Avoiding Scams

A scam, as defined by Merriam Webster (opens in a new window), is a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation. As an international student living far from home and learning a new, unfamiliar culture, you may be more susceptible to scams. The best way to avoid being the victim of a scam is to take the time to inform yourself about common scams and how to avoid them. 

On this page, you will learn more about scams. However, if you receive any suspicious calls or emails, collect as much information as you can and send the details to us by emailing isss@ohio.edu. We will help you report the information to ICE’s anonymous Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line (opens in a new window)

General Tips to Avoid Scams

Students are often the target of scams — dishonest and sneaky activities which aim to steal money or information, collected from fraudulent sources. As a general rule, do not give out your personal or financial information to someone you do not know.  

• Government agencies will never force you to stay on the phone or prohibit you from contacting friends/family or legal advice.
• Only trust phone numbers you recognize.
• Official government agencies will never use text or email to contact you.
• You or your family will never be threatened by an official government agency.
• United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Student and Exchange Visitor Program will never contact you about college fees or fines and say it is to avoid deportation or other consequences.
• You will never be asked to make large cash withdrawals, purchase gift cards, Bitcoin or make a money transfer by an official agency,
• If you think you have been a target of a scam, please reach out to an ISSS staff member.
• NEVER give out any personal information.

Common Scams Targeting International Students

Common Scams which target international students and their families have been identified in this 2019 SEVP newsletter (opens in a new window). If you receive a a threatening or suspicious call or message from someone claiming to be a government or law official, the newsletter advises the following:

• Do not give the person any personal or financial information.
• Collect the caller’s contact information. 
• End the conversation immediately if threats and intimidation persist. 
• Contact your designated school official and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line (opens in a new window) to report the scam. 

What Is a Phishing Attack and How Can I Avoid It?

A phishing attack, usually received as suspicious email, routes recipients to a website or ask them to reveal private information, such as credit card information. To better protect your information online: 

• Do not access personal or bank accounts from a public computer or public WiFi network. 
• Do not reveal personally identifiable information, such as a bank account number, Social Security number or date of birth to unknown or untrustworthy sources. 

Additional Information

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services common scams page (opens in a new window) outlines many types of scams, what to look out for and what actions to take if you are targeted.

If you receive any suspicious calls or emails, collect as much information as you can and send the details to isss@ohio.edu (opens in a new window) and we will help you report it to ICE’s anonymous Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line (opens in a new window).

External Scam Resources

The ISSS team has compiled resources from various websites to help you identify and actively avoid scams.

Educational Scam Videos