Scam Information

Scams are when strangers target individuals and lie to them to get money or personal information. Unfortunately, international students may be targets of certain scams. It is important to educate yourself and protect yourself against common scams.

Common scams can include:

• Immigration scams
  • The person may pretend to be from USCIS or SEVP and ask for your personal information. They may say you need to pay money over the phone or give information from your immigration documents (I-20, visa, I-94, etc.).
• Social security scams
  • The person may pretend to be from the social security office and ask for your personal information including social security number.
• Banking scams
  • The person may pretend to be from your bank and ask for your personal information to access your bank account.
• Tax scams
  • The person may pretend to be from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and claim you owe money. They may ask for payment over the phone.

Never give out your personal information to a stranger over the phone! Hang up the phone if you think it may be a scam. Look up the agency's phone number online and call them on your own to verify the information was accurate.

More information on scams:
Study in the States Website on Scams Targeting International Students  ​
USCIS Webpage on Common Scams
IRS Webpage on Tax Scams