Contract cheating services often target vulnerable students and can lead to serious consequences, including blackmail. These services are not only against the law but engaging with them also puts your academic future at risk.
What is contract cheating?
Contract cheating involves students outsourcing their assignments or exams to third parties and submitting it as their own. Sometimes payment is involved, but it’s still considered contract cheating even if no money is exchanged. UOW students have been targeted by companies and individuals offering to complete assignments through social media, emails, or even in person. Contract cheating is against UOW's Academic Integrity Policy and illegal under Australian law.
With deadlines approaching, these offers can seem like a shortcut, but it’s crucial to understand the long-term consequences.
Spotting red flags
Be cautious of unsolicited offers to help with your coursework, especially if they promise guaranteed grades or quick turnaround times. Look out for websites or individuals that offer academic services and ask for personal information or payment upfront. You should never share your UOW login details with anyone, as this can put you at risk of blackmail, identity fraud or theft.
The risks
Contract cheating is one of the most serious forms of academic misconduct. A student found to have outsourced their work may not only receive a fail for the assessment task and a fail for the subject but may be suspended from their studies or even expelled from the University. Using these services not only undermines your education, but it can also damage your future career prospects. Some companies have also been known to blackmail students, posing serious personal risks.
Academic Integrity
You must meet UOW’s expectations of academic integrity when completing your assignments and exams. Read about the different types of academic misconduct and the serious penalties that apply here. Please also be aware of cyber security and the risk of sharing your login details with a third party who can hold your account hostage. Contact academic-integrity@uow.edu.au if you would like more information.
Need support?
If you're struggling with your coursework, seek help from legitimate sources such as your teachers, academic advisors, or UOW support services.
Study support
UOW’s Academic skills and study support offer free workshops, tools and resources to improve your study and learning skills.
Wellbeing support
We know that studying can be stressful, but UOW has a range of support and wellbeing resources available to you.
Report
If you encounter any suspicious offers or know of someone engaging in contract cheating, you can report it to the Office of Academic Integrity academic-integrity@uow.edu.au.