Staying safe off campus: how to avoid scams and get help in an emergency
We all have the right to be safe. Safety, inclusion and respect are the foundations of our university culture, and we’re always working to implement services that will support your wellbeing.
While we have moved to online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please remember to remain vigilant about your safety off campus, including times when you are online.
Be on guard for scams
While we ask that you continue to look out for coronavirus-related phishing emails and other online scams, as an international student, you should be especially cautious of potential scams in any unsolicited or unexpected communications you receive.
Deakin is currently aware of at least two scams in which international students have received digital communications/letters that claim you may face visa cancellation and/or extradition if you do not comply with a request to provide your personal details, certifications and/or money. These communications can be sophisticated and may look legitimate in appearance.
We have recently become aware of scams in which international students have received letters (via email) addressed personally to them, appearing to be from either the Department of Home Affairs or Deakin University, stating that the student is part of a random government audit concerning illegal activities/work by international students. In order to ‘avoid severe punishment’ and visa cancellation, the letters claim, students must deposit a large amount of money ‘within 48 hours’ in their bank account to prove they can fund themselves while studying here. Do not respond to these letters, they are scams.
How can I protect myself from scams?
- Remember to exercise caution in handling any unsolicited digital communications that request personal information or money from you. Cybercriminals will intentionally use threats relating to visa or study cancellations and/or deportation to encourage feelings of fear, in order to force you to make decisions quickly. In the examples mentioned above, students were asked to provide money/respond within 48 hours.
- Don’t respond straight away, especially if you are feeling panicked. Always stop to think about a request for you to click or download a link, or provide personal information and/or money. Ask yourself: is the request appropriate?
- Never give your bank details or money to people you don’t know or for reasons you are unclear about. This includes your personal, credit card or online account details. If you think your accounts have been accessed illegally, contact your financial institution immediately for advice.
- If you think you’ve been targeted by scammers, or you’re unsure about a request to share your personal information, you are encouraged to seek free legal advice and advocacy at Deakin or contact our International Student Advisers before you do anything.
Read more about how to avoid being scammed online.
Where can I go for help while we’re off campus?
Remember to remain vigilant about your health and safety while we remain off campus.
In an emergency:
- If you find yourself in an emergency situation or something makes you feel unsafe, do not go to your local police station as they might not have the resources to help you at the time.
- If you ever feel unsafe, you should contact Victoria Police by calling Triple Zero (000) straight away for emergency help.
We also recommend the following off-campus specialist support services:
- National Hotline for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
- Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) and the Victorian Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292 (24 hours)
- Victims of Crime: 1800 819 817
- Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
Most of Deakin’s health and wellbeing services are available online, so you can still access support when you need it. You can:
- Book a phone appointment to speak with a counsellor.
- Contact the Disability Resource Centre to see what resources and support are available.
- Visit your GP to discuss getting a mental health care plan.
- Phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24-hour confidential support.
- Check out headspace for some great articles and resources to learn more about how you’re feeling.
Other options if you need online assistance:
- Check out the Ask Counselling blog.
- Access a Wellbeing Coach via phone.
- Email a chaplain.
- Visit Deakin’s eWellbeing Hub for a range of digital resources to keep you happy, safe, motivated and healthy.