The United States Department of Homeland Security continues to see an increase in the number of scams targeting unsuspecting international students.
They contact their targets in different ways, often by making threatening phone calls or leaving intimidating messages on social media. Students should be aware that a government agency would never contact them by telephone to demand immediate payment and would never request that the student wire money for immediate payment. Both the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) do not make these type of phone calls. USCIS provides a comprehensive list of Common Immigration Scams.
If you or someone you know has received a phone call from an individual claiming you have committed tax fraud, have incorrect immigration paperwork and face arrest/deportation if a fine (or deposit) is not paid immediately, do NOT send the caller money. If you become a victim of a scam, please contact UIS Campus Police. They are well versed in dealing with scams and have a page devoted to assist our students in various types of scams: UIS Campus Police Scam Awareness and Safety