eager to secure enrollment or take advantage of supposed discounts, highlighting the importance of verifying payment methods with the university directly.

💔 Romance Scams (Love and Investment Scams)

Romance scams are a growing threat, especially for those who feel isolated while living in a new country. In 2023, 9News reported a case where a Sydney bank employee lost $157,000 in a sophisticated “pig butchering” scam. The scammer built a romantic connection over time, gaining trust before encouraging the victim to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform. These scams are designed to exploit emotions—offering affection, fake success stories, and investment advice—before wiping out the victim’s savings. The elaborate nature of such scams makes them especially dangerous, as victims often don’t realise they’re being manipulated until it’s too late.

📱 Social Media Scams

Social media scams are increasingly common in Australia, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WeChat often used to trick victims. According to SBS News, Australians reported over 1,962 cases of social media scams between April and June 2023, with losses totalling more than $64.2 million that year. Scammers typically use fake or hacked profiles to send convincing messages, posing as friends or trusted sources. They might ask for urgent help, request money, or lure victims into clicking phishing links. For international students, who often rely on social media to stay connected with family and friends, it’s easy to let their guard down, especially when a message seems to come from someone they trust.

Understanding how these scams operate is the first step. But when you are living in a new country, dealing with unfamiliar rules and cultural differences, it can still feel overwhelming to know what is real and what might be a trap. That is why it is important to learn how to spot the warning signs before it is too late.

🛡️ Basic Things You Can Do to Protect Yourself

While scams can happen to anyone, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk. Being cautious, staying informed, and using official resources will help protect you from common scams targeting international students in Australia.

Here are some basic actions you can take:

• Use official channels for payments and information. Always pay your tuition fees, rent, and other expenses through the official university website or verified platforms. If you are not sure, contact your university’s finance office or support services to double-check.
• Never trust urgent demands for money or personal information. Scammers will often pressure you to act quickly by creating a sense of fear or urgency. Take a moment to stop, think, and verify. Official organisations like the police, your university, or the embassy will not threaten you or ask for payments over the phone or WeChat.

If you think you might be dealing with a scam, don’t panic—but act quickly. Talk to someone you trust, like a friend, a university support service, or a community group. Also, call the police as soon as possible. It’s important to report any suspicious activity to the right places, so they can help you and warn others. Here are some key resources that can support you:

• Scamwatch is the Australian government’s official website for scam prevention. It provides information about the latest scams, tips on how to protect yourself, and an easy way to report scams if you’ve been targeted.
• National Anti-Scam Centre is a national initiative that works with banks, government agencies, and tech companies to prevent and disrupt scams. Their site offers reports on current scam trends, safety tips, and how to stay informed.
• Be cautious of unsolicited messages and phone calls. If someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for personal details, money, or access to your accounts, it is likely a scam. Do not share information like your passport number, visa status, bank details, or student ID with anyone you do not know personally.
• Always inspect rental properties in person before paying. Never send a deposit or rent to someone who refuses to meet you or show you the property. If a deal seems too good to be true—like a cheap apartment in a prime location—it probably is.
• Verify job offers before accepting them. In Australia, legitimate employers will not ask you to pay money for training, equipment, or background checks. Be wary of any job offer that requires upfront payment, and always research the company’s details using official sources like ABN Lookup or the company website.
• Talk to someone you trust if something feels off. If a situation makes you feel uncomfortable or confused, ask a friend, your university’s support team, or a local community group for advice. Sometimes, just getting a second opinion can prevent a scam.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) media release highlights recent scams that have specifically targeted Chinese students in Australia. It warns about the rise in impersonation scams and offers advice on what to do if you receive suspicious calls.
• Insider Guides is a platform that shares practical information for international students. Their article explains common scams targeting Chinese students and offers advice on how to stay safe in Australia.
• This YouTube video explains how the National Anti-Scam Centre is working to tackle scams, with real stories and expert insights on how to avoid becoming a victim. Watching it can give you a better understanding of how scammers operate and what you can do if you get caught up in a scam.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. You’re not alone, and by staying informed, you can protect yourself and help others stay safe too.