Scams & Fraud Targeting International Students

Scammer Tactics

How to Protect Yourself from Scams/Fraud

How to Report Scams/Fraud

Scammer Tactics

International students should beware of scams and fraud at all times. Scammers will identify themselves as police officers, government officials, SEVP, USCIS, ICE agents, IRS tax representatives, or university officials. These scammers will:

Use threatening tactics such as dismissal from the university, deportation from the US, or pending police arrest if payment is not made immediately.

Call to demand immediate payment for taxes or debt.
Threats to call the police or have you deported.
Deny your ability to appeal or question the payment.
Require specific payment through prepaid cards:
- Example: Gift Card Scams.
Ask for sensitive information (SSN, date of birth, address, bank, or credit card number).
Redirect you to unsecure websites or unauthorized email and text messages.

How to Protect Yourself from Scams/Fraud

If you suspect fraud, end the conversation immediately.
Never share any personal or financial information (SSN, date of birth, address, bank, or credit card number).
Do not send money through the mail or electronic transfer.
Do not click on suspicious links or unsecured access to websites.
Do not open email attachments from unknown senders.
- See Beware of ICE Imposters guide from USCIS.

How to Report Scams/Fraud

Federal Trade Commission - Report any unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace.
Federal Trade Commission - How to Spot, Avoid, and Report Fake Check Scams.
Florida Attorney General - Consumer Protection - Identity theft and consumer complaints.
Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line - Report suspicious criminal activity (Cyber Crimes, Terrorism, Intellectual Property Rights Violations, Document and Benefit Fraud).
Immigration Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program:
- Report at EOIR.Fraud.Program@usdoj.gov for issues of fraud, immigration scams, and the unauthorized practice of immigration law.
Social Security Administration - Social Security Fraud.
USCIS Fraud Tip Line - Information and resources for reporting suspected fraud.
- USCIS Fraud Tip Form - Immigration benefit fraud and abuse to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
University Police - Report suspicious incidents involving communications indicating they are from law enforcement:
- Non-Emergency: 863-874-8472
- Emergency: Dial 911
- Email: police@floridapoly.edu
University - Technology Services - For suspicious emails sent to your university student email account, please forward them to IT Services at: helpdesk@floridapoly.edu for further analysis (i.e., potential phishing scams or viruses).