Scams and Fraud Targeting International Students

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.

Scammer Tactics

Call to demand immediate payment for taxes or debt
Threats to call 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)
Redirecting you to unsecure websites or unauthorized email and text message

How to Protect Yourself

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 websites
Do not open email attachments from unknown senders
See Beware of ICE Imposters guide from USCIS

How to Report

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 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)