University of Tasmania launches investigation after students targeted by phishing scam

Hundreds of University of Tasmania students were targeted by a phishing scam over the festive period, instructing them to pay supposedly “outstanding” tuition fees.

Phishing scam email purporting to be from the University of Tasmania, instructing students to pay supposedly 'outstanding' tuition fees. Picture: Supplied

The University of Tasmania has launched an investigation into a phishing scam which saw hundreds of students targeted by fraudsters.

Scam emails have been sent to students, urging them to pay supposedly “outstanding” tuition fees.

The emails purport to be from UTAS itself and began circulating earlier this month.

In one email seen by the Mercury, a student is informed of a “delay in payment of your tuition fees in the amount of $1550”.

Phishing scam email purporting to be from the University of Tasmania, instructing students to pay supposedly 'outstanding' tuition fees. Picture: Supplied

It warns that “we will have to forward your file to our legal department” if the “debt is not settled” before December 31.

Bank details were included in the email and recipients were advised to transfer money to a specific account, as well as proof of payment to a supplied email address.

UTAS has written to staff and students to warn them of the scam.

“Please immediately disregard and delete any email you received with the subject heading ‘University of Tasmania Payment Notice’ or ‘University of Tasmania Outstanding Payment’,” UTAS chief information officer Kathleen Mackay wrote in a note to staff on December 13.

“The emails, which requested a tuition fee transfer, are a confirmed phishing scam.

“Under no circumstances should any funds be sent or personal information shared in response to the messages. Do not reply to the emails, click any links or open any attachments.”

Hundreds of University of Tasmania students were targeted by an email phishing scam this month. Picture: Richard Jupe

Ms Mackay said the university’s ICT security team was investigating the matter and had “taken action to block the sender” of the scam emails.

“It’s important to be aware that scam activity tends to increase during the festive season,” she said.

“Scammers often take advantage of the holiday period to target individuals and businesses with fraudulent emails, messages, and phone calls.”

If you are a student at UTAS and notice suspicious activity, you should immediately report it to [e-mail] and raise any relevant concerns through the UConnect platform.