Cyber security

Protecting yourself from cyber scams


Scammers use tactics to take advantage of common activities relating to you heading off to university, such as looking for an apartment, applying for a visa, signing up for utilities, or getting a new credit card.

They may contact you via email ('phishing'), SMS ('smishing'), phone call ('vishing') or even your socials. They may pretend to be from the university, the government, tax department, police, immigration, foreign embassy, or your bank, to discuss your recent activity. 

They try to convince you to act, often with urgency so you will give your private information and/or access to bank accounts.



Suspicious behaviour to look out for

The best way to beat scammers is to know how to recognise a scam. Be alert and on the lookout for suspicious behaviour, including:

  • Being asked for personal information such as a password, credit card number, access to your computer, or official documentation.
  • Receiving an ‘urgent’ text message, email or phone call with a fake emergency or threats of legal action.
  • Communication that states you owe money or need to make a payment, even by using gift cards.
  • A call, email or text from someone pretending to be from a known organisation.
  • Any communication with bad spelling, an unusual sender name or email address.

What to do if you receive something suspicious

The best response is to not engage.

  • Never respond to requests for personal information via email from legitimate organisations. Do not reply, click on links or images, or open any attachments. Check the sender’s email address for additional/unknown characters.
  • If you answer a phone call and you’re suspicious, hang up immediately.
  • Take a screen shot and delete any text messages.
  • If the messenger is claiming to be from a known organisation, check the contact details on their official website, or call them to ask if they sent any communications.
  • Get a second opinion from a friend or family member.

What to do if you've been scammed

Being the target of a scam can be incredibly distressing. We can help you get through this.

  • If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, call 000.
  • If you receive phishing or junk email in your UWA inbox, use the Report Message button to flag the message with UWA’s Cyber Security team. This will help protect others from the same scam.
  • Contact your bank immediately. They may request a police report to investigate which you can submit at ReportCyber.
  • Reset any potentially compromised accounts (online banking, MyGov, UWA login, email accounts, social media, etc.)
  • Secure your device by scanning your computer and removing any devious programs.
  • If you’re an international student, contact our International Student Support team for support and advice.
  • Inform family and friends.
  • Seek support from Australia's IDCare who provide free advice and steps to take for affected individuals.
  • Report the scam to Scamwatch.
  • How do you know if you've been hacked?

  • Protect yourself from social media dangers

  • Protect your accounts and passwords

Information and support

At UWA

Being the target of a scam can be incredibly distressing. We can help you get through this. Seek support and advice at UWA.

  • Drop into The Living Room for a chat and get support if you’re stressed or upset.
  • Access our mental health and wellbeing services
  • For international students, reach out to the International Student Support team at help-international@uwa.edu.au
  • For more information and handy cyber security tips, visit the University IT’s cyber security website.

External to UWA

There are Australian government departments who provide guidance on identifying and responding to scams.

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