Scam Alert – Call Targets International Students!

Warning: A recent scam has been targeting international students and taking thousands of dollars. One call can take thousands of dollars out of your wallet!

Recent reports have come in this month that students are receiving incoming calls – mostly from the emergency 911 number – where either a man or woman will inform the student that they have committed a federal offense and will need to take immediate action. Some students reported that they were advised about an outstanding arrest warrant since they owe money to the US government.

The hoax tells students to pay the owed money to avoid prosecution by calling the phone number 202-470-6070. Students are informed that they need to act immediately in order to avoid further prosecution. In some reports, they threatened that the police would arrive at their front door if they did not pay immediately.

If you, or someone you know, gets a call similar to this hang up immediately and call the police. When in doubt, you can also call your local police station and school. If you are unsure, be sure to stay calm! It’s highly unlikely that any governmental agency will contact you by phone.

1. Ask what the call is about.
2. Request the full name of the agent and their ID number.
3. Get their direct line to call them back at. Remember, any threats like this are highly unlikely!
4. Call your international student advisor immediately with any information you have.

It’s important to know that you should never give out our:

• Your social security number
• Your banking information
• Your credit or debit card information

For more details, check out reports from other students here.

Posted in International Financial Aid News