About Scams
As an international student, you might be targeted by scams. Scammers often pretend to be from the government, immigration offices, or even UW employees. They may try to scare you by saying your visa will be canceled or you’ll get in trouble if you don’t pay them or give them personal information right away. These scams can feel very real, but real organizations won’t pressure you to pay immediately or share private details over the phone or email. If you’re unsure, come talk to International Student Services before doing anything.
Types of Scams
- Government Impersonation Scams: Scammers pretend to be from immigration or tax authorities, claiming you owe money or risk visa cancellation or arrest. They pressure you to pay immediately, often through gift cards or wire transfers.
- Fake Job Offers: Scammers offer high-paying jobs and ask for upfront fees for training or visa processing. They may also ask for personal information like your bank details.
- Housing Scams: Scammers advertise fake rental properties, ask for a deposit before you see the place, and disappear after receiving the payment.
- Phishing Scams: Scammers send fake emails or messages that look official, asking you to click links or provide personal information, like your login credentials or banking details.
Identifying a Scam
- Unsolicited Contact: Unexpected calls, emails, or messages claiming to be from government agencies, the University of Washington, or other official organizations.
- Urgency and Threats: Pressure to act immediately or face severe consequences like visa cancellation, arrest, or fines.
- Requests for Payment: Demands for payment through unusual methods like gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards.
- Requests for Personal Information: Asking for sensitive details like your Social Security Number, passport information, bank account details, or login credentials.
- Official-Sounding Language: Using technical terms or impersonating authority figures to sound convincing, often with fake ID numbers or badge numbers.
- Too Good to Be True Offers: Promises of easy money, high-paying jobs, or guaranteed scholarships in exchange for upfront payments or personal information.
- No Written Proof: Refusal to provide written documentation or official proof of their claims.
- Suspicious Email or Website: Poor grammar, misspelled URLs, or email addresses that don’t match official domains (e.g., a government website using a personal email like Gmail).
- Demanding Confidentiality: Insisting you don’t tell anyone, especially police or the UW, about their request.
- Unusual Behavior: Gut feelings or situations that seem odd or make you uncomfortable.
Getting Help
If you’ve been the victim of a scam, don’t panic—you’re not alone, and help is available. First, stop all communication with the scammer and avoid making further payments if you did previously. Report the incident to International Student Services by completing our Contact ISS form.