Paying someone to do your assignments: why it’s unsafe

Have you seen flyers or ads offering to help with your assignment if you pay?

These services are known as “contract cheating” or “essay mills.” They offer to complete your university work for you in exchange for money.

Get free Monash study help instead: You can get 1:1 study support from the friendly Student Academic Services team. They can help you with assignments, exams, time management as well as English language support. It’s completely free, confidential, and you can use it as much as you need.

It is unsafe to use contract cheating services - they can ask you for more money or take your personal information

These services are illegal in Australia and can be linked to criminal activity. It is also against University rules to use them.

Students who use these services have reported problems, including:

  • Being asked to pay more money even after paying the first time
  • Being threatened with messages saying the company will tell the University they used the service
  • Being pressured to recruit or refer other students
  • Having their personal information stolen

Using these services can also lead to academic misconduct, which may result in serious penalties such as failing an assessment, failing a unit, or exclusion from the University.

If you are approached by people offering these services, please report it and seek support. Your report will be treated confidentially, and the University can help you understand your options and access support.

Where do these services show up?

These services do not only appear online. You may see posters on campus, be approached in person, or see messages in class group chats. Some services or individuals may offer money or rewards if you help promote their service to other students.

See something? Report it. It is confidential and will not impact your studies or your visa.

Your safety is our priority.

If you notice unusual activity on campus or in class group chats, report it straight away. Early reporting helps protect you and other students. Contact Monash Security immediately.

How to protect yourself

Always use Monash’s free study support services.

Be cautious online

  • Do not share your student login details with anyone
  • Do not upload your assessments to external websites
  • Be careful about joining unofficial class group chats
  • Ignore messages promising “guaranteed grades”

Be alert on campus

  • Do not talk to people promoting paid assessment help
  • Do not scan QR codes offering essay writing services
  • Report posters or business cards advertising assessment help

If something does not seem right, do not respond and report it.