Avoiding Scams & Fraud
Protect yourself and your identity by learning how to avoid scams and fraud that target international students.
As an international student or scholar at Champlain College, you need to be aware of common scams and how to avoid them or not be taken advantage of.
Commons scams use the threat of the loss of valid immigration status and request large sums of money to avoid that loss.
Commons scams targeting international students:
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Via Telephone:
- IRS
- I-901 SEVIS Fee (wrong amount)
- Immigration
- 911 Calling You
- Police
- Faked Kidnapping
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Via Email/Social Media:
- IRS
- Immigration Fees
- Winning Monday
- Prizes
- Apartments/Cars
- Diversity Lottery Scam
- Malware Attached to Email when Opened
- Fake Link
- Fake Websites
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Via Snail Mail:
- Packet of Immigration Forms/Tax Forms/Request for Payment
- Letter Asking You to Call
- ICE Saying Unpaid SEVIS Fee and to Send $600 on a Pre-Paid Card
- Employment Scams
Social Security Identity Theft
The Social Security Administration (or, SSA) will not give out your SSN to anyone, except when authorized by law to do so.
Never carry your SSN card in your wallet or on your person – memorize the # and put it away in a safe space.
Be careful about sharing your SSN. It is okay to share with your employers, IRS, your bank, and hospitals.
If someone asks for your SSN, ask 3 important questions:
- Why is it needed?
- How will it be used?
- What if I refuse?
Additional Tips and Resources
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How Not to be Taken Advantage of:
- If it is too good to be true, it probably is.
- All fear-based, very persistent.
- Escalates quickly.
- Threatens you – “I’ll call the police” or “You’ll be deported” or “If you hang up, an arrest warrant will be issued…”
- Demand instant payment in the form of gift cards.
- Government agencies will not call you or ask for money – all done by mail.
- Come to ISS for confirmation and reporting.
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What if you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft?
- Go To: Identitytheft.gov and report.
- Contact the IRS.
- Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- Monitor your credit report.
- Contact the SSA (1-800-325-0778 or www.socialsecurity.gov)
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More Helpful Resources on Scams and Fraud:
- Study in the States: Read these tips to avoid scams blog
- USCIS: Scams, Fraud, and Misconduct
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tip Line
- FBI: Common Scams and Crimes
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Avoiding and Reporting Scams
Email/Phone:
- OISS: international@champlain.edu or 802-865-6485
- Champlain College Campus Public Safety: publicsafety@champlain.edu or 802-865-6465
- City of Burlington Police: 802-658-2704