Scam awareness
'Virtual Kidnapping' scams affecting Chinese students
The Australia Federal Police and Department of Home Affairs wish to raise awareness about a 'virtual kidnapping' scam affecting Chinese students, information about the scam can be found here.
If you think you have been scammed, or targeted by scammers, please follow the steps below.
What to do if you have been scammed, or targeted by scammers
- Contact ACT Policing at 131 444, or visit a police station in person.
- Report the scam through ScamWatch.
- If you need further support, or want to speak with someone about your situation, contact the Student Safety and Wellbeing Team
If you think that the scammer may have your bank details, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Scammers are highly active in Australia. Australians lose hundreds of millions of dollars to scammers each year, who are now more prominent and sophisticated than ever. International university students may be disproportionately targeted by scammers. Recently, there have been several high-profile scam events targeting university students, including those at ANU.
It's important to stay up to date with common scamming techniques and prevention strategies, so that you remain informed and protected.
Protecting yourself from scams
The best way to protect yourself is through awareness and education. The Australian Government's ScamWatch website provides tips that you can follow to protect yourself from scams.
Importantly, if you ever receive a call from someone making threats about arrest or deportation, it is a scam. Do not send them any money. Instead, hang up the phone immediately and report the call. Never give your personal, credit card, or online account details over the phone.
Useful resources:
- Information from ScamWatch about Chinese authority scams
- The ScamWatch little black book of scams (also available in simplified Chinese)
- Follow @scamwatch_gov on Twitter
- Subscribe to ScamWatch radar email alerts
What to do if you think you have been targeted
If you think you, or someone you know, have been targeted in a scam, ANU is here to support you and you are not alone.
If you think the scammer has your bank account details, contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible.
How to report scams to the authorities:
- Report it to ACT Policing in the first instance. Students can make a report in person at the police station or by calling 131 444.
- Report the scam to ScamWatch.
- Reach out to the Student Safety and Wellbeing Team for further support.
The Student Safety and Wellbeing Team can provide you with support and advice, and can also assist you in making a formal report of the incident should you with to do so.
Looking out for your friends
It is important for you to be aware and vigilant in identifying potential scams on yourself or others.
Even if you haven't been directly impacted by a scam, please share this information with your friends and peers to keep our community safe.
Contact
- Student Safety and Wellbeing
- +61 2 6125 2211
- Send email