Avoiding Scams
International students and scholars are often targeted by scams. Scammers may pretend to be government officials, immigration officers, police, or university employees. They may contact you by phone, email, text message, or social media.
Scammers often try to create fear or urgency. For example, they may claim your visa will be canceled, that you owe money to the government, or that you will be arrested if you do not act immediately.
These messages may sound convincing, but legitimate government agencies and universities do not demand immediate payment or request sensitive personal information by phone, email, or text message.
If you receive a suspicious message or request, do not respond or send money. Contact Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) before taking any action.
Common Types of Scams
Government Impersonation Scams
In this scam, someone pretends to be an official from a government agency such as immigration, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or law enforcement.
The caller may claim that:
- Your visa or immigration status is at risk
- You owe money for taxes or immigration fees
- You will be arrested or deported if you do not pay immediately
The scammer may ask you to send money through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards. These payment methods are difficult to trace and are commonly used in scams.
Beware of DHS Imposters: Protecting Foreign Students from Scams
Fake Job Offers
Scammers may advertise high-paying jobs or send you unsolicited job offers.
They may ask you to:
- Pay a fee for training, equipment, or visa processing
- Provide bank account information
- Share personal identity information
Legitimate employers do not ask you to pay money in order to receive a job offer.
Housing Scams
Scammers may post fake rental listings online that appear legitimate.
They may ask you to:
- Send a deposit or rent payment before you see the property
- Transfer money quickly to “reserve” the housing
- Communicate only by email or messaging apps
After receiving payment, the scammer disappears and the housing does not exist.
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams involve emails or messages designed to look like official communication.
These messages may ask you to:
- Click on a link
- Log in to a website
- Provide personal information such as passwords, banking details, or identification numbers
The goal is to steal your personal or financial information.
Warning Signs of a Scam
Scams often share common warning signs. Be cautious if you notice any of the following:
- Unexpected contact from someone claiming to represent a government agency or university office
- Urgent or threatening language, such as warnings about arrest, visa cancellation, or fines
- Requests for immediate payment, especially through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards
- Requests for sensitive personal information, including your Social Security Number, passport details, bank account information, or passwords
- Offers that seem too good to be true, such as guaranteed jobs, scholarships, or easy money
- Requests to keep the conversation secret or not speak with anyone else
- Suspicious emails or websites, including misspelled web addresses or email addresses that do not match official organizations
- Refusal to provide written documentation or official verification
If something feels suspicious or confusing, pause and verify the information before taking action.
How to Protect Yourself
You can reduce your risk of scams by following these safety tips:
- Do not send money to someone you do not know or trust
- Never share passwords, banking details, or identification numbers by phone, email, or text message
- Verify the identity of anyone who contacts you about immigration, taxes, or university matters
- Check official websites before responding to requests for payment or personal information
- Speak with VIS if you are unsure whether a message is legitimate
Taking time to verify information can help prevent financial loss and protect your personal information.
What to Do if You Receive a Scam Message
If you believe you are being targeted by a scam:
- Do not respond or send money.
- Save any messages, emails, or phone numbers related to the request.
- Contact Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) to discuss the situation and receive guidance.
If you have already sent money or shared personal information, report the incident to your local police department and seek assistance as soon as possible.
VIS can help you understand your options and connect you with appropriate campus or community resources.