Scams are increasing in frequency and severity, with many UNSW students being targeted and taken advantage of. There is no shame in being the victim of a scam or blackmail - you are not alone.
Scammers use very sophisticated strategies, and their tactics can be subtle. We know that this is unfair and we are doing our best to protect UNSW students. There are also steps that you can take to protect yourself and your peers.
Contract cheating services, which are illegal in Australia, often target students who may be feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Using these services puts you at serious risk, including blackmail. If you are struggling with your studies and need assistance, there are many official UNSW support services that can help you, including the Conduct & Integrity Office (CIO). Please read on to learn more about the implications of contract cheating and how to speak up and report a scam or service you're unsure about.
What is contract cheating?
Contract cheating is when another person or company completes your work for you and then you submit this work as your own, regardless of whether money is exchanged or not.
Illegal contract cheating services may contact you via email or social media platforms such as Messenger, WhatsApp or WeChat to advertise their services and may even pretend to be UNSW tutors or study helpers. You may also see online ads for services such as essay writing or proofreading, which may actually be contract cheating providers.
How do I know if a tutoring service is legitimate?
If you are contacted by a stranger who offers tutoring or proofreading, do not believe them and do not transfer them money, or share your personal details. UNSW students have been approached outside lecture theatres and contacted through personal channels.
Although some services appear as legitimate, they may also be considered contract cheating, so it’s important to be cautious. Websites including Chegg and Course Hero may have some legitimate uses, but they also have functions that could get you in serious trouble – always remember, if it’s not your words, it’s not your work.
Some students use external tutors for assistance with their learning, which is generally permitted. However, a tutor should never give you answers or do your work for you; this is considered contract cheating. If you’re unsure, check with your teacher, Course Convenor or the Conduct & Integrity Office.
What happens if I engage in contract cheating?
Commercial academic cheating services are illegal in Australia, with penalties of up to two years in jail for anybody found to be providing this service. If you use cheating services, you could:
- fail your subject or course
- be suspended or excluded from university
- lose your visa
- lose your professional accreditation
- be blackmailed by cheating service operators.
Contract cheating services are known to blackmail students, threatening to inform the university that they have engaged in cheating if the student does not pay them huge amounts of money. If this occurs, your safety is our focus and we want you to tell us so we can offer support.
What are the risks of sharing my UNSW login details?
Your UNSW account is for your access only; this means that sharing your zID and password or permitting others to view your account is strictly prohibited (even family, friends, or your partner).
No UNSW Staff Member will ever ask you for your password, and there is no legitimate reason to give any third-party access to your account. Sharing your account details can result in a risk to your safety, security or academic integrity. This can also lead to a Cybersecurity threat such as identity fraud, scams, hackers or malware.
If you are caught sharing your password, you will face serious penalties which may include suspension or exclusion from the university.
What do I do if I’m being blackmailed by a contract cheating service?
UNSW does NOT condone any form of cheating. However, UNSW will help you if you fully disclose your past cheating and are completely honest with us. Contract cheating is still misconduct and you will receive 0% in the assessment. The most important thing is that UNSW can offer you counselling and support and will contact the person blackmailing you to put a stop to the threats and demands.
If you are being blackmailed, please report this to the Conduct & Integrity Office as soon as possible. You can also contact Arc Legal & Advocacy for advice about academic misconduct and how to get help from UNSW.
Looking for help?
If you have been targeted by a contract cheating service, or been blackmailed, contact the Conduct & Integrity Office for assistance.