We’ve received a report of a sophisticated phone scam targeting international students with threats related to immigration status. These scams are designed to create panic and pressure you into sending money.
What Happened
A student received a phone call from someone claiming to be an immigration officer, accusing them of a violation of the AR-11 (change of address requirement). The caller asked highly detailed personal and financial questions, including:
- Family financial support and parents’ employment
- Rent amount and recent money transfers
- Bank accounts, credit cards, and savings
- Living situation and relatives in the U.S.
- Employment history and U.S. entry date
Shortly after, a second caller claiming to be law enforcement contacted the student using a spoofed phone number that appeared to be from the UW Police Department. This caller threatened immediate arrest, even playing fake police siren sounds, and said they were “working with immigration.”
The scammers then offered two fake “options” to resolve the issue:
Detention and possible deportation, or
Paying a large “immigration bond” to avoid arrest
The student was pressured to pay thousands of dollars immediately—not through a bank, but by purchasing gift cards.
What to Watch Out For
Keep an eye out for these signs that a call may be a scam:
- Unexpected calls about immigration violations, especially demanding immediate action
- Requests for detailed personal or financial information over the phone
- Threats of arrest, detention, or deportation
- Spoofed phone numbers that appear to come from official agencies
- Instructions to stay on the phone and not tell anyone
- Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
Important Reminders
- U.S. government agencies will not call you demanding immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone
- Government officials do not ask for payment
- You have the right to hang up and verify independently. Always contact ISS if you’re ever concerned about your immigration status.