ISS and the UW-Madison Police Department have recently become aware of a new scam targeting international students. The latest scam targets students in their native languages, with scammers claiming to be representatives of students’ home governments.In several cases, these scammers have referenced problems in students’ home countries, and/or falsely accused students of money laundering.
Please be aware that scams are not limited to threats such as these. ISS urges all international students to remain vigilant and beware of all suspicious phone calls, messages, emails, and other communications demanding your money.
Please be reminded of the following tips:
– Do not give money to anybody without first getting advicefrom ISS, or the UW-Madison Police Department.
–If you receive a phone call from someone demanding money, accusing you of a crime, or threating deportation, do not engage with the caller. Immediately hang up.
–The IRS (Internal Revenue Service), US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the FBI, or any other Federal government agency will never contact you via email or phone.
– If you have lost moneybecause of a scam, call the UW-Madison Police Department at (608) 264-2677.
– Contact 911 if you feel threatened or unsafe.
For additional resources and information on identifying scams and staying safe, please visit the following resources:
Study in the States: Scams Targeting International Students on the Rise
US Citizenship and Immigration Services: Beware of Immigration Scams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAOuHZ-klR4
Click to watch video update on scams from Dr. Roopa Rawjee, ISS Director and Assistant Dean of Students
Questions? Please contact ISS, or come to the office and speak with an ISS staff member.