The International Faculty and Staff Services (IFSS) office and the UW-Madison Police Department have recently become aware of a new scam targeting international students. The 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. IFSS urges all international scholars 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 advice from IFSS, 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 money because 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: UW-Madison Police Department, Study in the States: Scams Targeting International Students on the Rise, US Citizenship and Immigration Services: Beware of Immigration Scams