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Phone and email scams are increasingly targeting individuals, including international students and scholars. Scammers often pose as government officials or other authoritative figures, threatening legal action or demanding money and personal information. It's crucial to recognize the signs of these scams and take appropriate actions to protect yourself. Keep a record of all information about the scam, including phone numbers, email addresses and website addresses. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam and have provided personal information or payment to someone you do not know, contact Drexel Police at 215.895.2222 to file a police report.

Types of Scams and Examples

Phone Scams:

• General Phone Scams: Scammers may call pretending to be from a legitimate company or organization, such as a bank, government agency or utility company, claiming there's a problem with your account and requesting personal information or credit card numbers.
• Embassy/Citizenship Scams: Scammers may pose as officials from your embassy or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, claiming your personal information is being used to commit crimes and there is a warrant in your name. They may ask you to open a video app and remain monitored on video to prove your innocence, or pay large sums of money for a “bail bond.”
• Tech Support/Financial Institute Scams: Scammers may claim there's a problem with your computer or account and request remote access to fix it, which can lead to theft of personal information or installation of malware.
• IRS Scams: Scammers may claim you owe money in taxes and threaten arrest if you don't pay immediately.

Email Scams:

• Employment/Internship Phishing Scams: Scammers may use spoofed email accounts to send fake job offers or work-study programs, asking you to text a number for immediate enrollment and eventually requesting money or personal information.
• Phishing Link Scams: Scammers may send emails that look legitimate but contain links to fake websites designed to steal your personal information.
• Malware Scams: Scammers may send emails with attachments containing malware that can steal your personal information or infect your computer.
• Sweepstakes Scams: Scammers may claim you've won a sweepstakes or lottery and ask for personal information or a fee to claim your prize.

Visit Drexel IT’s  for additional tips and a photo gallery demonstrating examples of email scams.

Social Media Scams:

• Romance Blackmail Scams: Scammers may pose as someone with romantic interest, exchange explicit photographs, and then threaten to post the images unless you send money.
• "Catfishing” Scams: Scammers may create fake profiles and build relationships, eventually asking for money to help with personal hardships.
• Investment Scams: Scammers may post ads for investment opportunities promising high returns, asking for money via Venmo/Zelle or cryptocurrency.
• Gift Card Scams: Scammers may sell gift cards at a discount, but take the money without sending the gift card.

Street Scams:

• Comedy Show/Concert Ticket Scams: Scammers may pose as workers for shows or clubs, selling fake tickets at a discounted rate.
• Money Exchange Scams: Scammers may ask for cash assistance, pretending to send money via CashApp/Zelle/Venmo, but flee with your cash when you realize their funds were never sent.
• Jewelry Exchange Scams: Scammers may sell counterfeit gold jewelry or watches, claiming they need money to travel.

Ongoing Scams Targeting International Students:

• False Claims: Scammers may claim you failed to file Form AR-11 (Change of Address Form) and that a complaint has been lodged against you.
• Threats: Scammers may threaten deportation or legal action.
• Personal Information: Scammers might possess some of your personal information, such as your major or nationality, likely gathered from public sources.

General Tips to Avoid Being Scammed:

• Never Give Out Personal Information: Do not provide personal information over the phone or email unless you are sure of the identity of the person you are talking to. If you do not recognize the email address or phone number you are dealing with, contact the person or entity’s official channels to verify the legitimacy of any claims.
• Be Suspicious: Be wary of any email or phone call that asks for your personal information or credit card number.
• Avoid Clicking on Unknown Links: Do not click on links in emails or text messages from phone numbers or email addresses you don't know.
• Be Careful on Social Media: Be cautious about what information you share on social media.
• Keep Software Updated: Ensure your software is up to date.
• Use Strong Passwords: Use strong passwords and change them regularly. Passphrases – passwords that use more than one word – are typically more secure than regular passwords (ex: umbrella-bear-mountain).

Warning: Government agencies will never ask you to transfer money to an individual. They do not accept Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp or gift cards as payment for immigration fees. Requests for payments via these methods are a strong indicator of a scam.

Resources

• Drexel’s Office of International Students and Scholars Services: Provides guidance and information through newsletters, scam alerts, and one-on-one consultation.
• : Offers additional information on common scams and acceptable methods for paying filing fees.
• Learn about some of the most —as well as tips to help you stay safe and what to do if you're a victim.