Hundreds of students at the University of Tasmania have reportedly been targeted by online scammers in a sophisticated phishing attack.
Fraudulent emails claiming to be from the university were sent to students informing them of a “delay in payment” of their tuition for amounts in excess of $1,500.
Recipients of the emails were told to transfer money to a bank account listed in the letter and provide proof of payment via email.
The university is urging students to “immediately disregard” the emails, which are believed to have subjects like ‘University of Tasmania Payment Notice’ and ‘University of Tasmania Outstanding Payment’.

“The emails, which requested a tuition fee transfer, are a confirmed phishing scam,” the university’s Chief Information Officer Kathleen Mackay wrote in a letter this month.
“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.”

The university say their IT team is working with relevant authorities to investigate the incident.