Criminal syndicates looking to scam and launder money in Australia are targeting international tertiary students with offers of 'quick cash' and commissions for access to their bank accounts and identity documents.
The AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) warns foreign students preparing to head home from studying in Australia are being offered between $200-$500 for the use of their Australian bank accounts, with potential for a commission - typically about 10 per cent - on funds received in them.
Identity documents are also in high demand like passports, driver's licences or government-issued identification that criminals will buy to open bank accounts in the victims' names.
While these offers to buy or rent accounts are presented to students as legal, they're actually anything but. And with criminals using accounts and identities in illicit activities such as money laundering and large-scale scam operations overseas, students could easily find themselves indelibly linked to crime networks.
AFP Detective Superintendent Marie Andersson said criminals commonly used their access to bank accounts and ID documents to impersonate real people or scam the life savings of vulnerable Australians, including retirees, migrants and even other students.
She urged international students not to sell or hand over their accounts or ID documents to anyone - especially strangers who contacted them via social media or messaging platforms, or in-person.
"What might look like a harmless favour, or an easy money earner can result in criminal charges, visa cancellations, and permanent bans from returning to Australia," Det-Supt Andersson said.
"We are seeing criminal networks overseas launder millions through bank accounts belonging to young people, and as a result, they too could be charged with offences like money laundering.
"When students sell their details, they're not only risking prosecution; they're also enabling real harm to innocent people."
The AFP's warning forms part of a new cybercrime awareness campaign, 'Your Name. Your Responsibility', which is designed to educate and empower international students to understand the serious legal and personal risks of selling their accounts to criminals.
Det-Supt Andersson said the campaign reminded students their identity wasn't just a document, it was also their reputation and their future.
"Students often don't realise they're being exploited by organised criminals who profit from their actions. But once caught, it's the student who faces the consequences," Det-Supt Andersson said.
"Before leaving Australia, we urge students to close their local bank accounts, secure their digital and personal identity, and never sell or share their details with anyone.
"Your identity isn't just paperwork - it's your responsibility.
"Leaving the country doesn't erase your digital footprint. Your bank accounts, name and identity are traceable by police around the world, and you'll still be connected to any crimes to which you are tied or responsible."
Anyone offered money for their accounts or personal information should report it immediately to ReportCyber.gov.au.
Money laundering is a serious criminal offence which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment in Australia.
Protect yourself from falling victim
- Don't share banking and personal details with anyone you don't know or trust.
- If someone asks to use or 'borrow' your bank account, say no.
- If you suspect something is not right, reject the offer.
What to do if you're a victim
- Stop all communication with the scammer.
- Contact your financial institution if you have transferred money or suspect unusual account activity.
- Report it to police using ReportCyber.
- Report suspected scams to ScamWatch to help others avoid similar scams.
- If you are concerned your identity has been compromised, contact the national identity and cyber support service IDCARE.
- If you, or someone you know, needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. They provide 24/7 support services.
The JPC3 brings together Australian law enforcement and key industry and international partners to fight cybercrime and prevent harm and financial loss to the Australian community.
It has launched the ClickFit cybercrime awareness campaign to help Australians recognise the warning signs of scams and take simple steps to protect themselves online.
Being ClickFit is about building safe online habits into your everyday digital routine. By regularly updating passwords, enabling Multi-Factor Authentication, and slowing down before we click, we make it significantly harder for cybercriminals to succeed and easier for people to navigate safely online.
Learn more about the campaign, check your ClickFit-ness level and access the free resources.
