New Scam is Targeting Foreign Students

The Consumer Affairs Department of the Federal Trade Commission is warning of a new scam targeting international students.

Rosario Méndez is the Attorney for the Division of Consumer and Business Education.

Mendez said scammers pretending to be from the federal government are scaring international students into paying them money.

“My office has been getting numerous reports, particularly from South Asian students in the U.S. Are the main targets,” she said. “The scammer typically knows about a student’s immigration status and the program or school they’re attending and tell the student there’s a problem with their immigration documents, visa or visa renewal. He will then demand the student pay him immediately to avoid being arrested and sent back to his country. Typically, scammer will then ask to be paid with gift cards like Google Play or iTunes, or a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.”

Mendez said the federal government will never make such calls and would not threaten a student or ask for money over the phone.

“If you are an international student and get such a call, simply hang up,” Mendez advised. “You can also talk with a friend or relative you trust about the call if you’re not sure it’s a scam.”

Mendez said if you are a foreign student concerned about your foreign student status, you can call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283.