Loan repayments and SCAMS

UTS and other Australian universities have recently become aware of a tuition fee payment scam targeting international students. 

Scammers, claiming to be authorised international ‘agents’ of the University, are offering to pay students’ tuition fees, student loans, bills and invoices directly on behalf of the student at a discounted rate (sometimes 10-20% off). For example: If you have a A$1000 debt/bill, this agency will offer to pay it off for you if you send them A$800.

The scammer makes a payment to the university on behalf of the student and instructs the student to pay them the reduced tuition fee amount.  The payment to the university is subsequently dishonoured, as the scammer has used a fraudulent credit card to make the payment. 

Victims of this scam lose the money they paid to the scammer, and are still required to pay the full tuition fee amount to their university. 

Please note that scammers may also use other methods and UTS advises all students to be wary. 

To avoid becoming the victim of a scam you should ensure that you are familiar with the formal UTS payment methods.  If you are a commencing student, please ensure you use one of the UTS Appointed Student Recruitment Agents.