Why you are a perfect target for scammers

Many international students share common characteristics and challenges that increase their risk of being tricked by a scam.

It’s all new…

You’re living in a new country and may not yet understand the laws, your legal rights, or the role and powers of authorities (like the police, immigration officials, and tax/revenue authorities).

You’re a long way from family and friends…

Studying overseas may be the first time you have lived away from home. You are separated from your family and support networks, which makes it harder to ask for their help or advice.

Scammers will usually try to make sure that you don’t reach out to your family or friends for help.

It’s your second language…

You might be studying in your second language and working to improve your language skills. That can make it harder to understand what’s going on if a scammer tries to trick you.

You want to make your family proud…

Your family has probably made big sacrifices to support your dream to study overseas. You want to do well and make them proud.

Scammers can use those feelings to trick you.

You want to save and make money…

When you are an international student, every dollar counts. You’re always looking for ways to save money, or make some extra money to cover tuition and living expenses.

Scammers may try to trick you with offers to save or make money.