Halifax police are issuing a warning about a tuition scam targeting Asian students.

Police recently received a complaint from a student about a scam involving promises of better educational opportunities.

Officers say the complainant, who is Asian, was approached by an Asian man who offered to help the student get into a university in Ontario.

Police say the student was asked to provide a hefty administration fee along with an upfront fee to start the process and take English language training.

The suspect also asked the student for tens of thousands of dollars to cover her first year of tuition upfront. The student complied but police allege the suspect kept the money and did not apply to any Ontario universities on her behalf.

Police are advising the public to be suspicious of any individual who asks for money upfront for a service and to be careful when giving out personal information.

Anyone who has been targeted by the scam is asked to contact police.